The latest Windows operating system, Windows 11, is quickly catching up to its predecessor, Windows 10. By August 2024, Windows 11 claimed over 31% of the Windows market share, and this number is expected to rise sharply as Windows 10 is set to retire in 2025.
Have you made the switch to the new OS, or are you planning to? If so, you’re in for a treat with these tips to enhance your Windows 11 experience. This operating system is packed with fantastic features, but it’s essential to utilize them to truly boost your productivity.
Let’s dive into some powerful settings and tools that can revolutionize your daily workflow.
1. Start Menu Customization
While the Start Menu might initially seem less significant than other features, it serves as your main hub for accessing all your applications and settings. It’s the go-to place for launching apps, conducting searches, and more, making it a powerful tool for enhancing productivity.
By customizing your Start Menu, you can streamline your workflow and save time. Here are some practical suggestions:
- Pin Your Favorite Apps: Simply right-click on any app and choose “Pin to Start.” This will keep your most-used applications just a click away.
- Create App Folders: You can easily drag and drop apps onto one another to form folders. Be sure to label them for quick identification.
- Modify the Start Menu Layout: Navigate to Settings > Personalization > Start. Here, you have the option to select which folders appear on the Start Menu and adjust the layout to fit your preferences.
2. Virtual Desktops
Virtual desktops provide a way to streamline your workspace. You can categorize various tasks into separate desktops, such as one for work-related activities and another for personal use.
- Create a New Desktop: Click on the Task View icon on the taskbar or press Win + Tab. Then, select “New Desktop” to establish a fresh virtual environment.
- Switch Between Desktops: You can easily navigate between desktops by using Ctrl + Win + Left/Right Arrow.
3. Snap Layouts and Snap Groups
Snap Layouts and Snap Groups are fantastic features designed to enhance your multitasking efficiency. They allow you to arrange windows for side-by-side viewing, significantly cutting down the time spent switching between applications.
- Utilize Snap Layouts: Simply hover over the maximize button on any open window to reveal the available snap layouts. Select one to position the window perfectly.
- Establish Snap Groups: Windows 11 will remember this setup after arranging your windows. Just hover over the taskbar icons to view and restore your snap group effortlessly.
4. Focus Assist
Focus Assist is designed to keep you on track by reducing interruptions.
- Turn On Focus Assist: Type “Focus” into the taskbar search and select Focus Settings. Customize your preferences and start a focus session with a single click.
- Use Automatic Rules: Set up automatic rules to activate Focus Assist at certain times or during specific activities, like when you’re gaming or sharing your screen.
5. Widgets
Widgets offer seamless access to tailored content, including updates on news, weather, your calendar, and more.
- How to Access Widgets: Simply click the Widgets icon on your taskbar or press Win + W to open them instantly.
- Customizing Your Widgets: Personalize your experience by adding or removing widgets. You can also resize and reposition them to fit your needs perfectly.
6. Taskbar Customization
An organized taskbar is key to boosting productivity. Annoyed by cluttered icons you rarely use? Remove them to create a cleaner workspace, minimize distractions, and quickly locate essential apps.
- Pin Your Favorite Apps: Right-click an app and select “Pin to taskbar” for instant access to your most-used tools.
- Customize Taskbar Settings: Right-click on the taskbar and select “Taskbar settings” to tweak its behavior. Options include hiding the taskbar in desktop mode or displaying badges on buttons for notifications.
7. Keyboard Shortcuts
Keyboard shortcuts can save you a lot of time. Once you learn your favorites, using them will be like second nature. Here are some essential ones:
- Win + E: Open File Explorer.
- Win + I: Open Settings.
- Win + D: Show or hide the desktop.
- Win + L: Lock your PC.
- Alt + Tab: Switch between open apps.
8. Power and Battery Settings
Enhancing your power and battery settings can significantly prolong your device’s battery life while also boosting its performance. These tweaks are especially valuable when you find yourself away from a power source for an extended period.
- Modify Power Mode: Navigate to Settings > System > Power & battery. Select a power mode that optimizes the balance between performance and battery efficiency.
- Activate Battery Saver: Turn on Battery Saver to maximize your battery life. This is particularly useful when your device is low on power or when you’re away from an outlet for a while.
9. Storage Sense
Storage Sense simplifies disk space management by automatically clearing out unnecessary files to keep your device running smoothly.
- Activate Storage Sense: Head to Settings > System > Storage, enable Storage Sense, and set it to run automatically based on your preferences.
- Customize Cleanup Schedules: Schedule tasks like clearing temporary files, emptying the recycle bin, and deleting unused files to ensure your storage stays optimized without manual effort.
10. Accessibility Features
Windows 11 offers a variety of accessibility features designed to boost your productivity and ease of use.
- Magnifier: Zoom in on specific areas of your screen using the Magnifier tool. Simply press Win + Plus to activate it.
- Narrator: Turn on Narrator to have text read aloud from your screen. Access it via Settings > Accessibility > Narrator.
- High Contrast Mode: Enhance screen visibility by enabling high contrast mode. Navigate to Settings > Accessibility > High contrast for this option.
Looking for More IT Productivity Tips?
Our team of technology specialists is full of helpful tips to boost your productivity, including insights on upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11 and optimizing its settings for maximum efficiency. If you’re aiming to streamline your workflow, feel free to get in touch with us.
Reach out today to arrange a discussion about tools and strategies for enhancing your productivity.
