Streamline Your Workflow with Windows 11 Suggested Actions

The digital world is buzzing, and Windows 11 is stepping up its game by introducing Suggested Actions—a nifty feature designed to reduce the friction in our daily workflows. If you’re someone who juggles tasks like Hans Zimmer composes music, read on to discover how this feature can streamline activities like making calls, scheduling events, and even leveraging your favorite apps effortlessly.
So, what exactly are "Suggested Actions"? Think of them as your Windows PC acting like a super-efficient assistant. Windows 11 detects context-sensitive information that you copy—think phone numbers, dates, or events—and suggests tailored actions to help you act on them immediately. No fussing around between apps, no wasting time; it’s like having a productivity sidekick baked into your OS.
But let’s not stop at surface-level explanations. Let’s geek out and unpack what Suggested Actions are, how they work, and how they might transform your daily grind into a streamlined symphony.

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What Are Suggested Actions?​

Have you ever copied a phone number or a date from a document, email, or webpage but had to manually open up another app to make use of it? Suggested Actions aim to eliminate that extra step.
For instance:

• If you copy a phone number, your PC might automatically nudge you with a suggestion like, "Want to call this number using Microsoft Teams, Skype, or another app?"
• Similarly, highlight a date and time, and Windows will help you create a calendar event with just a couple of clicks.

It’s like your system learned the mantra “work smarter, not harder.”
Where It’s Available:
Currently, Suggested Actions are exclusive to North America. So, if you’re in that part of the world, it’s time to grab your Windows 11 PC and start automating these everyday tasks.

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How to Use Suggested Actions​

Here’s where the magic lies. Let’s break down how to work this feature for different tasks, so you can begin automating more of your day!

1. Making a Call Directly from Your PC​

Whether it’s calling your coworker or setting up a quick chat with a service provider, you no longer need to pick up your phone. Here’s how to do it:

• Step 1: Copy any phone number you come across (from an email, browser, etc.).
• Step 2: A small popup will appear offering calling options through apps installed on your PC (e.g., Teams, Skype).
• Step 3: Choose your desired app to initiate the call, then simply follow the on-screen instructions.

Pro Tip: To use this feature, ensure you’ve got at least one calling app installed, and make sure your microphone works. How else will they hear all your witty insights?

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2. Create a Calendar Event Without Breaking a Sweat​

Planning meetings, birthdays, or “game-night Sundays” just got easier. Wanna try it?

• Step 1: Highlight and copy a date or time from any app on your PC.
• Step 2: Look for the popup bar next to the copied text. It’ll offer you the chance to create an event in your calendar app (Teams, Outlook, etc.).
• Step 3: Fill in additional details, like a title, and voila! The event is added to your calendar without you lifting more than a finger—or two.

Don't forget: If you don’t already have a calendar app installed, simply head over to the Microsoft Store to grab one. The usual suspects—Outlook, Teams, and even the stock Calendar app—work just fine.

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3. Keyboard Navigation for Power Users​

Hate using the mouse? We’ve got you covered. Master Suggested Actions like a pro with these keyboard moves:

• Press Alt + A to set focus to the first suggested action in the menu.
• Use Tab to move forward through the options.
• Use Shift + Tab to backtrack if you miss an option.

This is a productivity hack on steroids for anyone spending hours at a desk. Keyboard warriors, rejoice!

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Customizing and Managing Suggested Actions​

Of course, not every feature is for everyone. Microsoft knows that, and Suggested Actions can be turned on or off to match your preferences. Here’s how:

• Go to Settings.
• Navigate to System > Clipboard.
• Toggle the Suggested Actions setting either On or Off.

Alternatively, when you see Suggested Actions appear for the first time, you can access settings directly via the dropdown menu to stop suggestions altogether (or refine their behavior).

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Why Does This Matter?​

Beyond convenience, Suggested Actions blend into Microsoft’s broader plan of creating a productivity-focused operating system that feels smarter, more intuitive, and less about fiddling with 10 different things at the same time. Think about what we’ve already got with Microsoft Copilot and AI integrations in Windows 11—the OS is proactively assisting instead of reacting.
For example, Suggested Actions integrate seamlessly into apps like Microsoft Teams, Skype, and the Outlook Calendar, aligning with the growing ecosystem of an interconnected Microsoft workspace.

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Possible Limitations (Let’s Be Real)​

While everything sounds like glitter and gold, this feature comes with limitations:

• Location-locked: North America only, which is a bummer for our international friends. Why the geofencing, Microsoft?
• App Dependence: If you’re a Google Calendar fan or use non-Microsoft communication tools, the feature loses some of the shine as it's optimized for Microsoft apps.

And, as always, there's the human element—some users might find over-suggestiveness a tad annoying.

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Summary​

So, in a nutshell, Suggested Actions in Windows 11 aim to save time by turning context-sensitive information into quick, actionable tasks. Whether it’s scheduling a meeting or making a call, it’s all done with a couple of clicks—because why waste a moment when time is money?
Key Takeaways:

• Copy a phone number or date, and your PC offers tailored suggestions.
• Enable or disable this feature under Settings > System > Clipboard.
• It’s available only in North America for now.

What do you think? Will this feature make your digital life smoother, or is it just another extra Microsoft bell and whistle you’ll likely turn off after a day? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

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Source: Microsoft Support https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/use-suggested-actions-on-your-pc-486c0527-3395-4b40-b304-f1e3cbe2f404