Secret Windows 11 Features You Didn't Know About and How to Use Them

With its sleek interface and user-friendly design, Windows 11 offers several features that users may be unaware of. These are often hidden in settings or can be accessed via specific combinations.

These features can help enhance productivity, customization, and overall Windows experience.

Generate Text and Images With Copilot

You can use Microsoft Copilot to write recommendations, improve emails, and create images. This can be done easily using voice commands; just ask questions, and Copilot will answer them.

To do so, press Windows + C to open Copilot, type your prompt, and hit Enter. For example, if your prompt is “Create an image of a Golden Retriever puppy playing in the fields,” Copilot will generate the image within seconds.

Customize Quick Settings Panel

One unique feature of Windows 11 is that it separates the Quick Settings that used to appear in the Action Center previously. This panel is also customizable.

To customize it, click the area of the taskbar with the Wi-Fi, speaker, and battery icons. Here, click on the Pencil icon named Edit quick settings and unpin the settings that are not required. If you want to add other settings, click on Add.

Create and Manage Multiple Desktops

In Windows 11, Microsoft added a new Task View button to the Task Bar. If you hover over it, you can see and create virtual desktops. Upon clicking the button, all the tabs on your PC will appear. Previously, this was done via pressing Windows + Tab.

Save Multiple Items to Clipboard

This feature has made my life easy. Before discovering it, I swapped windows to copy-paste every time.

Press Windows + V and all the items you have previously copied will be visible here. You can also pin the items that are used frequently. To enable it, open Windows Settings > System > Clipboard and enable the toggle beside Clipboard History.

New Way to Arrange With Snap Layouts

This feature is a boon for people who multitask and need to switch from one tab to another frequently. Windows 11 has a hover menu that allows you to drag windows to the sides and corners for half or quarter-screen layouts.

To use it, go to the maximize/minimize icon and choose the layout. The choices depend completely on the size of your display.

Increase Security by Using Passkeys

Remembering and entering passwords every day is tiring and insecure. Windows 11 supports passkeys that allow you to store all your passwords on your Windows device or use your smartphone to save them.

Several websites and applications tied to your device now use this feature. To use it, you will need to set up Windows Hello Authentication.

Clear Desktop With Title Bar Shake

The feature to clear your desktop by shaking the title bar is continued from previous versions of Windows.

All you need to do is click and shake the title bar of the tab you are using, and it will minimize all other windows. This feature isn't enabled by default. To enable it, open Windows Settings > System > Multitasking, toggle the switch beside the Title bar window and shake it to On.

Minimize Distractions With Focus Sessions

I hate working with notifications that distract and break my flow. However, enabling Focus Sessions in Windows 11 sets a timer without interruptions.

This feature is available in the Clock app. You can start a focus session for a minimum of 10 minutes, and if you go beyond 45 minutes, the app automatically schedules a five-minute break in the middle.

Improve and Analyze Battery Life

Windows 11 has energy recommendations that help increase battery life and lower your carbon footprint. To use these, go to Settings > System > Power & battery >Energy recommendations and click Apply all.

Apart from this, you can also see how much power your device uses with a chart. A list of how much energy each application uses will also be available. If you see a program using more power than required, you can disable it.

Automatic Space Management With Storage Sense

Lastly, Windows 11 has a feature called Storage Sense, which is a lifesaver. When enabled, this feature automatically frees up space by clearing temporary files.

To activate this feature, open Settings > Storage and turn the toggle beside Storage Sense to On.

Windows 11 offers various hidden features that significantly enhance productivity and user experience. Exploring these secret features and learning how to use them effectively can unlock the full potential of your Windows 11 device.

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