Windows 11, since its debut in 2021, has been a noteworthy evolution in Microsoft's long line of operating systems. With its slick redesign, enhanced taskbar, and the reimagined Start Menu, it promised a fresh user experience. However, as with any substantial update, there are features that have sparked both delight and debate among users. If you've ever sighed in frustration with the new taskbar, you're not alone. But fret not! While Microsoft continues to roll out updates—like the recent 2024 feature update—third-party developers are hard at work crafting apps that enrich your overall Windows experience. Here’s a curated list of five essential apps that elevate usability and enhance your time in the Windows 11 environment.
Source: Pocket-lint These 5 apps are my secret to a better Windows 11 experience
1. Battery Percentage - Pure Battery Add-on
Why You Need It
One of the most head-scratching omissions in Windows 11 is the absence of a straightforward battery percentage display on the taskbar. Users often have to click into the quick settings menu to check their battery life—a tedious task, to say the least.What It Does
The Battery Percentage - Pure Battery add-on provides exactly what the name suggests: a simple, customizable display of your battery percentage directly on your taskbar. You can adjust the icon's size, color, and style, making this free app a must-have until Microsoft decides to integrate this feature natively.2. Auto Dark Mode
A Dynamic Visual Experience
If you’ve ever squinted at your screen after sunset, you'll appreciate the necessity of the Auto Dark Mode app. Windows 11 does include a dark mode, but there’s no built-in scheduling feature to switch automatically based on the time of day.Seamless Experience
This app allows you to schedule when Windows transitions between light and dark modes based on your preferences or even your geographic location. Additionally, it offers an option to change your wallpaper alongside the contrasting color mode—so you can keep your desktop looking fresh and vibrant without lifting a finger.3. Calendar Flyout
Bringing Calendar Integration Back
With Windows 11, the transition to a modern taskbar meant that some essential features—like native calendar service integration—got lost in the shuffle. The Calendar Flyout app steps in to rectify this, enabling seamless access to your cloud calendar events from the taskbar.Features You’ll Love
This free app not only restores calendar integration but does so in a manner that feels intuitive and native to Windows. Customization options for personalization and account management further enhance usability, making your calendar events easily accessible and organized.4. Twinkle Tray: Brightness Slider
Perfect for Multi-Monitor Setups
For users with multi-monitor setups, adjusting brightness can often turn into a cumbersome ordeal. Enter Twinkle Tray, a lightweight app designed specifically for managing brightness levels across multiple screens.User-Centric Design
Twinkle Tray seamlessly integrates a sleek flyout within the system tray, allowing for quick adjustments. This app embodies Microsoft's Fluent Design principles, ensuring a visually cohesive experience with the operating system’s look and feel.5. Fire Flyouts
Enhanced Battery Management
Back from the days of Windows 10, the Fire Flyouts app makes a notable return, focusing on power management. This app provides a detailed battery-related flyout that presents useful metrics like the remaining watt-hour capacity, discharge rate, and estimated usage time.Why You Should Download It
Fire Flyouts not only revives the beloved power mode slider that lets you switch settings without diving deep into the control panel but also espouses a native Windows look that enhances the overall aesthetic. The developer's commitment to future updates promises even more functionality to come.Key Takeaways
- Windows 11's versatility can be considerably enhanced through third-party applications, especially when it comes to optimizing usability and enhancing aesthetic appeal.
- Each of the listed apps tackles a specific shortcoming in the OS, whether it’s a simple battery percentage display or an auto-switching dark mode for nighttime comfort.
- Downloading these apps is a great start for users looking to improve their Windows 11 experience, making everyday tasks smoother and the overall usage more enjoyable.
Source: Pocket-lint These 5 apps are my secret to a better Windows 11 experience
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