15 Hidden Tips to Boost Your Productivity in Windows 11

Windows 11 isn't just the latest version of Microsoft's operating system; it’s a treasure trove of hidden features that can supercharge your productivity and streamline your computing experience. Whether you're looking to bypass some unwanted configurations, optimize system performance, or simply make your life a tad easier, here are 15 lesser-known tips to help the savvy user unlock the true potential of Windows 11.

1. Bypass the Microsoft Account Requirement​

Ever feel like you’re being nudged too hard towards using a Microsoft account? With Windows 11, you have the option to go the local account route. If you're faced with the online account requirement during setup, press SHIFT + F10 to pull up the command line and enter oobe\bypassnro. This command prompts a reboot and permits the creation of a local account afterward. If this doesn’t succeed, consider using tools like Rufus to create an installation disc geared towards local accounts.

2. Speed Up Storage Drives with a Dev Drive​

Power users seeking quick access to data may be thrilled to learn about creating a Dev Drive. This feature utilizes the ReFS file system, promising dramatically improved speed for data retrieval. Simply navigate to Settings > System > Storage > Advanced Storage Settings to establish your Dev Drive, but ensure you have at least 8GB of RAM and 50GB of free space.

3. Network Installation via PXE and iVentoy​

Installing Windows 11 across multiple devices can be a cumbersome task. Enter iVentoy and PXE (Preboot Execution Environment). This neat little setup allows you to install the OS directly over your network without the hassle of USB sticks or DVDs. All you need to do is set up a PXE server on your network, and voilà! Instantly install Windows 11 on multiple systems simultaneously.

4. Simplified Task Termination​

When a program refuses to play nice, most users resort to the Task Manager. Windows 11 improves this experience by enabling an "End Task" command accessible directly from the taskbar, eliminating cumbersome navigation.

5. Avoid Bloatware During Installations​

Let’s face it: bloatware can be a real itch. When reinstalling Windows 11, opt for the “English (World)” option in the language settings to skip the installation of unnecessary pre-packaged software. Your future self will thank you!

6. Trigger Emergency Restarts​

Is your system frozen? Pressing Ctrl + Alt + Del reveals a hidden option for an “Immediate restart.” This is particularly useful when the regular restart options fail to do the job, allowing for a swift system refresh without waiting for applications to close.

7. Revive the Display Driver​

When your display acts up, a quick fix is to restart the entire display process. Use the shortcut Windows + Ctrl + Shift + B, giving your graphics driver a refresh without a full system reboot, perfect for those mid-game freezes.

8. Master the Sound Mixer​

Adjusting sound levels across individual applications has never been easier. Right-click the volume icon and select the small icon next to the volume bar to open the sound mixer. For keyboard shortcuts, the combination Windows + Ctrl + V does the trick.

9. Pause Process Viewing in Task Manager​

Undoubtedly, task management can be tedious. Open Task Manager using Ctrl + Shift + Esc, and to get a more accurate view of resource consumption, use the Ctrl key to pause the live updates. This allows you to take stock of what’s hogging your CPU at a glance.

10. Access Key Office Programs Efficiently​

If you frequently use Microsoft Office, there’s a keyboard combination for you: Ctrl + Shift + Alt + Windows + [Key] to open various Office applications quickly (W for Word, P for PowerPoint, O for Outlook, X for Excel).

11. Check for Program Updates via Command Line​

Tired of manually checking for updates? Simply use the command winget upgrade in the command prompt to see which installed programs have updates available. Use winget update -h --all to update them all in one go, even if you didn’t install them via Winget originally.

12. The Time-Saver: Snapping Screens​

Split your screen instantly for multi-tasking goodness by dragging a window to the edge of your screen. Voilà! Windows 11 offers advanced snapping features, allowing you to snap multiple windows into place effortlessly.

13. Quick Access to App Folders​

Did you know you can right-click any application in the Start menu to quickly access its folder? This feature saves you from tedious navigation and provides a straightforward way to manage your apps.

14. Effortlessly Move Windows Between Monitors​

If you’re working with multiple displays, rolling your mouse to the app you want to move, then pressing Shift + Windows + Arrow Key lets you reposition windows between monitors with ease.

15. Embrace Virtual Desktops Like a Pro​

For the user who juggles multiple tasks, virtual desktops are a godsend. Use the shortcut Windows + Tab to create a new virtual desktop. You can organize your workspaces according to different tasks or projects, keeping your workflow organized.

Wrapping Up​

Windows 11 reveals its might through these hidden features, designed specifically for those who wish to optimize their productivity and software performance. Unlocking these tips will empower you not only to navigate the intricacies of Windows 11 more effectively but also to impress fellow power users with your newfound capabilities. Embrace the full potential of your operating system and let your efficiency soar!
So, which tip are you most excited to try? Or do you have any other underrated tricks up your sleeve? Let’s chat about it in the comments below!
Source: PCWorld 15 obscure Windows 11 tricks for PC power users

 

[ChatGPT]

Windows 11 is here to make life easier—or at least that’s what Microsoft wants us to believe. Love it or hate it, this operating system certainly packs some serious productivity features under its sleek UI of rounder corners and rich translucencies. But are you making the most of it? If you're not yet diving into these powerful tools like a digital productivity wizard, you're missing out! Here's everything you need to know about saving time on your Windows 11 PC, while perhaps rediscovering why this OS is more than meets the eye.

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1. Master the Keyboard Shortcuts​

You may think clicking around gets the job done, but that's the time equivalent of wrestling with a floppy disk when you could be rocking an SSD. Windows 11 is stuffed with handy keyboard shortcuts that are faster than greased lightning. Some highlights include:

• Windows+D: Snap to the desktop instantly.
• Windows+E: Open File Explorer faster than your boss can yell “status update.”
• Ctrl+Shift+Esc: Instant access to the Task Manager (say goodbye to “Ctrl+Alt+Del” chants).
• Alt+Tab: Switch apps effortlessly while looking like a pro multitasker.

Master these, and you'll shave precious seconds off every task.

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2. Pin Your Most Used Apps to the Taskbar​

Why dig through your Start menu like it’s 2005? Pinned apps on the taskbar don’t just live there for decoration; they’re your quickest route to digital happiness with just one click.
Bonus Hack: Win the efficiency game by pressing Windows+[App Number]. Each app pinned to your taskbar is assigned a number from left to right. If Chrome is the second icon, pressing Windows+2 will launch it instantly. Feel free to unleash this newfound wizardry during Zoom calls just to make your coworkers jealous.

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3. Snap Layouts: Juggling Tasks Like a Pro​

Let’s face it, multitasking can be chaotic, but not with Windows 11’s Snap Layouts. By hovering over the maximize button (yes, that inconspicuous square icon in the corner), you’ll unlock layout nirvana. Want two apps sitting side by side in a heads-together collaboration? No sweat. Need three windows divided for peak multitasking? Click, assign, conquer.
To turn this feature on (if it’s mysteriously missing), go to Settings > System > Multitasking, and make sure "Snap Windows" is enabled.

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4. Steal Back Time with Clipboard History​

Imagine this: Your clipboard isn't a pathetic single-copy tool anymore—it’s a robust vault of your most recent copy-paste marvels. With Clipboard History, Windows 11 lets you keep multiple snippets ready to serve.
Here’s how:

• Open Settings using Windows+i.
• Navigate to System > Clipboard, then toggle Clipboard History ON.
• Paste like a king by pressing Windows+V, and witness the magic of seeing ALL your copied items at once.

Seriously, how were we living without this?

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5. Find Your Zone with Focus Sessions​

Out of all the features, Focus is arguably Windows 11’s nod to the current productivity zeitgeist. Distraction-free work mode? Notifications muffled like a soundproof booth? Yes, please. Focus introduces a timer to keep you cranking through tasks Pomodoro-style, all neatly integrated into Settings > System > Focus Sessions.
You can even link your Focus agenda to a Spotify playlist, just in case getting into your productivity groove requires “Eye of the Tiger.”

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6. Work Smarter with Virtual Desktops​

Windows 11 takes multitasking into a whole new dimension—literally. Virtual desktops let you organize your workflow like a college student juggling social groups. For instance:

• One desktop for work: Boring spreadsheets, weekly reports.
• Another desktop for personal mayhem: Reddit tabs, Steam sessions, maybe a cheeky YouTube binge.

Press Windows+Tab, hit New Desktop, and feel like you’ve unlocked the multiverse.

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7. Schedule Windows Update Restarts (Redirect Pain Elsewhere)​

We've all felt the fury of Windows rebooting when it's least convenient—you’re in the zone, and suddenly, "Restarting Now" slams into your screen like a wrecking ball. But no more!
By navigating to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced Options, you can enable Active Hours to set exact times when Windows dares not interrupt you. Or, choose the automatic detection option and let Windows decide based on your activity patterns.
This isn't just convenience—it’s reclaiming your workflow's dignity.

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8. Widgets: The Underrated Power Move​

Windows 11 Widgets might seem like a “why is this here?” feature—until you actually use them. From live weather reports and breaking news to stock trackers, these little info cards position themselves as dashboard-like helpers for quick daily intel.
Access them with Windows+W or by clicking the Widgets icon. Want even more? Customize the panel by hitting the gear icon and adding the widgets most relevant to you.

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9. The Convenience of Action Center​

Gone are the days of spelunking through menus to find Wi-Fi settings. Hit Windows+A to open the Action Center, which serves as a one-stop shop for toggling Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other frequently used settings. Reorganize the icons to suit your needs by clicking the pencil icon and customizing away.

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10. Speak, and Windows Shall Type (Dictation Feature)​

If cranking out long emails or documents is your kryptonite, let Windows 11’s dictation feature convert your thoughts into text. With a simple Windows+H, you’ll activate the dictation feature. Speak clearly, and watch the words magically appear on screen as though written by ghosts from Clippy's past.

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Why Does This All Matter?​

Microsoft has clearly poured effort into making Windows 11 more efficient and less annoying—finally focusing on user-first enhancements rather than gimmicks. These time-saving features encapsulate why so many are making the jump from earlier versions: to do more, faster. Whether you're working from home, gaming, or juggling spreadsheets like an office acrobat, these tools are designed with you in mind.
Windows 11 isn’t just a pretty interface—it’s a treasure chest of efficiency (as long as you know where to look). So, if you’re not actively using these features yet, grab a cup of coffee, dive in, and start harnessing your OS like it owes you rent.

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What’s your favorite time-saving tip for Windows? Are some features surprising hits, or do you think they’re all fluff? Let’s hear your thoughts on the forum! Let the time-saving revolution begin.

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Source: How-To Geek 10 Ways to Save Time on Your Windows 11 PC