From creating taskbar shortcuts to snapping a snapshot on your PC, we've compiled a list of Windows 11 hacks.
Windows 11, Microsoft's latest operating system, began rolling out to eligible devices in October, while Windows 10 received an upgrade earlier this month. Only a few individuals have been encouraged to upgrade to the newer of the two operating systems, and many more are debating whether they should download Windows 11 anyhow. However, after you've installed Windows 11, you'll discover a plethora of tips, tricks, and hidden features that are simple to master and may help you operate more efficiently on your laptop.
It's an excellent time to understand some of Windows' productivity capabilities, whether you're using your computer for business or personal reasons. These built-in tips may help you with everything from creating Taskbar shortcuts to conserving battery life and getting the most out of your computer. Microsoft isn't known for making its secret features public in the same way that Apple is. This can make understanding how to make use of all that Windows has to offer more challenging. But don't worry, we've got you covered.
So, regardless of whether you have a Microsoft, Dell, HP, or other Windows-compatible pc, these helpful hints can help you keep organized and get more work done. Also, you can see how to install windows 111. Minimize every window except the active one
If your desktop screen has become cluttered with open windows, you may instantly minimize everything but the one you're working in. In Windows 11, you must enable this by going to Settings, System, Multitasking, and selecting the Title bar window. shake
To choose a window, just click the title bar of the window you wish to keep open. Then, while holding the mouse down, move the window back and forth quickly, as if shaking it. All other open windows will minimize after a few fast shakes, leaving only the one you've shaken open. Isn't it cool?
Read More: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3090 Founders Edition Full Review2. Open the 'secret' Start menu
You already know that you can get to the Start menu by pressing the Windows symbol on the bottom left of the screen or using your keyboard. However, Windows 11 contains a lesser-known second Start menu that makes it much simpler to reach critical tools like the Command Prompt, Control Panel, and Task Manager. You may get to it in one of two ways: by hitting Windows key + X or by right-clicking the Windows icon/Start button.
3. Take a screenshot on Windows 11
It's a simple task, but it's astonishing how quickly you can forget how to capture a screenshot on your laptop or desktop if you don't do it frequently.
You can take a screenshot in Windows in at least eight different ways. The simplest approach to take and save a photo of your complete screen is to press the Windows key + Print Screen key, which will save the picture to the Pictures > Screenshots folder.
To record only a portion of your screen, press Windows + Shift + S to launch Snip & Sketch, a tool that lets you click and drag to produce a screenshot that is saved to your Clipboard.
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4. Open pinned items from your Taskbar with keyboard shortcuts
You don't have to click the icons to open them if you've pinned them to your Taskbar at the bottom of your screen to create a shortcut. Use the keyboard shortcut Windows key + [Number key], where the number key corresponds to the pinned program's location in the Taskbar. For example, pressing Windows key + 2 on the keyboard will bring up the second pinned item in the Taskbar.
This is particularly helpful if you're typing quickly and don't want to take your hands off the keyboard. Reaching for the Windows key may feel more natural.
5. Learn how much space apps are taking up
As computers become more space-constrained, they begin to slow down. Get rid of programs that use up more space than they should, especially if you don't use them regularly, to speed them up.
Navigate to Settings > System > Storage to check how much space programs, temporary files, and documents are using up. To see the whole list, tap Show more categories.
Tap Cleanup recommendations to see what Windows 11 advises to get an idea of what to throw. You're not going to get rid of your browser, but you could discover that a game you haven't played in years is a terrific place to start.
6. Shut down background apps to save battery
Background-running apps may gather information, send notifications, and keep updated even while you aren't using them, which can be handy but can drain your energy and data.
Go to Settings > System > Power & battery to manage which applications are operating in the background and save some battery power and data. To limit some alerts and background activities, tap Battery saver and then adjust when it turns on.
7. Use background scrolling for multiple windows
You can scroll up and down in any window in Windows 11, even if it's not the one you're currently working in. When you have a number of windows open that you want to look at at the same time — for example, if you want to open new sub-menu options in different windows to save time going back and forth on the same page — this is a valuable tool.
Open two programs: a web browser page and a notepad or Word document, for example. Arrange them on the screen so that at least some of the text on each can be seen. Hover your mouse or use the touchpad to navigate to the second window and scroll while in the first. Even if you aren't in that window, you should be able to navigate up and down the page.
If it isn't turned on by default, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Mouse and toggle Scroll inactive windows when I hover over them to On. After that, you may hover your cursor over a backdrop window and scroll using the scroll wheel.
8. Show file extensions in File Explorer
By default, Microsoft conceals file extensions, making it difficult for those who need to find certain sorts of files, such as JPEGs and JPGs. Follow these steps to display file extensions in File Explorer:
1. Search for File Explorer Options in the taskbar, then click it. (There are other options, such as utilizing the Start menu's search function, but this one works great.)
2. Click the View tab in the new window that opens.
3. Uncheck the item that says Hide extensions for recognized file types if it's ticked. Click OK after applying the changes. In File Explorer, you should now see file extensions for all files.
You may also opt to reveal empty drives, hidden files and folders, and more from the File Explorer Options menu.
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9. Minimize distractions with Focus assist
It's difficult to concentrate on work when you're constantly disturbed by alerts. With Focus help, you may choose how many you want.
Go to Settings > System > Focus Assist to set it up. Off (receive all notifications from your applications and contacts), Priority only (see only chosen messages from a prioritized list that you specify, and send the rest to your action center), and Alarms only (get just alarms from your apps and contacts) (hide all notifications, except for alarms).
You may also set this function to turn on automatically at specific hours, such as while you're playing a game or using an app in full-screen mode.
Check out how to fix a sluggish PC yourself for additional Windows 11 laptop tips and techniques.
On January 3, 2020, at 5:00 a.m. PT, this article was first published.