11 Hidden Gems in Windows 11 You Might Have Missed
Windows 11 is more than just a sleek interface with cenetred icons and updated design, it’s a powerhouse of smart features and hidden tools that often go unnoticed. Whether you're a casual user, IT professional, or a small business owner, knowing these hidden gems can help you get the most out of your device. Here's a closer look at 11 underrated features that deserve your attention:
1. Snap Layouts: Redefining Your Multitasking Abilities
Snap Layouts are a powerful tool for multitasking, enabling you to neatly organise windows on your screen. Hover your cursor over the maximise button to access predefined layouts and effortlessly arrange apps side by side. Whether you're juggling multiple tasks or working on a project, Snap Layouts make it easy to stay organised and focused. A wonderful tool for multitaskers and developers.
How it helps:
Hover over the app icon in the taskbar to reopen all grouped apps at once.
2. Focus Sessions: Where Productivity Meets Relaxation
Found in the Clock app, Focus Sessions help you work smarter, not harder. Pair it with “Microsoft To Do” to track tasks and integrate Spotify for background music. This feature is perfect for setting work intervals, tackling tasks, and breaking up your day effectively. Perfect for remote workers and students looking to beat procrastination.
How to access:
Open the Clock app > Click on "Focus Sessions".
3. Dynamic Refresh Rate (DRR): Smoother Performance
Windows 11 supports Dynamic Refresh Rate (DRR) for select displays, offering a fluid experience by automatically switching between lower and higher refresh rates depending on your activity. For tasks like scrolling and video playback, DRR optimises performance without draining your battery. For example, If your laptop supports high refresh rates, DRR automatically switches between 60Hz and 120Hz depending on activity, optimising performance and saving battery. This tool is ideal for graphic designers and gamers.
How to enable:
Settings > Display > Advanced display > Choose Dynamic under refresh rate.
4. Universal Mute Button: Stay in Control During Calls
The Universal Mute button is an innovation that makes video calls less stressful. Located on the taskbar, it lets you mute your microphone across all applications (Zoom, Teams, Meet, etc.) with a single click. No more awkward moments of searching for the mute button in individual apps.
Where to Find It:
When you're in a video/audio call, a mic icon appears in the system tray. Just tap it to toggle mute/unmute instantly.
5. Widgets Panel: Information at Your Fingertips
The Widgets panel is your go-to dashboard for quick glances at important info related to news, weather, sports scores, stock market trends, and your calendar. With quick access to important information, you can stay informed without opening separate apps. Moreover, this tool is customisable with your personalised info hub.
Where to Find It:
It’s a curated, scrollable panel that shows dynamic live content similar to what you'd see on your smartphone home screen. You can open it by pressing:
Windows + W or clicking the Widgets icon on the taskbar (a small blue-and-white square).
6. Clipboard History: An Upgrade for Copied Items
Clipboard History stores past copied items for easy retrieval. You can pin frequently used snippets, making it a handy tool for anyone dealing with repetitive tasks like data entry or document drafting. Instead of copying and pasting one item at a time, enable “Clipboard History” to access multiple copied texts or images. This tool is best for marketers, content writers, and multitaskers.
How to use it:
Press Windows + V to open a history of your copied items. Enable it once, and it’ll work seamlessly.
7. Virtual Desktops: Tidy Workspaces
Windows 11 allows you to create and customise virtual desktops, keeping work and personal tasks separate. Personalise each desktop with unique wallpapers to identify them instantly, providing a great solution for staying organised in busy environments.
How to access:
Press Windows + Tab, then click "New desktop"
8. Storage Sense: Automatic Decluttering
Storage Sense works behind the scenes to declutter your system by deleting temporary files and clearing the Recycle Bin according to your preferences. Never worry about full storage again because Storage Sense automatically deletes junk files, manages OneDrive files, and helps clean up your drive. This automated cleanup feature helps your device run smoothly without manual intervention. It is helpful for PC optimisation and long-term maintenance.
How to activate:
Settings > System > Storage > Enable Storage Sense.
9. DirectStorage: Lightning-Fast Gaming and App Load Times
Gamers, 3D designers & developers, and power users can rejoice with DirectStorage, which optimises data transfer between your SSD and GPU to reduce loading times and enhance the gaming experience. It's an essential feature for cutting-edge games on Windows 11. DirectStorage is a game-changing technology in Windows 11 designed to drastically reduce loading times and enhance performance, especially for modern games and high-performance applications.
10. Voice Typing: Accurate and Effortless
Ditch the keyboard and type using your voice. “Voice Typing” uses advanced speech recognition to convert your spoken words into text. With automatic punctuation, it’s especially useful for writing notes, emails, or reports quickly and efficiently. Excellent tool for content writers, business professionals, students, and those with accessibility needs.
How to access:
Press Windows + H in any text field and start speaking.
11. Enhanced Windows Security Dashboard: Peace of Mind, Simplified
Windows 11 takes security to the next level with its Enhanced Windows Security Dashboard. Designed with simplicity and effectiveness in mind, this feature consolidates all your security tools into a single, user-friendly interface. Whether you want to check virus protection, control firewall settings, or manage device health, it's all just a click away. Windows 11 includes a more intuitive Windows Security interface with core isolation, reputation-based protection, and ransomware protection settings. This tool improves cybersecurity without third-party tools.
Access it via:
Start > Windows Security > Device Security
Conclusion: Unleash the Full Potential of Windows 11
Windows 11 is packed with innovative features designed to enhance productivity, security, and user experience. From hidden gems like Snap Layouts and Focus Sessions to the Enhanced Windows Security Dashboard, this operating system is perfect for work, play, and everything in between.
Whether you're upgrading from an older version of Windows or experiencing it for the first time, now is the ideal opportunity to discover everything Windows 11 has to offer. Keep an eye out for more updates, expert tips, and tricks to maximize the potential of your device. If you need professional assistance with installing Windows 11 or are searching for the best business laptop pre-installed with Windows 11, our team is here to help. Get in touch with us today!