Microsoft released Windows 11 to the public last October 2021. The operating system (OS) boasts an improved user interface, offers improved support, and packs various new features. If you’ve recently upgraded to the new OS, there are plenty of tips and tricks that can help you improve your productivity. Let’s take a look at seven of them:
Realign the taskbar icons
Taskbar icons are centered by default instead of left-aligned on Windows 11. However, if you prefer the old layout, you can switch back. Here’s how to do it:
- Open the Start menu, and then click Settings. This will open a new window.
- On the left pane, click Personalization.
- Scroll down and click Taskbar.
- Click Taskbar behaviors. Set the taskbar alignment to Left. This will align your taskbar icons to the left.
Access core folders more quickly
You can pin folders such as Documents, Downloads, and Pictures on your Start menu to access them faster. Here’s what you need to do:
- Open the Start menu, and then click Settings.
- On the Settings window’s left pane, click Personalization. Next, select Start and then Folders.
- Select the folders that you want to see on the Start Menu by toggling their switch on the right. The ones you chose will now appear beside the Power button when you open the Start menu.
Customize the Quick Settings panel
The Quick Settings panel lets you enable or disable features like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and night light without opening the Settings app. It can be accessed by pressing the Windows key + A on your keyboard or clicking the Wi-Fi, volume, and battery button on the right-hand side of the taskbar.
To add or remove buttons, click the pencil-shaped Edit quick settings button. Unpin the buttons that you don't want or click Add to make features accessible from the Quick Settings menu. Once you’re happy with your changes, click Done.
Multitask with Snap Layouts
Snap Layouts allows you to organize open windows on the screen by grouping them together on preset arrangements. This could be side by side, into three columns, and into quadrants, among others.
To do this, mouse over a window’s maximize button or press Win + Z on your keyboard. A small menu containing suggested window arrangements will appear. Select the area where you want the window to go on your screen, and then click on the window(s) that you want to place alongside it. This will create a Snap Group. You can minimize and restore the group all at once without the need to control a window individually.
Access the classic right-click menus
When you right click on the Windows 11 desktop or a File Explorer window, you will only have access to the most important actions like Open, Cut, Copy, and Paste. If you need more options, click Show more options or press Shift + F10.
Type with your voice
Windows 11 has a built-in voice typing feature. To access it, press Win + H on your keyboard while on a text field. A small window should appear. Press the microphone button to start dictating to your computer. You can also set the feature to automatically set punctuations and make the microphone button appear automatically when you are on a text field.
Concentrate with Focus Sessions
It’s easy to get distracted by the emails and notifications you receive during the work day. With Windows 11’s Focus Sessions feature, you can set aside time for uninterrupted work. Here’s how to use it:
- Open the Start menu, and then click All Apps. Scroll down to letter C and launch the Clock app.
- On the new window, set how many minutes you want to work uninterrupted. If you want to work for 15-30 minutes, the app will not allocate time for breaks. However, if you select 45 minutes or more, the app will automatically schedule a five-minute break halfway through your session. You can skip breaks, but we don’t recommend doing so as breaks are essential to working productively.
- Click Start focus session to start your distraction-free work session.
You can integrate your tasks from Microsoft To-Do and select those that you want to complete for a certain focus session. What’s more, you can link your Spotify account if you want to listen to your favorite music or podcast while working.
Need help making the most out of Windows 11? Founders Technology Group is here to help. Aside from teaching you techniques that can help boost your productivity, we will also ensure that all of your PCs are running optimally and free from cyberthreats. Book your complimentary, no-obligation consultation with us today.