Windows 11 ships with more than a fresh coat of paint; it hides a toolkit of genuinely useful apps that can streamline work, tame clutter, and eliminate a surprising amount of friction from daily computing. While some preinstalled apps deserve the “bloat” label, nine standouts—Sticky Notes, Clipboard History, Clipchamp, Virtual Desktops, Task Scheduler, Quick Assist, Focus Sessions, Nearby Sharing, and Storage Sense—deliver real power without extra downloads. Here’s how each one works, why it’s worth your time, and how to combine them for a faster, calmer Windows experience.
Windows 11’s built-in utilities often go unnoticed because they are lightweight, quietly integrated, and don’t clamor for your attention. That’s precisely their advantage: they’re available on every Windows 11 PC, update through Microsoft’s channels, and respect system-level privacy and performance controls. Used together, they can:
Source: MakeUseOf 9 Excellent Built-in Windows 11 Apps and Tools You’re Ignoring—but Shouldn’t
Overview
Windows 11’s built-in utilities often go unnoticed because they are lightweight, quietly integrated, and don’t clamor for your attention. That’s precisely their advantage: they’re available on every Windows 11 PC, update through Microsoft’s channels, and respect system-level privacy and performance controls. Used together, they can:- Reduce context switching and digital clutter
- Automate repetitive chores and maintenance
- Improve collaboration and remote support
- Keep your device tidy and responsive over time
Sticky Notes: Tiny Windows, Big Utility
Sticky Notes is deceptively simple: it lets you keep small note windows on your desktop so ideas, snippets, and todos stay visible while you work. Despite its minimal look, it supports rich basics and helpful integrations.Why it’s worth using
- Fast capture: open Sticky Notes and start typing—no project structure or file naming required.
- Visual organization: color-code notes and resize them so high-priority items stay front and center.
- Sync and recall: when you sign in with your Microsoft account, notes sync across devices and surface in the OneNote “Notes” feed, so your desk doesn’t determine your memory.
Pro tips
- Make crucial notes “always on top” by pairing with PowerToys’ Always on Top (Win+Ctrl+T). It pins the note above other apps without hunting for it.
- Use formatting shortcuts (Ctrl+B/I/U) to emphasize key lines.
- For meeting prep, paste an agenda into a Sticky Note and park it over your calendar or conferencing window—no alt-tabbing required.
Watchouts
- Sticky Notes isn’t a long-form writing tool. For structured documents or shared notebooks, graduate the note into OneNote or Word.
Clipboard History: Copy-Paste Without Regret
Standard copy-paste forgets everything except the last item. Clipboard History changes that by storing a running list of copied text, images, and paths you can reuse any time.How to enable and use it
- Press Win+V. The first time, toggle Clipboard History on.
- Scroll the panel to find prior items and click to paste.
- Hover any entry and choose the pin icon to keep it from being pushed out by newer copies.
Why it’s a game-changer
- Multi-item workflows: paste a URL, a paragraph, and a code snippet without bouncing back and forth.
- Cross-device convenience: when you sign in and enable sync, you can copy on one PC and paste on another that’s using the same account.
- Image support: screenshots and small images copied to the clipboard are recallable, ideal for documentation or bug reports.
Privacy and control
- Clipboard sync uses your Microsoft account. If you handle sensitive text (passwords, tokens, client data), disable sync or clear history (Settings > System > Clipboard) after tasks that demand discretion.
- Organizational policies may restrict cloud clipboard; if you don’t see sync options, your admin likely controls them.
Clipchamp: The Built‑In Video Editor That’s Actually Good
For quick promos, tutorials, gameplay highlights, or social clips, Clipchamp hits a sweet spot: approachable for beginners, capable enough for polished results, and included with Windows 11.Key capabilities
- Core editing: trim, split, crop, speed changes, and audio leveling.
- Titles and effects: text overlays, transitions, filters, and a modern stock asset library (video, images, and music).
- Smart helpers: screen and webcam recording simultaneously, automatic captioning, and template-driven projects to launch fast.
- Output that fits: export to common aspect ratios (16:9, 9:16, 1:1) and quality settings suitable for social, web, and presentations—without wrestling with codecs.
Workflow boosters
- Record explainers with screen + camera to humanize walkthroughs.
- Use auto-captions to improve accessibility and searchability; lightly edit to fix proper nouns.
- Start with a template: swap media and text to meet your brand or use case without designing from scratch.
Limitations to note
- For complex color grading, multi-cam editing, or advanced audio mixing, pro tools still win. Clipchamp excels at short to mid-length content, not feature films.
- Some stock assets and features may require sign-in or a higher plan; check the export options before committing to a long edit.
Virtual Desktops: One PC, Multiple Workspaces
Virtual Desktops create separate desktops for different contexts—work, personal, study, creative—on the same machine. Each desktop can have its own wallpaper and set of open windows.Essential shortcuts
- Win+Tab: open Task View to see and manage desktops.
- Win+Ctrl+D: create a new virtual desktop.
- Win+Ctrl+Left/Right: switch between desktops.
- Right-click a desktop in Task View to rename it and assign a background.
Practical setups
- Work vs. personal: keep your email, Teams, and spreadsheets isolated from your browser with personal tabs. This reduces distraction and clutter.
- Projects: dedicate a desktop to a specific client, game dev build, or design sprint with its own windows and layout.
- Presentations: stage a clean, single-app desktop for screen sharing, then flip back to your main workspace afterward.
Tips for power users
- Combine with Snap Layouts: snap a four-app grid on your “Research” desktop and a two-pane layout for “Writing” to enforce structure.
- Control what’s visible: choose whether taskbar icons show open apps from all desktops or only the current one (Settings > System > Multitasking).
Task Scheduler: Automate the Boring Stuff
Task Scheduler is a veteran Windows utility that executes actions on a schedule or trigger, saving you from routine chores.What you can automate
- Maintenance: launch built-in cleanup commands or scripts at startup or monthly intervals.
- Startup sequences: open your work apps every weekday morning at 8:55 a.m. so you’re ready at 9.
- File hygiene: run a script that moves or deletes files older than X days from Downloads or temp folders.
Create a basic task
- Open Task Scheduler and select Create Basic Task.
- Name it clearly (e.g., “Open Work Apps”).
- Choose a trigger (Daily, Weekly, At log on, or At startup).
- Select an action (Start a program) and point to your app or script.
- Finish, then test by right-clicking the task and choosing Run.
Best practices
- Use descriptive names and comments. Future you will thank you.
- Prefer non-admin tasks where possible; reserve “Run with highest privileges” for jobs that truly need it.
- Log outputs when you run scripts so you can troubleshoot failures later.
Quick Assist: Remote Help Without Hassle
Quick Assist enables secure screen sharing or remote control between two Windows PCs. It’s perfect for a family tech rescue, mentoring a colleague, or diagnosing a quick issue without installing third-party tools.How it works
- The helper launches Quick Assist and selects “Help someone” to generate a one-time security code.
- The recipient opens Quick Assist, selects “Get help,” and enters the code.
- The helper can request view-only or full control; the recipient sees prompts and can revoke at any time.
Why it’s safer and simpler
- Preinstalled and Microsoft-backed, which reduces the risk of rogue remote tools.
- Clear consent model: sessions require explicit approval and display visible indicators.
- Clipboard and file sharing can be controlled by the recipient to maintain privacy.
Safety tips
- Never accept unsolicited codes. If someone calls requesting a Quick Assist session, assume a scam.
- Close sensitive windows (password managers, finance apps) before granting control.
Focus Sessions: Find Your Flow
Focus Sessions live in the Clock app and integrate with Windows’ Do Not Disturb system to reduce interruptions while you work or study.What you get
- A focus timer with customizable lengths and breaks.
- Automatic notification silencing during sessions.
- Optional integration with Microsoft To Do for light task tracking.
- Optional Spotify connection for background music without app juggling.
Practical routines
- 50/10 cycles for deep work: run five cycles to cover a focused half-day.
- Study blocks with To Do: pair a task list and timebox each item.
- Meeting cool-down: set a 15-minute focus session after calls to capture notes and next steps in Sticky Notes while alerts remain muted.
Setup tips
- In Settings > System > Focus, configure what Windows mutes during a session and whether to show a focus timer on the taskbar.
- Keep sessions flexible—don’t abandon focus because you missed a start time. Start the next block when you’re ready.
Nearby Sharing: Local Transfers Without the Cloud
Nearby Sharing moves files, photos, and links between Windows PCs using Bluetooth and Wi‑Fi—no email attachment or USB drive required.Getting started
- Turn on Nearby Sharing in Settings > System > Nearby sharing.
- Choose who can see you: “My devices” (devices you’re signed into) or “Everyone nearby” for ad‑hoc sharing.
- Right-click a file in File Explorer, choose Share, and pick the target device from the list.
Use cases
- Share screenshots, PDFs, or PowerPoint decks inside a conference room.
- Move a link from your desktop to your laptop to continue reading on the couch.
- Pass photos between home PCs without saturating your internet upload.
Pro pointers
- For larger files, connect both devices to the same fast Wi‑Fi network to improve speeds.
- If discovery fails, check that Bluetooth is on and both devices have Nearby Sharing enabled. Temporarily set visibility to Everyone to troubleshoot, then revert to My devices.
Storage Sense: Automatic Housekeeping for a Leaner PC
Storage Sense quietly reclaims disk space by deleting temporary files, cleaning the Recycle Bin, and clearing residual update files on a schedule or when space is low.Configure it once
- Go to Settings > System > Storage > Storage Sense.
- Turn it on and set your cadence (e.g., every month or only when low on space).
- Choose what to clean: temporary files, Recycle Bin items older than a certain age, and downloads you haven’t touched in a while.
- Review “Cleanup recommendations” to spot large or unused files you may want to remove manually.
Why it matters
- Prevents “out of space” crunches that tank performance and block updates.
- Reduces the need for risky third‑party cleaners that can be overly aggressive.
- Pairs well with OneDrive Files On‑Demand to keep infrequently used cloud files online‑only, freeing local storage.
Caution
- Be careful with the Downloads folder option; many users treat it as permanent storage. If you rely on Downloads, set a generous age threshold or leave it untouched.
Power Combinations: Making the Built‑Ins Work Together
Each tool is good alone; together, they’re a system that supports deep work and ongoing maintenance.The writer’s workstation
- Use Virtual Desktops: one for research, one for drafting.
- Pin a Sticky Note with your outline “always on top” via PowerToys.
- Run Focus Sessions in 50/10 cycles; Windows mutes notifications while you draft.
- Use Clipboard History to stash quotes, references, and links for quick paste.
- When done, use Clipchamp to create a short teaser video for social.
The IT helper’s toolkit
- Quick Assist for live support sessions with relatives or colleagues.
- Task Scheduler to run a weekly cleanup script and log results.
- Storage Sense to keep machines from filling up with temp files.
- Nearby Sharing to get logs or small installers to a machine without email.
The meeting machine
- Create a “Present” virtual desktop with only the slides window and notes in a Sticky Note.
- Use Focus Sessions to block notifications for the meeting’s duration.
- Afterward, share the deck to team PCs with Nearby Sharing.
Performance, Privacy, and Policy Considerations
Performance impact
- Most of these utilities are lightweight and event-driven. Storage Sense runs briefly, Clipboard History idles until you copy, and Focus Sessions leverage existing notification controls. They don’t consume meaningful resources when idle.
Privacy hygiene
- Clipboard History: if sync is on, don’t copy sensitive secrets; clear history regularly.
- Quick Assist: accept help only from people you trust; end sessions as soon as you’re done.
- Nearby Sharing: use “My devices” for routine transfers; switch to “Everyone” only when needed and revert after.
Enterprise and school devices
- Admins may disable certain features (e.g., cloud clipboard sync or Nearby Sharing). If a toggle is missing or greyed out, it’s governed by policy. In managed environments, Task Scheduler permissions may be limited—coordinate with IT for sanctioned automations.
When to Look Beyond Built‑Ins
The built‑ins cover 80% of everyday needs. Consider third‑party tools when:- You require advanced clipboard features like text transforms, regex filters, or persistent multi-device archives.
- Your video projects need multi-cam timelines, LUT-based color grading, or round-tripping with pro audio tools.
- Remote sessions demand unattended access, multi-monitor switching, or cross‑platform support beyond Windows.
Troubleshooting Quick Hits
- Clipboard History not appearing with Win+V: open Settings > System > Clipboard and turn it on. In corporate settings, ask your admin if it’s blocked by policy.
- Quick Assist connection fails: ensure both sides have internet access, the app is updated, and firewalls allow it. If control is denied, verify the recipient accepted full control rather than view‑only.
- Nearby Sharing can’t find devices: confirm Bluetooth is enabled, both are set to discoverable via Nearby Sharing settings, and you’re on the same Wi‑Fi network for best results.
- Storage Sense seems ineffective: run it on demand from the Storage Sense page, then review Cleanup recommendations. Some space hogs—VMs, large media libraries—are outside Storage Sense’s remit and need manual management.
The Big Picture: Calm, Capable, and Free
Windows 11’s reputation often centers on flashy UI and feature churn, but these nine built‑in tools tell a different story: one of quiet capability that reduces friction and lets you get more done with fewer apps and fewer decisions.- Sticky Notes and Clipboard History keep ideas and assets at your fingertips.
- Clipchamp makes competent video creation feel approachable.
- Virtual Desktops and Focus Sessions protect your attention where it matters.
- Task Scheduler and Storage Sense handle the maintenance you shouldn’t have to remember.
- Nearby Sharing and Quick Assist simplify collaboration and support, keeping everything local and secure when you want it.
Source: MakeUseOf 9 Excellent Built-in Windows 11 Apps and Tools You’re Ignoring—but Shouldn’t
