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The best hidden features in Windows 11

The best hidden features in Windows 11
Softonic Editorial Team

Softonic Editorial Team

  • Updated:

Love it or hate it, the launch of Windows 11 is causing a big sensation. The new edition of the world’s most famous operating system marks a significant departure from Windows 10, receiving a number of improvements, but not all of them are apparent at first glance.

In this article, we’re going to take a look at the best hidden features with the potential to improve your Windows 11 experience, so you can dive in and get the most out of Microsoft’s operating system.

Windows 11: fresh yet familiar

The long-awaited Windows update, Windows 11, was launched worldwide on October 5. This update is free on computers that already have Windows 10, but keep in mind that it’s not compatible with every PC.

Change the taskbar position

As you may have noticed, the traditional taskbar has been redesigned in Windows 11, and this time they decided to position it in the middle of the screen. However, most people loathe this new design and preferred the old position. If you’re one of them, we have good news: in Windows 11, you can move the taskbar back to its usual position. There are just a few simple steps to follow:

  • Go to Settings, then click on Personalization.
  • Next select Taskbar. Here you’ll find multiple options for tweaking your taskbar settings, including the one for changing taskbar alignment. Just select the one you prefer – that’s all there is to it!

Multitasking in Windows 11

One of the biggest Windows 11 upgrades makes it easier to multitask on your computer. With the new Snap Layouts feature, you can manage and switch between several different app layouts.

You can also use the Alt + Tab command to view all your layouts.

Manage your notifications

Windows notifications can get a bit tedious and annoying, especially if you have synched all your accounts, phone, etc. To solve this problem, Windows 11 has a new feature called Focus Sessions. So what does it do, exactly? By letting you choose between different modes, it prevents unnecessary notifications from interrupting you while you are working on your computer. You can use this option to schedule task sessions, breaks, etc.

To enable Focus Sessions, click on the clock icon on your taskbar. If it doesn’t appear right away, click on the search icon and type Clock. This will open the app, and you’ll see the menu with all the options to improve your productivity.

In Windows 11, you can create direct links to your folders and display them in the Windows start menu. To do this, follow these simple steps:

  • Go to the Settings menu on your computer.
  • Select Personalization and click on Start.
  • Then select Folders, and a menu will appear with different settings and options to choose from.

Voice typing

Voice typing isn’t a new feature in Windows. This option has been around for a while, so it’s had a chance to evolve into an excellent typing assistant. Microsoft’s dictation tool converts spoken words into text quite accurately, has automatic spelling and punctuation options and can even detect our intonation.

To start using this feature, click the Windows button along with the H key. Then you’ll see a window pop up with different voice typing options that you can select as needed. You can also use the Windows + Alt + H shortcut to move the keyboard focus to the voice typing dialog.

Fast Startup in Windows 11

Fast Startup isn’t a completely new feature on Windows 11  This option, which first appeared on Windows 8, modifies the computer’s status, putting it into a hibernation state instead of a full shutdown. This is possible thanks to a process that uses your hard drive and makes the system boot up much faster.

Fast Startup is enabled by default in Windows 11, but you can disable it from the Control Panel, accessed from the search bar located on the toolbar. Click on System and Security and go to Change what the power buttons do. You’ll see a section called Define power buttons. There, click on Change settings that are currently unavailable. Keep in mind that in order to make changes to the system, you’ll need to have logged on as an administrator. Then deselect Turn on fast startup and save your changes so they are implemented the next time you turn on your computer.

Explore all you can do with Windows 11 and customize its look and feel

Windows 11’s arrival on PCs all over the world has caused a big sensation, and it’s as fresh and innovative as ever. By using its multiple options for customization, you can adapt this system to support your lifestyle and workflow as needed. To learn more about Microsoft’s operating system, check out these articles that might interest you.

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This article is a translation of the post published by María López

Softonic Editorial Team

Softonic Editorial Team

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