Windows 11 seems to be everywhere lately—a sleek operating system with highly polished visuals and productivity-driven enhancements. While most users are familiar with its basic functions, Windows 11 is also hiding some powerful, lesser-known features that can radically improve your workflow and make everyday tasks easier. It’s almost as though Microsoft tucked away a treasure chest deep in the OS!
In this article, we’ll uncover six of these hidden features and explain how they work. Spoiler: you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them.
Extra tip: Combine this with Windows 11's Snap Layouts feature for even more grid design options. Click the maximize button of a window to see a preview of customizable window arrangements.
Example:
Pro Tip: Combine this with Fast Sign-In for quick unlocks using facial recognition or a PIN.
Feeling nostalgic for that emoji you copied three days ago in Slack? Clipboard to the rescue!
To restore them, just shake again. It’s quirky but effective, and an excellent way to declutter a busy desktop when needed.
If you’re looking for even more tricks, dig around forums on WindowsForum.com for plenty of tips, hacks, and tweaks directly from the community. Who knows? There may be even more undiscovered features waiting to simplify your life further. Got a favorite Windows 11 hidden feature? Share it in the forum thread and let us know!
Source: XDA The 6 best Windows 11 features you probably didn't know about
In this article, we’ll uncover six of these hidden features and explain how they work. Spoiler: you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them.
1. Activate a Window by Hovering
Have you ever wished you could switch between apps effortlessly—without clicking through every window looking for the one you need? Try the mouse-hover window activation feature. All you have to do is move your cursor over a window to bring it to the front of the screen—no clicks required!How Does It Work?
This feature is magical for multitaskers or users juggling multiple windows on-screen. Instead of constantly clicking or Alt-Tabbing, hovering gives you seamless control. However, this isn’t turned on by default. To enable it, go to:- Control Panel > Ease of Access
- Click Change how your mouse works.
- Check the box for "Activate a window by hovering."
2. Window Layout Shortcut (Win + Arrow Keys)
Raise your hand if you’ve ever struggled with manually resizing and snapping windows to organize your screen. Windows 11 takes this to the next level with layout snapping shortcuts using the keyboard.The Magic Combo:
- Win + Left/Right Arrow: Snap windows to the left or right half of your screen.
- Win + Up/Down Arrow: Maximize, minimize, or quarter-snap windows for tighter multitasking grids.
Extra tip: Combine this with Windows 11's Snap Layouts feature for even more grid design options. Click the maximize button of a window to see a preview of customizable window arrangements.
3. Taskbar Shortcuts (Win + Number Keys)
Love the taskbar but hate hunting through it to reopen your favorite apps? Enter taskbar shortcuts.How it Works:
Assign every pinned app on your taskbar a number—starting from 1 for the leftmost icon. Then use Win + [number key] to instantly launch or switch to a program.Example:
- If Chrome is the first icon in your taskbar, press Win + 1 to launch it.
- Does Outlook sit third? Hit Win + 3.
4. Dynamic Lock—Your Personal Security Gatekeeper
We’re heading into futuristic territory with Dynamic Lock, a feature that automatically locks your PC when you walk away. Perfect for office environments or anyone working in public spaces, Dynamic Lock taps into Bluetooth technology to secure your workstation.How It Keeps You Safe:
- Pair your Bluetooth-compatible phone with your PC.
- Navigate to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in Options, and enable Dynamic Lock under the section labeled "Additional Security."
Pro Tip: Combine this with Fast Sign-In for quick unlocks using facial recognition or a PIN.
5. Clipboard History—25 Levels of Copy and Paste
Copy and paste is everyone’s go-to shortcut (hello, Ctrl + C and Ctrl + V), but what happens when you need something you copied several steps back? That’s where Clipboard History, Windows 11's unsung hero, shines.Here’s the Deal:
Clipboard History stores the last 25 items you copied (text, images, etc.), letting you retrieve them at will.- To enable this, use the shortcut Win + V and follow the prompt to turn on Clipboard History.
Feeling nostalgic for that emoji you copied three days ago in Slack? Clipboard to the rescue!
6. Title Bar Window Shake
Do you need laser-like focus on just one task? Shake off distractions—literally—with the Title Bar Window Shake feature. Using this gesture minimizes all other open windows, leaving only your active application visible.How?
- Go to Settings > System > Multitasking.
- Enable Title Bar Window Shake.
To restore them, just shake again. It’s quirky but effective, and an excellent way to declutter a busy desktop when needed.
Why Are These Features So Hidden?
If you’re wondering why these tools aren’t more obvious, you’re not alone! Microsoft seems to have buried them deep within layers of settings, likely because they’re "optional" or niche. But don’t underestimate their value. From streamlining multitasking to ensuring unmatched security, these hidden gems elevate the already-impressive Windows 11 experience.Take Control of Windows 11 Like a Pro
Mastering these lesser-known features can drastically upgrade the way you use your PC. Whether you're zipping between apps with shortcuts, gliding across your workspace with Dynamic Lock, or syncing Clipboard History across devices, Windows 11 is built for customization and efficiency.If you’re looking for even more tricks, dig around forums on WindowsForum.com for plenty of tips, hacks, and tweaks directly from the community. Who knows? There may be even more undiscovered features waiting to simplify your life further. Got a favorite Windows 11 hidden feature? Share it in the forum thread and let us know!
Source: XDA The 6 best Windows 11 features you probably didn't know about
