Windows 11 is the latest version of Microsoft’s popular operating system. It was released in October 2021, and it offers a number of new features and improvements over Windows 10.
If you’re new to Windows 11, or if you’re just looking for ways to get the most out of your new operating system, then this blog post is for you. Here, we’ll share 20 tips and tricks for Windows 11 that will help you become a power user in no time.
1. Change The Start Menu Layout
The Start menu is the central hub of Windows 11, and it’s important to customize it to your liking. You can change the layout of the Start menu by going to Settings > Personalization > Start.
In the Layout section, you can choose to have the Start menu in All apps, Pinned, Recommended, or Frequent view. You can also choose to show or hide the All Apps list, the Pinned section, and the Recommended section.
For example, if you want to see all of your apps in a single list, you can choose the All Apps view. If you want to see your most frequently used apps at the top of the Start menu, you can choose the Frequent view.
2. Pin Apps To The Start Menu
Pinning apps to the Start menu is a great way to keep your favorite apps accessible. To pin an app to the Start menu, right-click on the app’s icon in the taskbar and select Pin to Start. You can also pin an app to the Start menu by dragging and dropping its icon onto the Start menu.
3. Create Folders In The Start Menu
If you have a lot of apps pinned to the Start menu, you can create folders to organize them. To create a folder in the Start menu, right-click on an empty space in the Start menu and select New > Folder. You can then rename the folder and drag and drop apps into it.
4. Use Snap Layouts To Arrange Windows
The Snap layouts feature is a great way to quickly arrange open windows on your screen. To use Snap layouts, hover your mouse over the maximize button of a window. You will see a preview of different Snap layouts. Click on a Snap layout to arrange your windows accordingly.
For example, if you want to arrange two windows side-by-side, you can click on the 2×1 Snap layout. If you want to arrange three windows in a tiled layout, you can click on the 3×1 Snap layout.
5. Use The Widgets Panel To Get Quick Information
The widgets panel is a new feature in Windows 11 that allows you to quickly access information from a variety of sources. To open the widgets panel, click on the Widgets icon in the taskbar. The widgets panel will slide in from the left side of your screen. You can then scroll through the widgets and interact with them.
The widgets panel includes a variety of widgets, such as weather, news, sports scores, and stock quotes. You can also add your own widgets to the panel.
6. Use Keyboard Shortcuts To Save Time
There are a number of keyboard shortcuts that you can use to save time in Windows 11. For example, you can press Windows+D to show the desktop, Windows+Tab to switch between apps, and Windows+R to open the Run dialog.
Here are a few Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts:
- Ctrl + C: Copy.
- Ctrl + X: Cut.
- Ctrl + V: Paste.
- F11: Maximize the active window.
- Windows logo key + D: Show or hide the desktop.
- Alt + Tab: Switch between open apps.
- Windows logo key + Tab: Open Task View.
- Windows logo key + X: Open the Quick Link menu.
- Ctrl + Z: Undo.
- Ctrl + Y: Redo.
- F2: Rename the selected item.
- F3: Search for files in File Explorer.
- F4: Highlight the address bar in File Explorer.
- F5: Refresh the active window.
- F6: Cycle through elements (tab, buttons, search bar, etc.) in a window or your desktop.
- Alt + F4: Close the active app or window.
- Shift + Delete: Delete the selected item permanently (skip the Recycle Bin).
- Windows logo key + L: Lock your PC.
7. Find Your Way Around Windows 11
If you’re new to Windows 11, you might be wondering how to find your way around. Here are a few tips:
- Use the Start menu to launch apps and open settings.
- Use the taskbar to quickly switch between open apps.
- Use the search bar to find files, apps, and settings.
- Use the keyboard shortcuts to quickly perform common tasks.
The Start menu is a great place to start when you’re trying to find something in Windows 11. You can search for apps, settings, and files in the Start menu. You can also pin your favorite apps and settings to the Start menu for easy access.
8. Use The New Search Feature To Find Anything
The new search feature in Windows 11 is more powerful than ever before. You can use it to search for files, apps, settings, and even web results. To use the new search feature, click on the Search icon in the taskbar. You can then type in your search query and press Enter.
9. Customize The Taskbar To Your Liking
The taskbar is one of the most important parts of Windows 11. You can customize it to your liking by hiding or showing the taskbar, pinning apps to the taskbar, and changing the taskbar location. To customize the taskbar, right-click on an empty space in the taskbar and select Taskbar settings.
10. Use Focus Assist To Stay Focused
Focus Assist is a new feature in Windows 11 that helps you stay focused on your work. When Focus Assist is turned on, it will block notifications and other distractions. You can turn on Focus Assist manually or set it to turn on automatically at certain times.
11. Use The New Microsoft Edge Browser
The new Microsoft Edge browser is a great way to browse the web more safely and efficiently. It includes a number of new features, such as a built-in ad blocker, tracking prevention, and reading mode.
12. Use The New Windows Security App
The new Windows Security app is a great way to protect your computer from malware and other threats. The app includes a number of features, such as virus protection, firewall, and parental controls.
13. Use The New Gaming Features
Windows 11 includes a number of new gaming features that can improve your gaming experience. These features include Auto HDR, DirectStorage, and Xbox Game Pass.
14. Use The New Productivity Features
Windows 11 includes a number of new productivity features that can help you get more done. These features include Snap layouts, virtual desktops, and the new Microsoft Teams integration.
15. Use The New Accessibility Features
Windows 11 includes a number of new accessibility features that can make Windows 11 more accessible for people with disabilities. These features include Narrator, Magnifier, and the new Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts.
16. Use The New Privacy Features
Windows 11 includes a number of new privacy features that can help you protect your privacy. These features include a new privacy dashboard, the ability to control how your data is used, and the ability to turn off tracking.
17. Use The New Windows 11 Settings App
The new Windows 11 settings app is a great way to customize your experience. You can change the look and feel of Windows 11, change the settings for your apps, and manage your privacy settings.
18. Use The New Windows 11 Troubleshooter
If you’re having problems with Windows 11, you can use the new Windows 11 troubleshooter to fix them. The troubleshooter can automatically fix a number of common problems, such as problems with audio, Wi-Fi, and printers.
19. Get Help And Support From Microsoft
If you need help with Windows 11, you can get help and support from Microsoft. You can contact Microsoft support, visit the Microsoft website, or search for help articles.
20. Stay Up-To-Date With Windows 11 Updates
Microsoft releases regular updates for Windows 11. These updates include new features, bug fixes, and security improvements. It’s important to install these updates to keep your computer safe and secure.
I hope you found these tips and tricks helpful. If you have any other tips that you’d like to share, please leave a comment below.
