Hidden Windows 11 Features You Need to Know for Better Productivity

Windows 11 has introduced a plethora of features designed to enhance user experience, productivity, and accessibility. While some have garnered significant attention, others remain under the radar, yet they offer substantial benefits. This article delves into these overlooked features, providing insights on how to utilize them effectively.

1. Live Captions Anywhere​

Live Captions is a built-in feature that provides real-time subtitles for any audio content played on your system, enhancing accessibility and comprehension.
How to Use:

• Navigate to Settings > Accessibility > Captions.
• Enable Live Captions.
• Upon first activation, download the necessary speech recognition files as prompted.
• Play any audio or video content; captions will appear automatically.

You can customize the appearance and position of the caption box to suit your preferences. (howtogeek.com)

2. Voice Typing with Punctuation Support​

Windows 11's Voice Typing feature allows users to dictate text with automatic punctuation, streamlining the typing process.
How to Use:

• Press Windows + H to open the Voice Typing tool.
• Click the microphone icon and start speaking; your speech will be transcribed with appropriate punctuation.

This feature is particularly useful for hands-free typing and can be used in any text field. (beebom.com)

3. Focus Sessions​

Focus Sessions help users concentrate by minimizing distractions and integrating with productivity tools.
How to Use:

• Open the Clock app.
• Select Focus Sessions.
• Set your desired focus duration and, if desired, link your Spotify account for background music.
• Start the session; notifications will be muted, and a timer will track your focus period.

This feature is ideal for implementing the Pomodoro technique or managing work intervals. (beebom.com)

4. End Tasks Directly from the Taskbar​

Windows 11 allows users to terminate unresponsive applications directly from the taskbar, simplifying the process.
How to Use:

• Right-click on the unresponsive application's icon in the taskbar.
• Select End Task from the context menu.

This method provides a quicker alternative to using the Task Manager. (howtogeek.com)

5. Shake to Minimize (Aero Shake)​

This feature allows users to minimize all open windows except the active one by shaking its title bar.
How to Use:

• Ensure the feature is enabled: Go to Settings > System > Multitasking and toggle on Title bar window shake.
• Click and hold the title bar of the window you want to keep open.
• Shake the window; all other windows will minimize.

This is particularly useful for decluttering the desktop quickly. (beebom.com)

6. Scrolling Over the Volume Icon to Adjust Volume​

Users can adjust the system volume by scrolling over the volume icon in the taskbar.
How to Use:

• Hover your cursor over the volume icon in the taskbar.
• Use the scroll wheel on your mouse to increase or decrease the volume.

This provides a quick and precise way to control volume levels. (howtogeek.com)

7. Instant Photo Transfer from Android Devices​

Windows 11 enables instant transfer of photos and screenshots from Android devices to your PC.
How to Use:

• Install the Link to Windows app on your Android device and connect it to your PC.
• On your PC, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Mobile devices.
• Enable Get new photo notifications.
• Take a photo or screenshot on your Android device; it will appear as a notification on your PC.

This feature streamlines the process of transferring media between devices. (howtogeek.com)

8. God Mode​

God Mode provides a centralized location for accessing a wide range of system settings and controls.
How to Use:

• Create a new folder on your desktop.
• Rename the folder to: GodMode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}
• Open the folder to access a comprehensive list of system settings.

This feature is particularly useful for advanced users seeking quick access to various controls. (beebom.com)

9. Clipboard History​

Clipboard History allows users to access and manage multiple copied items.
How to Use:

• Press Windows + V to open the Clipboard History panel.
• Click on any item to paste it into the active application.

This feature enhances productivity by allowing access to previously copied content. (xda-developers.com)

10. Dynamic Refresh Rate​

Dynamic Refresh Rate (DRR) adjusts the display's refresh rate based on the content, balancing performance and battery life.
How to Use:

• Go to Settings > System > Display > Advanced display.
• Under Choose a refresh rate, select Dynamic.

This feature is beneficial for devices with high refresh rate displays, optimizing battery usage. (xda-developers.com)

11. Virtual Desktops​

Virtual Desktops allow users to create multiple desktops for better organization and multitasking.
How to Use:

• Press Windows + Tab to open Task View.
• Click New desktop to create a new virtual desktop.
• Switch between desktops by clicking on them in Task View or using Windows + Ctrl + Left/Right Arrow.

This feature helps in separating workspaces for different tasks or projects. (pcworld.com)

12. Screen Recording with Snipping Tool​

The Snipping Tool now includes screen recording capabilities, allowing users to capture on-screen activities.
How to Use:

• Open the Snipping Tool.
• Click the Record button (video camera icon).
• Select the area of the screen to record and click Start.

This feature is useful for creating tutorials or capturing software issues. (pcworld.com)

13. Energy Recommendations​

Windows 11 provides energy-saving recommendations to optimize power consumption.
How to Use:

• Go to Settings > System > Power & battery > Energy recommendations.
• Review and apply suggested settings to reduce energy usage.

Implementing these recommendations can extend battery life and reduce energy costs. (pcworld.com)

14. Quick Assist​

Quick Assist allows users to provide or receive remote assistance, facilitating troubleshooting and support.
How to Use:

• Open the Quick Assist app.
• Choose to Give assistance or Get assistance.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to establish a remote connection.

This feature is particularly useful for remote technical support. (pcworld.com)

15. File Explorer Tabs​

File Explorer now supports tabs, allowing users to manage multiple folders within a single window.
How to Use:

• Open File Explorer.
  2

---

Source: PhoneArena Cell Phone News - PhoneArena