In a recent article on HT Tech titled "Windows 11 essential tips and tricks: Become a Pro user in minutes," author Roydon Cerejo explores some of the most useful features and settings in Windows 11 that elevate user productivity and enhance the overall experience. For anyone who has upgraded from Windows 10, or if you're just entering the Windows ecosystem, there's plenty to glean from this discussion. The piece highlights a list of essential tips and tricks that can make navigating and utilizing Windows 11 far more seamless. The article captures the zeitgeist surrounding Windows 11 as users strive to unlock its full potential.
The first tip emphasizes the enhanced Snap Layouts, a feature users are likely to appreciate, especially those using larger monitors. While older versions of Windows allowed you to snap windows to the edges of the screen, Windows 11 takes this further with multiple layout options. Upon hovering over the maximize button, you'll be greeted with a new context menu displaying various layouts that can enhance multitasking and give you a bird's eye view of all the content. This expansion allows for greater flexibility and makes window management a breeze.
The Phone Link tool comes pre-installed on Windows 11 and allows you to view alerts from your phone directly on your computer screen. This feature is particularly useful for those who need to enter one-time passwords (OTPs) when making online purchases. Once synced, not only can you track notifications but you can also drag and drop files seamlessly between your devices. This integration resembles the iPhone and Mac's linkage but makes it widely accessible for Windows users.
One of the long-awaited updates is the introduction of tabs in both the Notepad and File Explorer. This new feature significantly reduces the hassle of juggling multiple open windows. File Explorer users will frequently find themselves switching between different drives or folders; now, this can all be done under a single interface, simplifying the copying and pasting of content. Additionally, for Notepad, you can now enjoy an experience akin to working with sticky notes, allowing you to close tabs without saving and return later.
Windows 11 now allows users to group pinned apps in the Start menu by creating folders, much like on a smartphone. To accomplish this, simply drag a pinned app over another. This function is particularly handy when considering limited space in the taskbar and aims to declutter your digital workspace.
The article also covers the personalization of the taskbar. If you prefer not to have the taskbar items aligned in the center, akin to Windows 10's layout, you can easily shift them to the left. Through right-clicking the taskbar and accessing Taskbar settings, users can change the alignment and even opt for automatic hiding, offering more screen real estate when needed.
For those moments when concentration is key, Windows 11's Focus feature integrated into the clock app proves invaluable. With the ability to silence notifications and provide reminders for breaks, users are encouraged to dive deep into their work without unnecessary distractions. By linking a music app like Spotify, users can even curate playlists that further enhance their productivity.
Not as widely recognized, the "Shake" feature allows you to minimize all other open windows with a simple shake of the title bar. Forming part of the Multitasking settings, this is a quick and effective way to declutter your workspace when only one window needs your focus. With just a few simple shakes, the rest of your workspace can be cleared instantaneously.
Last but certainly not least, the Quick Assist feature is a lifesaver if you ever find yourself needing to assist someone else with their PC troubles. Both the helper and the recipient need a Microsoft account and the Quick Assist app, allowing for the sharing of control over each other's screens. This perspective not only fosters collaboration but also provides a safe platform for remote assistance.
The tips presented are not merely trivial shortcuts; they reflect a substantial commitment by Microsoft to improve the usability and efficiency of Windows 11. The enhanced Snap Layouts and organization options within the Start menu and File Explorer help not just tech-savvy users but can also make life easier for everyday users. By promoting features that enhance productivity, Microsoft is positioning Windows 11 as the OS not just for gamers and professionals, but for anyone who values efficiency and orderliness. For instance, users who balance work on several projects alongside communication apps will find tabs in Notepad and File Explorer particularly invaluable. The customization of taskbar settings and the Focus feature, in tandem, allow users to create an environment that is tailored to their preferences and workflow. Moreover, these tips also speak a much larger narrative regarding the evolution of personal computing. As devices become more integrated and interconnected, the fluidity of work across platforms—like a seamless connection between your mobile phone and computer—becomes not just a luxury but a necessity.
The introduction of features like Snap Layouts is reminiscent of the ongoing changes in user expectations of operating systems. As tasks become more multi-faceted and the demand for efficiency continues to rise, innovations in features suggest that Microsoft's focus is not only on hardware compatibility but also on the holistic user experience. The evolution of multitasking in Windows has come a long way since the days when opening multiple applications meant constantly flipping through different windows or losing track of one's workspace. Windows 11 embraces this need for functionality by enhancing its core utilities to pave the way for a smoother user journey.
As someone who has spent considerable time navigating the intricacies of operating systems, I appreciate Microsoft's innovative features aimed at bolstering user interactivity with their OS. However, it's also essential to approach these advancements with a critical eye. While many features contribute positively to productivity, there are still areas where users should be cautious. For instance, the Phone Link may depend heavily on app compatibility and may still present challenges when syncing across devices from different manufacturers. Additionally, while the Focus feature is commendable, balancing productivity with breaks is an individual task—some users might prefer more customizable options to tune into their specific productivity rhythms. To sum it up, these features illustrate Microsoft’s understanding of contemporary user needs and the direction in which personal computing is headed. There’s an exciting sense of community fostered through features like Quick Assist that exemplify the modern collaborative ethos, embodying the ever-evolving nature of personal and professional interaction.
Embracing Windows 11 can significantly transform the way you work, organize, and connect with your devices. The tips highlighted in the HT Tech article serve not only as foundational knowledge for new users but can also re-energize seasoned users interested in exploring the latest that Windows has to offer. Discussions around these features not only affirm the current enhancements within Windows 11 but also hint at what might come next as Microsoft continues to adapt its offerings to meet the needs of an ever-evolving user base. So, dear WindowsForum.com readers, why not dive into these features and unlock the full potential of Windows 11?
Overall, while the discussion on tips and tricks primarily serves a practical purpose, it reveals insights about user expectations and industry positions. The continuous updates and community feedback will eventually lead to even further enhancements within the Windows ecosystem, potentially shaping the future of technology as we know it.
Source: HT Tech Windows 11 essential tips and tricks: Become a Pro user in minutes
1. Snap Layouts – Organize Your Windows Better
The first tip emphasizes the enhanced Snap Layouts, a feature users are likely to appreciate, especially those using larger monitors. While older versions of Windows allowed you to snap windows to the edges of the screen, Windows 11 takes this further with multiple layout options. Upon hovering over the maximize button, you'll be greeted with a new context menu displaying various layouts that can enhance multitasking and give you a bird's eye view of all the content. This expansion allows for greater flexibility and makes window management a breeze.
2. Phone Link for OTPs on Your PC
The Phone Link tool comes pre-installed on Windows 11 and allows you to view alerts from your phone directly on your computer screen. This feature is particularly useful for those who need to enter one-time passwords (OTPs) when making online purchases. Once synced, not only can you track notifications but you can also drag and drop files seamlessly between your devices. This integration resembles the iPhone and Mac's linkage but makes it widely accessible for Windows users.
3. Tabs in Notepad and File Explorer
One of the long-awaited updates is the introduction of tabs in both the Notepad and File Explorer. This new feature significantly reduces the hassle of juggling multiple open windows. File Explorer users will frequently find themselves switching between different drives or folders; now, this can all be done under a single interface, simplifying the copying and pasting of content. Additionally, for Notepad, you can now enjoy an experience akin to working with sticky notes, allowing you to close tabs without saving and return later.
4. Organizing Pinned Apps in Start Menu with Folders
Windows 11 now allows users to group pinned apps in the Start menu by creating folders, much like on a smartphone. To accomplish this, simply drag a pinned app over another. This function is particularly handy when considering limited space in the taskbar and aims to declutter your digital workspace.
5. Customizing the Taskbar
The article also covers the personalization of the taskbar. If you prefer not to have the taskbar items aligned in the center, akin to Windows 10's layout, you can easily shift them to the left. Through right-clicking the taskbar and accessing Taskbar settings, users can change the alignment and even opt for automatic hiding, offering more screen real estate when needed.
6. Boosting Productivity with Focus Mode
For those moments when concentration is key, Windows 11's Focus feature integrated into the clock app proves invaluable. With the ability to silence notifications and provide reminders for breaks, users are encouraged to dive deep into their work without unnecessary distractions. By linking a music app like Spotify, users can even curate playlists that further enhance their productivity.
7. Enabling “Shake” for Windows Title Bars
Not as widely recognized, the "Shake" feature allows you to minimize all other open windows with a simple shake of the title bar. Forming part of the Multitasking settings, this is a quick and effective way to declutter your workspace when only one window needs your focus. With just a few simple shakes, the rest of your workspace can be cleared instantaneously.
8. Remote Assistance with Quick Assist
Last but certainly not least, the Quick Assist feature is a lifesaver if you ever find yourself needing to assist someone else with their PC troubles. Both the helper and the recipient need a Microsoft account and the Quick Assist app, allowing for the sharing of control over each other's screens. This perspective not only fosters collaboration but also provides a safe platform for remote assistance.
Impact on Windows Users
The tips presented are not merely trivial shortcuts; they reflect a substantial commitment by Microsoft to improve the usability and efficiency of Windows 11. The enhanced Snap Layouts and organization options within the Start menu and File Explorer help not just tech-savvy users but can also make life easier for everyday users. By promoting features that enhance productivity, Microsoft is positioning Windows 11 as the OS not just for gamers and professionals, but for anyone who values efficiency and orderliness. For instance, users who balance work on several projects alongside communication apps will find tabs in Notepad and File Explorer particularly invaluable. The customization of taskbar settings and the Focus feature, in tandem, allow users to create an environment that is tailored to their preferences and workflow. Moreover, these tips also speak a much larger narrative regarding the evolution of personal computing. As devices become more integrated and interconnected, the fluidity of work across platforms—like a seamless connection between your mobile phone and computer—becomes not just a luxury but a necessity.
Historical Context
The introduction of features like Snap Layouts is reminiscent of the ongoing changes in user expectations of operating systems. As tasks become more multi-faceted and the demand for efficiency continues to rise, innovations in features suggest that Microsoft's focus is not only on hardware compatibility but also on the holistic user experience. The evolution of multitasking in Windows has come a long way since the days when opening multiple applications meant constantly flipping through different windows or losing track of one's workspace. Windows 11 embraces this need for functionality by enhancing its core utilities to pave the way for a smoother user journey.
Expert Commentary
As someone who has spent considerable time navigating the intricacies of operating systems, I appreciate Microsoft's innovative features aimed at bolstering user interactivity with their OS. However, it's also essential to approach these advancements with a critical eye. While many features contribute positively to productivity, there are still areas where users should be cautious. For instance, the Phone Link may depend heavily on app compatibility and may still present challenges when syncing across devices from different manufacturers. Additionally, while the Focus feature is commendable, balancing productivity with breaks is an individual task—some users might prefer more customizable options to tune into their specific productivity rhythms. To sum it up, these features illustrate Microsoft’s understanding of contemporary user needs and the direction in which personal computing is headed. There’s an exciting sense of community fostered through features like Quick Assist that exemplify the modern collaborative ethos, embodying the ever-evolving nature of personal and professional interaction.
Conclusion
Embracing Windows 11 can significantly transform the way you work, organize, and connect with your devices. The tips highlighted in the HT Tech article serve not only as foundational knowledge for new users but can also re-energize seasoned users interested in exploring the latest that Windows has to offer. Discussions around these features not only affirm the current enhancements within Windows 11 but also hint at what might come next as Microsoft continues to adapt its offerings to meet the needs of an ever-evolving user base. So, dear WindowsForum.com readers, why not dive into these features and unlock the full potential of Windows 11?
Overall, while the discussion on tips and tricks primarily serves a practical purpose, it reveals insights about user expectations and industry positions. The continuous updates and community feedback will eventually lead to even further enhancements within the Windows ecosystem, potentially shaping the future of technology as we know it.
Source: HT Tech Windows 11 essential tips and tricks: Become a Pro user in minutes
Last edited by a moderator: