Windows 11 has been around for a while now, but most people are only using a fraction of what it can do. Here are some features worth knowing about.
1. Snap layouts — organise windows without dragging
Hover your mouse over the maximise button (the square in the top-right of any window) and you'll see layout options. Pick one and Windows arranges your windows automatically. Much faster than manually resizing and dragging.
2. Clipboard history
Press Windows+V to see your clipboard history — everything you've copied recently. Handy when you need to paste something you copied 10 minutes ago. You need to enable it first in Settings → System → Clipboard → Clipboard history.
3. Focus mode
Settings → System → Focus. Set a timer and Windows suppresses notifications, hides badge counts, and lets you work without interruption.
4. Virtual desktops
Press Windows+Tab to see your desktops. Click 'New desktop' to create another one. Keep work on one desktop and personal stuff on another. Swipe with four fingers on the trackpad to switch between them.
5. God Mode — every setting in one place
Create a new folder on your desktop. Name it: GodMode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C} — the folder icon changes and you get a single page with every Control Panel setting.
6. Screen recording built in
Press Windows+G to open the Xbox Game Bar. Click the record button to capture your screen. It works for recording anything — great for showing someone a problem you're having.
7. Quick screenshot tools
Windows+Shift+S opens the Snipping Tool for instant screenshots. Draw a rectangle around what you want to capture. It copies to your clipboard and saves to your Screenshots folder.
8. Night light
Settings → System → Display → Night light. Reduces blue light in the evening. Set it to turn on automatically at sunset.
9. Nearby sharing
Want to send a file to another Windows PC nearby? Turn on Nearby sharing in Settings → System → Nearby sharing. Right-click a file → Share → and pick the other computer.
10. Storage Sense
Settings → System → Storage → Storage Sense. Turn it on and Windows automatically cleans up temporary files, empties the recycle bin, and removes old Downloads. Set it and forget it.
Want more help with Windows?
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