6 Features You Didn’t Know About Windows 11

Windows 11, Microsoft’s latest operating system, is packed with new features and a sleek, modern design. While the interface changes are immediately noticeable, there are several hidden gems under the hood that can significantly enhance your productivity and user experience. Here are seven features in Windows 11 that you might not know about but should definitely explore.

1. Snap Layouts and Snap Groups

Snap Assist was already a favorite in Windows 10, but Windows 11 takes it to a whole new level with Snap Layouts and Snap Groups. These features make multitasking a breeze by allowing you to organize your open windows into clean, pre-defined layouts.

• How it Works: Hover over the maximize button on any window, and you’ll see options to snap your window into various configurations, such as side-by-side or in quadrants. Once snapped, Windows remembers these groupings, so when you switch between tasks, you can quickly return to your preferred layout.

2. Virtual Desktops Revamped

Windows 11 enhances the Virtual Desktops feature, making it easier to manage multiple desktops for different tasks—work, personal, gaming, etc. Each desktop can have its own set of open apps and even different wallpapers, helping you stay organized and focused.

• How it Works: Access the new and improved Task View by pressing Win + Tab. Here, you can create, rename, and customize your desktops. You can even drag and drop windows between different desktops, a feature that wasn’t available in previous versions.

3. Enhanced Touch Gestures

Windows 11 is more touch-friendly than its predecessors, making it ideal for hybrid devices. Microsoft has introduced new touch gestures that make navigation smooth and intuitive.

• How it Works: Swipe up with three fingers to open Task View, swipe down to minimize all windows, and swipe left or right to switch between open apps. These gestures are similar to those found on many smartphones and tablets, making the transition seamless for touch users.

4. Widgets for Quick Glance Information

Widgets in Windows 11 offer a customizable feed of information, from the weather and news to your calendar and to-do lists, all in one place. This feature brings the smartphone widget experience to your desktop, allowing you to stay updated without interrupting your workflow.

• How it Works: Access Widgets by clicking the widget icon on the taskbar or by swiping from the left on a touch device. You can customize the feed to include the information most relevant to you, and it updates in real-time.

5. Universal Mute Button

One of the most useful features in Windows 11 for those who spend a lot of time on video calls is the universal mute button. This feature allows you to mute your microphone across all apps with a single click, ensuring you never accidentally broadcast background noise during a meeting.

• How it Works: The mute button is located on the taskbar. When you're in a call, simply click the microphone icon to mute or unmute your microphone. This works across all apps, so you no longer have to hunt for the mute button in each individual application.

6. Enhanced Clipboard History

Windows 11 expands on the clipboard history feature, allowing you to store and manage multiple items copied to the clipboard. It also integrates seamlessly with cloud services, enabling you to access your clipboard history across multiple devices.

• How it Works: Press Win + V to open the clipboard history. Here, you can see all the items you’ve copied recently, pin important items, and even access your clipboard across devices linked to your Microsoft account. This feature is a game-changer for anyone who regularly needs to copy and paste text, links, or images.

Conclusion

Windows 11 is much more than just a visual upgrade. Whether you’re a power user, a gamer, or someone just looking for a more streamlined workflow, these hidden features can help you get the most out of your Windows 11 experience.

So, take some time to explore these lesser-known aspects of Windows 11—you might find that they transform the way you work and play.