Windows 11 has steadily evolved into an operating system rich with both visible and hidden functionalities, empowering users with a blend of aesthetics, efficiency, and customization. While flagship features like the revamped Start menu and enhanced multitasking take center stage in Microsoft’s promotional materials, a trove of underrated settings and utilities are quietly reshaping everyday workflows for countless users. After years of daily use on both laptops and desktops, it’s clear that Windows 11 isn’t just a surface-level face-lift—it’s a deep well of productivity boosters waiting to be discovered.
Modern computing often means juggling dozens of browser tabs, emails, chat apps, and documents all at once. It’s easy for even the most seasoned users to find their workspace turning into a digital tornado. Enter an old but gold feature: Title Bar Window Shake. This setting is a singularly efficient way to declutter your desktop instantly. By simply clicking and quickly shaking the title bar of your chosen window, all other open windows minimize, leaving you a singular focus amidst the chaos. Give the active window another shake, and everything returns to place.
What’s surprising is how few users are aware of this functionality—especially since it first appeared in Windows 7, but isn’t enabled by default in Windows 11. To activate it, navigate to Settings > System > Multitasking > Title bar window shake and toggle it on. For those who love shortcuts, pressing
Verdict: The window shake function excels for those managing cluttered desktops or working across numerous projects, but its “hidden” nature means too many users never know it exists. Microsoft would do well to publicize and perhaps default-enable this clever organizational tool.
DRR works similarly to Apple’s ProMotion or Android’s Adaptive Refresh Rate, maintaining high refresh for demanding apps such as gaming or video playback, while dropping to lower rates for tasks like reading static emails or browsing. The upshot? Markedly improved battery longevity on compatible devices—users have reported gains upwards of 20% during mixed usage, though specific mileage varies by model and workload.
Not all Windows 11 laptops support DRR. Prerequisites include a panel capable of at least 120Hz, variable refresh rate (VRR) support, and current graphics drivers. To activate, go to Settings > System > Display > Advanced Display and select
Critical Analysis: DRR’s benefits are tangible, but adoption is limited by hardware constraints. As more manufacturers roll out displays with VRR support, expect DRR to become a staple setting—but for now, it’s a gem reserved for premium devices.
Available folder shortcuts include:
Best Practice: After enabling folder shortcuts, consider adjusting the overall Start menu layout under Personalization > Start. Opt for showing more pinned apps versus recommendations, depending on your workflow.
SEO Insight: Quick access to folders from the Start menu remains one of the most searched-for Windows 11 topics, a testament to user demand for streamlined workflow customization.
Focus Mode is accessible in several ways: via Settings > System > Focus, through the Clock app, or through the Calendar flyout at the lower right. Within the Clock app, Focus Sessions can be enhanced with task management and Spotify integration, allowing users to set timelines, goals, and playlists for their deep-focus periods.
Early adopters consistently report increased productivity and fewer interruptions, lending credence to Microsoft’s investment in wellness-driven features. For developers, writers, and anyone frequently “in the zone,” Focus Mode is an invaluable built-in discipline tool.
Room for Improvement: While effective, Focus Mode could benefit from greater integration with third-party productivity tools. For now, it stands as a robust, homegrown solution for taming digital overload.
Setup is straightforward: ensure the Phone Link app is running on your PC and install the “Link to Windows” app on your smartphone (from the App Store or Google Play). Once paired, your phone’s notifications pop up natively on your desktop, calls can be answered from your PC’s speakers and mic, and photos or files can be dragged-and-dropped from phone to desktop with minimal friction.
For Android users, integration feels particularly tight—rivaling Apple’s fabled iPhone-Mac handoff in certain respects. iOS support is improving, though Apple’s tighter security ecosystem limits some advanced features.
User Testimonial: Many users didn’t explore Phone Link until recently, only to discover it radically changed their workflow—especially for photo editing and messaging without breaking concentration.
Key Limitation: iOS features currently lag Android’s, particularly in file transfer and message sync. Users invested in the Apple ecosystem should temper expectations, but Android users will find a cross-device bridge that’s both fluid and robust.
Favorite PowerToys features include:
Risk Note: Since PowerToys is not a standard part of Windows and updates frequently, users should update regularly and be aware of possible early-release bugs. Nonetheless, the toolset enjoys broad community support and official Microsoft backing.
Below is a quick reference table for enabling these lesser-known settings:
For those venturing beyond the default settings, Windows 11 is more than just a new skin over an old core. From the tactile satisfaction of window shaking to the silent discipline of Focus Mode, it’s a playground for efficiency, a sanctuary for concentration, and, perhaps most importantly, a bold reimagining of what a “personal” computer can be. As these features gain traction, expect them to move from underrated curiosities to everyday essentials—one shake, click, or session at a time.
Source: Pocket-lint 6 underrated Windows 11 features I found that make my PC so much better
Streamlining Your Desktop: Mastering Title Bar Window Shake
Modern computing often means juggling dozens of browser tabs, emails, chat apps, and documents all at once. It’s easy for even the most seasoned users to find their workspace turning into a digital tornado. Enter an old but gold feature: Title Bar Window Shake. This setting is a singularly efficient way to declutter your desktop instantly. By simply clicking and quickly shaking the title bar of your chosen window, all other open windows minimize, leaving you a singular focus amidst the chaos. Give the active window another shake, and everything returns to place.What’s surprising is how few users are aware of this functionality—especially since it first appeared in Windows 7, but isn’t enabled by default in Windows 11. To activate it, navigate to Settings > System > Multitasking > Title bar window shake and toggle it on. For those who love shortcuts, pressing
Windows Key + Home mimics the shake without any hand gymnastics. This feature represents a thoughtful, lightweight productivity hack, proving Microsoft’s commitment to both legacy convenience and modern workflow fluidity.Verdict: The window shake function excels for those managing cluttered desktops or working across numerous projects, but its “hidden” nature means too many users never know it exists. Microsoft would do well to publicize and perhaps default-enable this clever organizational tool.
Preserving Battery Life: The Power of Dynamic Refresh Rate
Laptops with high-refresh-rate screens—long a staple of gaming—have gone mainstream, boasting refresh rates of 120Hz and beyond. While these displays deliver ultra-smooth scrolling and crisp visuals, they also come with a notably higher demand on battery life. Microsoft’s answer is Dynamic Refresh Rate (DRR), a smart system setting that modulates the display’s refresh rate based on active workloads.DRR works similarly to Apple’s ProMotion or Android’s Adaptive Refresh Rate, maintaining high refresh for demanding apps such as gaming or video playback, while dropping to lower rates for tasks like reading static emails or browsing. The upshot? Markedly improved battery longevity on compatible devices—users have reported gains upwards of 20% during mixed usage, though specific mileage varies by model and workload.
Not all Windows 11 laptops support DRR. Prerequisites include a panel capable of at least 120Hz, variable refresh rate (VRR) support, and current graphics drivers. To activate, go to Settings > System > Display > Advanced Display and select
Dynamic Refresh Rate. For those shopping for a new laptop, checking for DRR support is worthwhile, especially for road warriors looking to maximize screen time between charges.Critical Analysis: DRR’s benefits are tangible, but adoption is limited by hardware constraints. As more manufacturers roll out displays with VRR support, expect DRR to become a staple setting—but for now, it’s a gem reserved for premium devices.
Boosting Accessibility: Folders in the Start Menu
The redesigned Start menu is at the heart of Windows 11, but out of the box, it lacks quick-access shortcuts to commonly used file folders. Microsoft softens this omission by allowing users to customize the Start menu with folder shortcuts—enabling rapid access to Documents, Downloads, Pictures, and more. These shortcuts appear to the left of the power options, just above the Start button, and can be enabled via Settings > Personalization > Start > Folders.Available folder shortcuts include:
- File Explorer
- Documents
- Downloads
- Music
- Pictures
- Videos
- Network
- Personal Folder
- Settings
Best Practice: After enabling folder shortcuts, consider adjusting the overall Start menu layout under Personalization > Start. Opt for showing more pinned apps versus recommendations, depending on your workflow.
SEO Insight: Quick access to folders from the Start menu remains one of the most searched-for Windows 11 topics, a testament to user demand for streamlined workflow customization.
Staying Focused in a Noisy World: Focus Mode
Digital distractions are an ever-present challenge—one notification too many can nudge productivity off a cliff. Focus Mode in Windows 11 aims to be the antidote. By activating a Focus Session, your device enters “Do Not Disturb,” silencing incoming notifications and sounds for a specified time period. This is more than just muting notifications; the feature provides a structured, distraction-free environment conducive to deep work.Focus Mode is accessible in several ways: via Settings > System > Focus, through the Clock app, or through the Calendar flyout at the lower right. Within the Clock app, Focus Sessions can be enhanced with task management and Spotify integration, allowing users to set timelines, goals, and playlists for their deep-focus periods.
Early adopters consistently report increased productivity and fewer interruptions, lending credence to Microsoft’s investment in wellness-driven features. For developers, writers, and anyone frequently “in the zone,” Focus Mode is an invaluable built-in discipline tool.
Room for Improvement: While effective, Focus Mode could benefit from greater integration with third-party productivity tools. For now, it stands as a robust, homegrown solution for taming digital overload.
Cross-Device Synergy: Leveraging Windows Phone Link
The divide between phone and PC is shrinking, and nowhere is this clearer than in Microsoft’s increasingly polished Phone Link app. Supporting both Android and iOS devices, Phone Link creates a unified communications hub: receive and send text messages, make and answer calls, view mobile notifications, and transfer files seamlessly—all from your Windows 11 PC.Setup is straightforward: ensure the Phone Link app is running on your PC and install the “Link to Windows” app on your smartphone (from the App Store or Google Play). Once paired, your phone’s notifications pop up natively on your desktop, calls can be answered from your PC’s speakers and mic, and photos or files can be dragged-and-dropped from phone to desktop with minimal friction.
For Android users, integration feels particularly tight—rivaling Apple’s fabled iPhone-Mac handoff in certain respects. iOS support is improving, though Apple’s tighter security ecosystem limits some advanced features.
User Testimonial: Many users didn’t explore Phone Link until recently, only to discover it radically changed their workflow—especially for photo editing and messaging without breaking concentration.
Key Limitation: iOS features currently lag Android’s, particularly in file transfer and message sync. Users invested in the Apple ecosystem should temper expectations, but Android users will find a cross-device bridge that’s both fluid and robust.
Unlocking Superpower Features with PowerToys
No conversation about Windows “power user” tools would be complete without mentioning PowerToys. While not bundled by default, PowerToys can be freely downloaded from the Microsoft Store, immediately unlocking a slew of features often requested by developers, designers, and advanced users.Favorite PowerToys features include:
- Peek: Instantly preview files without opening them, saving time on repetitive workflows.
- Color Picker: Grab any color code from your screen for design or development tasks.
- Command Palette: Add Spotlight-like search for commands, settings, and files, directly on Windows.
- FancyZones: Supercharge window management with custom grid layouts for snapping and organizing windows.
- PowerRename: Bulk rename files with advanced find-and-replace logic.
- Keyboard Manager: Remap keys and shortcuts globally or app-specifically.
Risk Note: Since PowerToys is not a standard part of Windows and updates frequently, users should update regularly and be aware of possible early-release bugs. Nonetheless, the toolset enjoys broad community support and official Microsoft backing.
Critical Analysis: The Yin and Yang of Underrated Features
Major Strengths
- Customizability: Windows 11 excels at letting users tailor their environment, from Start menu folders to advanced multitasking aids.
- Battery Optimization: DRR demonstrates Microsoft’s serious commitment to balancing power and performance—critical for the new generation of mobile professionals.
- Productivity-First Mentality: Tools like Focus Mode and PowerToys cater directly to knowledge workers, writers, and developers—audiences with little patience for “one-size-fits-all” solutions.
- Cross-Platform Integration: Phone Link hints at a future where device silos no longer slow productivity, giving Windows users much-desired parity with the Apple ecosystem.
Potential Risks and Weaknesses
- Discoverability: Many of these features require deep menu-diving or knowledge of Windows blogs/forums, meaning even veteran users may remain unaware. Microsoft should consider onboarding tutorials during initial setup to increase visibility.
- Hardware Fragmentation: Features such as DRR remain locked behind specific hardware, ignoring a large swath of budget and mid-tier device users.
- Inconsistent OS Experience: PowerToys is a double-edged sword—supercharging productivity but introducing management overhead and update friction for non-technical users.
- Third-Party Integrations: While Phone Link is spearheading device convergence, Apple’s ecosystem restrictions limit the depth of its integration for iPhone users, leaving a fragmented experience for many.
Underrated No More: Making the Most of Windows 11
Windows 11, while sometimes maligned for its learning curve or shifting taskbar conventions, is quietly one of the most flexible and innovative operating systems in recent history. By surfacing and activating these underrated features, users transform their PCs from mere tools into custom command centers—balancing fun, focus, and ferocious multitasking.Below is a quick reference table for enabling these lesser-known settings:
| Feature | Path to Enable / Use | Pro Tip/Shortcut |
|---|---|---|
| Title Bar Window Shake | Settings > System > Multitasking > Title bar window shake | Shake window or Win + Home |
| Dynamic Refresh Rate | Settings > System > Display > Advanced Display > Choose refresh rate > Dynamic Refresh Rate | Requires 120Hz+ & VRR display |
| Start Menu Folders | Settings > Personalization > Start > Folders | Max 9 built-in folders |
| Focus Mode | Settings > System > Focus, Clock app, or Calendar flyout at lower right | Integrate tasks & Spotify |
| Phone Link | Preinstalled (PC), Link to Windows app (phone) | Best for Android users |
| PowerToys | Download from Microsoft Store | Command Palette, FancyZones |
Looking Ahead
The beauty of Windows 11 lies in its continuous evolution—a symbiosis of user feedback, technological progress, and Microsoft’s drive to streamline digital life. Each of these underappreciated features represents both a glimpse into Windows’ future and a challenge: how to surface deep, meaningful flexibility without overwhelming casual users with options.For those venturing beyond the default settings, Windows 11 is more than just a new skin over an old core. From the tactile satisfaction of window shaking to the silent discipline of Focus Mode, it’s a playground for efficiency, a sanctuary for concentration, and, perhaps most importantly, a bold reimagining of what a “personal” computer can be. As these features gain traction, expect them to move from underrated curiosities to everyday essentials—one shake, click, or session at a time.
Source: Pocket-lint 6 underrated Windows 11 features I found that make my PC so much better
