Windows 11 has brought a fresh, modern design and a slew of new features, but some of its most interesting capabilities are hidden beneath the surface. Whether you're a seasoned Windows user or new to the operating system, uncovering these hidden gems can enhance your experience and boost productivity. Here are some of the top hidden features in Windows 11 that you might not know about:
One of the most intuitive features in Windows 11 is Snap Layouts, which allows you to easily arrange open windows in various layouts. When you hover over the maximize button of a window, you’ll see a pop-up offering different ways to split your screen. Snap Groups, on the other hand, let you quickly switch back to grouped apps that you’ve snapped together, making multitasking a breeze.
Windows 11 has significantly improved Virtual Desktops, offering more customization options than ever before. You can now personalize each desktop with its own wallpaper and even name them to better organize your workflow. This is especially useful for users who want to separate work and personal tasks.
For those with high-refresh-rate monitors, Windows 11 introduces Dynamic Refresh Rate (DRR). This feature adjusts the refresh rate based on the content you're viewing, saving battery life on laptops while still delivering a smooth experience when you need it, like during gaming or scrolling through content.
Windows 11’s Clock app comes with a Focus Sessions feature designed to help you concentrate. You can set up sessions with timed breaks, integrate your Spotify account to play background music, and even sync tasks from Microsoft To Do. It’s a simple yet powerful tool for staying productive.
Windows 11 includes DirectStorage, a technology that allows games to load assets directly from the SSD to the GPU, bypassing the CPU and significantly reducing load times. This feature is a game-changer for gamers, offering quicker game loading and smoother gameplay.
The clipboard in Windows 11 has been enhanced with a history feature that allows you to paste from a list of previously copied items. Press Win + V to open the clipboard history and easily access text, images, and even emojis that you’ve copied. This feature is a huge time-saver for anyone who works with a lot of text.
If you use a laptop with a touchpad, Windows 11 offers new multi-finger touchpad gestures that you might not be aware of. These gestures allow you to switch between apps, open Task View, or navigate desktops with a swipe. It’s a subtle but powerful way to speed up your workflow.