Top 10 Windows 11 Features to Boost Your Productivity

Windows 11 is quickly catching up with Windows 10, and as of August 2024, it holds over 31% of the Windows market share. This number will continue to grow, especially with Windows 10’s retirement set for 2025.

Are you already using Windows 11, or planning to make the switch soon? These tips will help you make the most of your new operating system. Windows 11 has many features that can significantly improve your productivity—but only if you use them effectively.

Here are some key settings and tools to optimise your Windows 11 experience and streamline your daily workflow.

Customising the Start Menu

While it might seem like a small detail, the Start Menu is your hub for launching apps and accessing system settings. Customising it can save you time and clicks, making your workflow more efficient.

Here’s how you can make it work better for you:

Pin Frequently Used Apps: Right-click any app and select “Pin to Start” to keep your most-used apps easily accessible.
Organise Into Folders: Drag and drop apps onto each other to create folders. Name these folders for easy identification.
Adjust the Layout: Go to Settings > Personalisation> Start to choose which folders appear and adjust the layout to fit your needs.

Using Virtual Desktops

Virtual desktops let you organise your work by creating separate spaces for different tasks, such as one for work and another for personal projects.

Create a New Desktop: Click the Task View button on your taskbar, press Win + Tab, and then click “New Desktop” to set up a fresh virtual workspace.
Switch Between Desktops: Use Ctrl + Win + Left/Right Arrow to toggle between your virtual desktops.

Mastering Snap Layouts and Snap Groups

Snap Layouts and Snap Groups are excellent tools for multitasking. They let you position windows side by side, reducing the time spent switching between apps.

Use Snap Layouts: Hover over the maximise button on any window to see available layouts, then select the one that best suits your needs.
Create Snap Groups: Once you’ve snapped windows into place, Windows 11 remembers the arrangement. Hover over the taskbar icons to view and restore your Snap Groups.

By customising these settings and tools, you can unlock Windows 11’s full potential and significantly boost your productivity.

Focus Assist

Focus Assist helps minimise distractions so you can stay focused on your tasks.

Enable Focus Assist: Search for “Focus” in the taskbar and select Focus Settings. Choose your preferred options, then click to start a session.
Set Automatic Rules: Configure automatic rules for Focus Assist to activate during specific activities, such as when duplicating your display or playing a game.

Widgets

Widgets offer quick access to personalized content, like news, weather, calendar, and more.

Access Widgets: Click the Widgets icon in the taskbar or press Win + W.
Customize Widgets: Add, remove, or adjust the size and position of widgets to match your preferences.

Taskbar Customisation

An organised taskbar can boost your productivity. Remove unused icons to reduce clutter and make finding what you need faster.

Pin Apps to Taskbar: Right-click any app and select Pin to Taskbar for easy access.
Adjust Taskbar Settings: Right-click on the taskbar and choose Taskbar Settings. Here, you can customise the taskbar’s behaviour by hiding it in desktop mode or displaying badges on taskbar buttons.

Keyboard Shortcuts

Keyboard shortcuts save you time and make navigating Windows 11 quicker. Here are some essential shortcuts to learn:

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

Power and Battery Settings

Optimising power and battery settings can improve performance and battery life, especially when you’re not near a power source.

Adjust Power Mode: Go to Settings > System > Power & Battery and choose a power mode that balances performance and battery life.
Battery Saver: Enable Battery Saver to extend battery life when you’re away from power for a while.

Storage Sense

Storage Sense helps manage your disk space by automatically cleaning up unnecessary files.

Enable Storage Sense: Go to Settings > System > Storage and turn on Storage Sense. Configure it to run automatically.
Configure Cleanup Schedules: Set up schedules to delete temporary files, empty the recycle bin, and remove unused files.

Accessibility Features

Windows 11 offers several accessibility features that can improve your overall productivity.

Magnifier: Zoom in on parts of your screen by pressing Win + Plus.
Narrator: Enable the Narrator tool to read text aloud. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Narrator.
High Contrast Mode: To improve screen visibility, enable High Contrast Mode by going to Settings > Accessibility > High contrast.

Looking for More IT Productivity Tips?

Our team of experts is ready to share more tips on boosting productivity with Windows 11. If you want to enhance your workflow, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Top 10 Windows 11 Features to Boost Your Productivity