Windows 11 might look sleek and modern, but it’s not just about eye candy. Hidden beneath that polished surface are some surprisingly powerful features—like the kind of stuff that makes you think, “Why didn’t anyone tell me this before?” Whether you’re a Windows wiz or a proud novice, there are hidden gems in Windows 11 that can make you wonder how you ever lived without them. We’re talking about features that save time, make life easier, and even add a little extra pizzazz to your setup.
In this series, we’re diving into eight of Windows 11's best-kept secrets, each with a detailed, easy-to-follow guide so you can get the most out of your computer. And don’t worry—we’ll keep things light and breezy. You’ll learn without needing a translator, and we’ll even throw in some laughs. Let’s uncover those hidden Windows 11 features together. By the end, you’ll look like a pro (or at least be able to pretend convincingly).
Snap Layouts – The Ultimate Screen Organizer
Ever wish you could organize your screen without spending precious minutes resizing every single window? With Windows 11, Snap Layouts makes it easy to arrange multiple windows side-by-side, stacked, or even in quadrants, so you can keep your workspace organized. It’s perfect for multitasking or simply keeping things neat.
How to Use Snap Layouts:
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Hover Over the Maximize Button: Start by opening a few different windows. Hover over the maximize button on the top right corner of any open window (it’s the middle one between minimize and close). Windows 11 will display several layout options in a pop-up.
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Choose a Layout: Select the layout you like by clicking one of the divided sections. Options vary, but usually include two, three, or four-window setups. Each section shows you where other windows will snap around it.
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Fill in the Layout: Once you pick your layout, Windows will prompt you to select the other windows to fill the remaining slots. Simply click on the window you want, and it will snap into place.
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Customize Your Snap Groups: If you often work with the same group of windows, Snap remembers your layout as a "snap group" in the taskbar. Hover over the icon of any app in the group, and you’ll see the option to restore the entire layout in one click.
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Snap Layouts save time, make multitasking simpler, and keep your workspace streamlined. Perfect for those who want to look ultra-organized with minimal effort!
The Virtual Desktops You Never Knew You Needed
Feel like your computer is a mess of tabs, windows, and applications? Enter Virtual Desktops, a hidden Windows 11 gem that allows you to set up separate desktops for different activities—think of them as personal mini-computers all in one.
How to Set Up and Use Virtual Desktops:
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Open Task View: Press Windows Key + Tab or click on the Task View icon on the taskbar. This opens an overview of your current desktop and all open apps.
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Add a New Desktop: Look for the “+ New Desktop” option at the top. Click it, and a fresh desktop will appear. Now, you can start filling it with apps and windows specific to whatever you’re working on.
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Customize Your Desktops: Right-click the new desktop in Task View, and you’ll see options to give it a custom name (like “Work,” “School,” or “Gaming”). You can even assign unique backgrounds to each desktop for a more personalized touch.
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Switch Between Desktops: Go back to Task View, or use Windows Key + Ctrl + Left/Right Arrow to toggle between desktops quickly.
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Close a Desktop: When you’re ready to clean up, go to Task View, hover over the desktop you want to close, and click the “X” in the corner.
Virtual Desktops let you organize your digital life, helping you stay focused by separating work from play (or whatever else you need).
Clipboard History – Stop Typing Things Twice
Have you ever copied one thing only to realize you needed the previous thing you copied? Clipboard History has you covered! This feature lets you save multiple items to the clipboard, so you can retrieve any recently copied text, images, or files when needed.
How to Use Clipboard History:
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Enable Clipboard History: Press Windows Key + V to open the Clipboard History pane. If this is your first time, you’ll be prompted to enable it. Click “Turn on” to activate the feature.
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Copy and Save Multiple Items: Start copying text, images, or files as usual (Ctrl + C or right-click + Copy). Clipboard History will automatically save each item, up to 25 items at once. If you exceed 25, older items are replaced.
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Access Saved Items: When you need something from Clipboard History, press Windows Key + V to open the pane. All your copied items appear here in a list.
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Paste from Clipboard History: Click any item to paste it instantly. The item will be inserted wherever your cursor is, just like a regular paste.
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Pin Important Items: If there’s something you paste regularly (like an email signature or address), click the three-dot menu beside it and select “Pin.” Pinned items won’t get replaced when the clipboard history fills up.
Clipboard History saves time and lets you grab what you need without backtracking through your work.
Focus Sessions – Because We All Need Less Distraction
If distractions are your nemesis, Windows 11 has your back with Focus Sessions. This feature lives in the Clock app and combines a timer, task manager, and even Spotify integration to keep you on track.
How to Set Up a Focus Session:
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Open the Clock App: Press the Windows Key and type “Clock.” Click on the app to open it.
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Set Up Your Focus Session: In the Clock app, click on Focus Sessions in the sidebar. You’ll see options to set your focus duration and even short breaks.
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Add Tasks (Optional): Sync with Microsoft To Do to add tasks you want to accomplish. This feature lets you check things off as you complete them.
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Customize Your Session: You can add music from Spotify to your session if background music helps you focus. Log into Spotify directly within the Clock app, choose a playlist, and set the volume.
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Start the Session: When you’re ready, click Start Focus Session. A timer begins counting down, and the app will notify you when it’s time for a break.
Focus Sessions create structure, making it easier to concentrate on one task at a time. It’s like having a personal assistant keeping you on track.
Article 5: The Secret Start Menu – A Shortcut Lover’s Dream
Windows 11 hides a handy secret Start Menu, giving you quick access to essential tools. With a right-click on the Start button or pressing Windows Key + X, you open this menu, which is loaded with shortcuts.
How to Use the Secret Start Menu:
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Open the Menu: Right-click the Start button or press Windows Key + X. You’ll see a list of shortcuts to key Windows tools like Task Manager, Settings, and File Explorer.
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Explore Your Options: Each option on the list is a gateway to deeper system management. Open Device Manager to check your hardware, Event Viewer for system logs, or Network Connections to manage your internet setup.
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Customize Your Settings: Some tools, like Settings and System, let you make changes to personalize your PC or manage apps and accounts.
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One-Click Access to Task Manager: This menu gives you direct access to Task Manager, so if something’s running too slow, it’s only a couple of clicks to fix the issue.
This hidden menu is like a command center. It’s small but mighty, making it a real time-saver for accessing advanced settings in a flash.
Windows Terminal – Not Your Average Command Prompt
The old Command Prompt got a makeover in Windows Terminal. It offers multiple command-line environments in one spot, including PowerShell, Command Prompt, and WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux).
How to Use Windows Terminal:
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Open Windows Terminal: Right-click the Start button and select Windows Terminal. Alternatively, press Windows Key + R, type “wt,” and hit Enter.
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Try Out Multiple Tabs: Click the + icon to open a new tab. You can switch between Command Prompt, PowerShell, or any other shells you’ve installed, each in its own tab.
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Customize the Terminal: Go to Settings within Terminal to change font, color scheme, and even background transparency for a personal touch.
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Use Commands Across Tabs: You can copy and paste commands, run scripts, and do pretty much anything from one Terminal window.
Windows Terminal is a dream for power users and those looking to learn more about the command line. It’s customizable and convenient.
Storage Sense – Your PC’s Built-In Cleaning Service
Storage Sense automatically cleans out temporary files and keeps your hard drive uncluttered, so you don’t have to think about it.
How to Enable Storage Sense:
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Go to Settings: Press Windows Key + I to open Settings, then head to System > Storage.
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Enable Storage Sense: Toggle the switch to turn on Storage Sense. You can also click Configure Storage Sense or run it now to set it up.
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Customize Cleanup: Choose when Storage Sense runs (daily, weekly, monthly, or when space is low) and which files it should delete (like Recycle Bin or Downloads).
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Run a Cleanup Now: If you want instant results, hit “Clean Now” to see how much space Storage Sense can free up.
Storage Sense helps your PC run smoothly and keeps you from doing all the deleting yourself.
Shake to Minimize – For When You’re in a Hurry
Windows 11’s “Shake to Minimize” feature is perfect for quickly minimizing all open windows except the one you’re working on.
How to Use Shake to Minimize:
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Find Your Main Window: Pick the window you want to keep open and click on its title bar.
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Shake It!: Click and hold the title bar, then shake the window quickly back and forth. All other open windows will minimize instantly.
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Restore with Another Shake: Want everything back? Just repeat the shake, and all your minimized windows will return.
This quirky feature is a handy little hack when you need to focus on one window in a hurry.
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