A lot of people are now using Windows 11 (as of August 2024, Windows 11 had over 31% of the Windows market share) and since Windows 10 retires in late 2025 this will increase significantly over the next year. This blog article will go through some great tips on optimising your Windows 11 experience.

Windows 11 offers several great features, but you must know about them and then use them to gain the productivity boost. Let us jump into some of the most effective settings and tools that can transform your daily workflow.

1. Virtual Desktops

Virtual desktops allows user to organise their workspace more effectively. Users can now separate different tasks into distinct desktops. For example, one for work and one for personal. To enable these:

• Create a New Desktop: Click on the Task View button on the taskbar or press Win + Tab. Click on New Desktop to create a new virtual space.
• Switch Between Desktops: Use Ctrl + Win + Left/Right Arrow to switch between desktops.

2. Snap Layouts and Snap Groups

Snap Layouts and Snap Groups are powerful tools for multitasking as they snap windows into position for side-by-side work. They are especially useful if you only have one screen and you will notice a big reduction in time switching between applications.

• Use Snap Layouts: Hover over the maximise button on any window to see available snap layouts. Choose a layout to snap the window into place.
• Create Snap Groups: Snap windows into a layout. Windows 11 remembers the group. Hover over the taskbar icons to see and restore the snap group.

3. Smart Menu Customisation

The Start Menu might seem less important than other features, but it is used all the time and is your gateway to all the applications and settings on your computer. You can use the menu to start applications, search and much more. This makes it a huge potential productivity enhancer.

Customising your Start Menu can save you time and clicks and here are a few time saving ideas:

• Pin Frequently Used Apps: Right-click on any application and select Pin to Start. This saves you from searching for the app by keeping your most-used applications just a click away.
• Organise into Folders: Drag and drop apps on top of each other to create folders and label these for easy identification.
• Adjust Start Menu Layout: Go to Settings > Personalisation > Start. Here, you can choose which folders appear on Start and adjust the layout to suit your needs.

4. Taskbar Customisation

An organised taskbar can significantly enhance your productivity. Instead of showing  icons you never use, you can hide them to get them out of your way. This then reduces distractions and helps you find what you need faster.

• Pin Apps to Taskbar: Right-click on any app and select Pin to taskbar for quick access.
• Adjust Taskbar Settings: Right-click on the taskbar and choose Taskbar settings. Here, you can customize taskbar behaviours. Such as hiding it in desktop mode or showing badges on taskbar buttons.

5. Focus Assist

Focus Assist helps you stay focused by minimising distractions.

• Enable Focus Assist: Search Focus from the taskbar search, click Focus Settings and then choose your options and click to start a session.
• Set Automatic Rules: Configure automatic rules to enable Focus Assist during specific times. For example, when duplicating your display or when playing a game.

6. Widgets

Widgets provide quick access to personalised content like news, weather, calendar and more. To use Widgets:

• Access Widgets: Click on the Widgets icon on the taskbar or press Win + W.
• Customise Widgets: This allows you to Add or remove widgets and adjust their size and position to suit your preferences.

7. Common Keyboard Shortcuts

Keyboard shortcuts can save you a lot of time. Once you learn your favourites, using them will be like second nature. Here are some common ones:

• Alt + Tab: Switch between open apps.
• Win + L: Lock your PC.
• Win + E: Open File Explorer.
• Win + I: Open Settings.
• Win + D: Show or hide the desktop.

8. Power Settings

Optimising your power settings can extend your device’s battery life and improve performance. Knowing these adjustments is super helpful if you are without a power connection for a while.

• Adjust Power Mode: Go to Settings > System > Power & battery. Choose a power mode that balances performance and battery life.
• Battery Saver: Enable Battery Saver to extend battery life. Use it when your device is running low or you are away from a power source for an extended time.

9. Storage Sense

Storage Sense helps you manage disk space by automatically deleting unnecessary files.

• Enable Storage Sense: Go to Settings > System > Storage. Turn on Storage Sense and configure it to run automatically.
• Configure Clean-up Schedules: Set up schedules for several tasks. Such as deleting temporary files, emptying the recycle bin, and removing unused files.

10. Accessibility Features

Windows 11 includes several accessibility features that can enhance your productivity. ·

• Magnifier: Use the Magnifier tool to zoom in on parts of your screen. Press Win + Plus to activate it.
• Narrator: Enable Narrator to read text on your screen aloud. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Narrator.
• High Contrast Mode: Improve visibility by enabling high contrast mode. Go to Settings > Accessibility > High contrast.

Looking for More IT Productivity Tips?

Our team of experienced tech experts has many other productivity tips to share. If you are looking to optimise your workflow, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Contact us today to schedule a chat about productivity enhancers.