Unlock Hidden Windows 11 Features to Boost Performance & Productivity

Windows 11 introduces a suite of features designed to enhance system performance and user experience. While some are prominently highlighted, others remain underutilized yet offer significant benefits. By exploring these lesser-known functionalities, users can optimize their PCs for faster, smoother, and more efficient operation.

Startup App Management​

A common culprit behind sluggish boot times is the plethora of applications set to launch at startup. Windows 11 simplifies the process of managing these applications:

• Access Task Manager: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
• Navigate to Startup Apps: Click on the "Startup" tab.
• Disable Unnecessary Apps: Right-click on any non-essential application and select "Disable."

By reducing the number of startup programs, users can achieve faster boot times and free up system resources, leading to improved overall performance.

Efficiency Mode in Task Manager​

Windows 11's Task Manager includes an "Efficiency Mode" aimed at optimizing resource usage:

• Open Task Manager: Use Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
• Identify Resource-Intensive Processes: Under the "Processes" tab, locate applications consuming significant CPU or memory.
• Enable Efficiency Mode: Right-click on the desired process and select "Efficiency Mode."

Activating this mode reduces the priority of background processes, ensuring that foreground applications receive more resources, thereby enhancing responsiveness and conserving battery life on portable devices.

Managing Background App Permissions​

Background applications can drain system resources without the user's knowledge. Windows 11 allows for precise control over these apps:

• Open Settings: Press Win + I.
• Navigate to Privacy & Security: Click on "Privacy & Security" in the sidebar.
• Access Background Apps: Scroll to "App permissions" and select "Background apps."
• Adjust Permissions: Toggle off unnecessary applications to prevent them from running in the background.

By limiting background activity, users can free up CPU and memory resources, leading to a more efficient system, especially on devices with limited hardware capabilities.

Virtual Desktops for Organized Workflow​

Virtual desktops offer a method to organize tasks and applications, reducing clutter and improving focus:

• Create a New Desktop: Press Win + Tab to open Task View, then click on "New desktop."
• Switch Between Desktops: Use Ctrl + Win + Left/Right Arrow to navigate between desktops.
• Customize Each Desktop: Assign specific applications or tasks to each desktop for better organization.

Utilizing virtual desktops can streamline workflows, making multitasking more efficient and reducing the cognitive load associated with managing multiple applications simultaneously.

Game Mode for Resource Optimization​

Originally designed to enhance gaming performance, Windows 11's Game Mode can also benefit other resource-intensive applications:

• Open Settings: Press Win + I.
• Navigate to Gaming: Click on "Gaming" in the sidebar.
• Enable Game Mode: Select "Game Mode" and toggle it on.

When activated, Game Mode prioritizes system resources for the active application, reducing background activity. This can be particularly beneficial for tasks such as video editing, 3D rendering, or virtual meetings, ensuring smoother performance.

Storage Sense for Automated Maintenance​

Storage Sense is a feature that automatically manages disk space by removing unnecessary files:

• Open Settings: Press Win + I.
• Navigate to System: Click on "System," then select "Storage."
• Configure Storage Sense: Toggle on "Storage Sense" and click on "Configure Storage Sense or run it now" to set preferences.

By automating the cleanup of temporary files and managing the Recycle Bin, Storage Sense helps maintain optimal disk performance without manual intervention.

Clipboard History for Enhanced Productivity​

Windows 11's Clipboard History allows users to access multiple copied items:

• Enable Clipboard History: Press Win + V and click "Turn on."
• Access Clipboard History: Use Win + V to view and select from previously copied items.

This feature is particularly useful for tasks requiring repetitive copying and pasting, streamlining workflows and reducing redundancy.

Night Light for Reduced Eye Strain​

Night Light reduces blue light emission, which can help alleviate eye strain during extended computer use:

• Open Settings: Press Win + I.
• Navigate to Display: Click on "System," then select "Display."
• Enable Night Light: Toggle on "Night Light" and configure the schedule as desired.

By adjusting the screen's color temperature, Night Light can make prolonged screen time more comfortable, especially in low-light environments.

Voice Typing for Efficient Input​

Voice Typing allows users to dictate text, offering an alternative to traditional typing:

• Activate Voice Typing: Press Win + H in any text field.
• Begin Dictation: Speak clearly, and Windows will transcribe your speech into text.

This feature can enhance productivity, particularly for users who prefer speaking over typing or need to input text quickly.

Live Captions for Accessibility​

Live Captions provide real-time transcription of audio content, enhancing accessibility:

• Enable Live Captions: Press Win + Ctrl + L.
• Customize Captions: Adjust the position and appearance of captions as needed.

This feature is beneficial for users who are hard of hearing or for situations where audio cannot be played aloud.
By exploring and utilizing these underrated features, Windows 11 users can significantly enhance their computing experience, achieving a balance between performance, efficiency, and user comfort.

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Source: Analytics Insight Most Underrated Windows 11 Features That Can Run Your PC Faster