Become a Windows 11 Expert: 30 of Our Favorite Tips and Tricks You Need to Know

Here are 30 essential Windows 11 tips and tricks to transform you into a power user – covering productivity, customization, hidden features, and system optimization:

πŸ–₯️ Interface & Navigation

  1. Master Snap Layouts
  • Drag windows to screen edges β†’ choose grid layouts (e.g., side-by-side, quadrants).
  • Shortcut: Win + Z to see layouts instantly.
  1. Virtual Desktops for Focus
  • Create: Win + Ctrl + D | Switch: Win + Ctrl + ←/β†’ | Close: Win + Ctrl + F4.
  1. Secret Start Menu Folders
  • Right-click Start β†’ β€œMore” β†’ access Apps & Features, Event Viewer, or Disk Management.
  1. Quick Settings Customization
  • Click Wi-Fi/Volume in Taskbar β†’ Edit Quick Settings β†’ add/remove toggles (Project, Focus Assist).

⚑ Productivity Boosters

  1. Clipboard History (Win + V)
  • Paste multiple copied items (text, images) from history. Enable in Settings > System > Clipboard.
  1. Text Extraction from Images
  • Use Snipping Tool β†’ snip an image β†’ click Text Actions to copy text.
  1. Mouse Without Borders (Microsoft Garage)
  • Control multiple PCs with one mouse/keyboard (Requires separate install).
  1. Built-in Screen Recorder
  • Win + Alt + R to start/stop recording gameplay/apps (saved to Videos/Captures).
  1. Focus Sessions
  • Win + N β†’ Focus β†’ set timers, link Spotify, block notifications.

πŸ”§ System & Customization

  1. Revive Classic Right-Click Menu
    • Run: regedit β†’ Navigate to:
      HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID\{86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}\InprocServer32
    • Create new CLSID key β†’ inside it, create InprocServer32 β†’ set default value to blank.
  2. God Mode
    • Create a folder named:
      GodMode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C} β†’ double-click for 200+ system tools.
  3. Taskbar Tweaks
    • Move icons left: Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors > Taskbar alignment > Left.
    • Hide Search/Widgets: Right-click Taskbar β†’ Taskbar settings β†’ toggle off.
  4. Transparent Taskbar
    • Use TranslucentTB (Microsoft Store app) for acrylic/blur effects.

πŸ”’ Security & Privacy

  1. Enable DNS-over-HTTPS
    • Settings > Network & Internet > Ethernet/Wi-Fi > DNS settings β†’ Encrypted only (DNS-over-HTTPS).
  2. Privacy Dashboard
    • Win + I β†’ Privacy & Security β†’ review app permissions (camera, mic, location).
  3. Dynamic Lock
    • Pair phone via Bluetooth β†’ lock PC when phone leaves range (Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options).

🧠 Hidden Features

  1. Live Captions (Win + Ctrl + L)
    • Auto-generates subtitles for any audio/video (even local files).
  2. Quick Calculator in Search
    • Press Win + S β†’ type calculations (e.g., sqrt(144)*5).
  3. Emoji & GIF Panel (Win + .)
    • Insert emojis, kaomoji (ΰ² _ΰ² ), symbols (€, Β©), and GIFs.
  4. Storage Sense Automation
    • Settings > System > Storage > Storage Sense β†’ auto-delete temp files/Recycle Bin.

βš™οΈ Advanced Tools

  1. PowerToys Awesomeness (Install from GitHub)
    • FancyZones: Custom window snapping grids.
    • PowerToys Run: Spotlight-like app launcher (Alt + Space).
  2. WinGet for CLI App Installs
    • Open Terminal as Admin β†’ winget install "AppName" (e.g., winget install Mozilla.Firefox).
  3. DirectX Diagnostic Tool (dxdiag)
    • Check GPU, driver versions, and diagnose display issues.
  4. Create Recovery Drive
    • Search β€œCreate Recovery Drive” β†’ backup system to USB before issues occur.

🌐 Web & AI Integration

  1. Windows Copilot (Win + C)
    • AI assistant for settings, summaries, and tasks (requires 2023 update).
  2. Edge Workspaces
    • Group tabs β†’ share entire browsing sessions with teams (Edge only).

πŸ› οΈ Performance Tweaks

  1. Disable Startup Bloat
    • Ctrl + Shift + Esc β†’ Startup Apps β†’ disable resource-heavy apps.
  2. Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling
    • Settings > System > Display > Graphics > Default Graphics Settings β†’ enable for better gaming.
  3. HDR Calibration
    • Search β€œHDR Calibration” β†’ optimize colors for HDR displays.
  4. Reset Apps Without Reinstalling
    • Settings > Apps > Installed apps β†’ click app β†’ Advanced options β†’ Reset.

πŸ’‘ Pro Bonus

  • Command Prompt in File Explorer: Type cmd in address bar to open CMD in current folder.
  • Battery Saver for Desktops: Limits background activity during outages (Settings > System > Power & Battery).
  • Task Manager Shortcuts: Ctrl + Shift + Esc (direct open) | Win + X β†’ Task Manager.

πŸ“ Folder Tip: Name folders with emojis (e.g., πŸ“ Projects) for visual organization!

Bookmark this guide – mastering these will make you a true Windows 11 wizard! Need deeper dives into any tip? Just ask. 😊

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