Windows 11 is currently running on 226 million devices, and the trend is rising rapidly. Although PC specifications depend on the user’s preferences, Windows 11 is the best version of this operating system. It offers many new and old hacks that primarily improve the user experience. If you’re lucky enough to own a Windows 11 computer or are considering upgrading, this article is for you.
Here are seven useful tips and tricks to help you use Windows 11 like a pro.
Add more right-click options
Microsoft has decided to redesign the context menu in Windows 11 and remove some settings that are considered less necessary. You may notice that when you right-click on files and folders, some options that you were used to in previous versions are not available. For example, the options for printing, setting a new background and displaying the file location are no longer available by default.
However, you can access the older menu by clicking on “Show more options” at the bottom of the context menu. Select a file or folder and press “Shift + F10” to achieve the same effect.
Fingerprint for authentication
You want your fingerprint as biometric access control and not the traditional PIN or password? No problem. Many notebooks and tablets already have an integrated scanner for placing your finger. If the scanner is missing, you can also retrofit it. You will then need a Windows Hello-compatible USB fingerprint scanner.
Regardless of whether you have a built-in scanner or a scanner as an external USB device, the set-up process is, as always, extremely intuitive. Simply expand the “Fingerprint recognition (Windows Hello)” section in the “Accounts / Login options” area and then set it up. A wizard will then help you set up this authentication method. It starts by entering your password or pin and ends with you placing your index finger on the scanner several times and from different angles. Once the wizard has collected enough data, you can immediately log into your system using your fingerprint.
Of course, you can do this not only with one finger, but also with several fingers or even using facial recognition. And there are numerous other options. But we’ll reveal these tips another time.
Select a new sound mode
Windows 11 gives you more control over your sound output and makes Windows easier to hear by providing mono and extended audio modes. To switch between these options, go to Settings >System > Sound. Mono audio combines the left and right speaker channels.
You can also opt for Enhanced Audio by clicking on All Audio Devices in the Advanced section of the Sound menu. Select your audio output device and activate the “Enhanced Audio” option. This option provides bass boost, room correction, virtual surround sound and volume equalisation.
Exclude Edge from Alt + Tab
Who doesn’t use the Alt + Tab shortcut to switch between running applications in Windows? However, Microsoft has updated the operating system to include Microsoft Edge’s tabs in the Alt + Tab menu, which can be confusing if you have multiple tabs open in the browser.
Let’s say you have a tab on Microsoft Edge where you have a tab for Games on Windows 11 and another where you are looking for the best slot machine websites in Germany. Pressing the Alt + Tab key combination will add these two tabs to the task switcher so that it looks like you are running applications labelled “Games on Windows 11” and “Richard casino no deposit bonus“. The same would be the case if you had five or even 10 tabs open in Edge, which is very cumbersome and confusing.
Fortunately, you can disable this feature in Windows 11 by going to Settings > System > Multitasking and then using the Alt + Tab drop-down menu. Next, you should select “Open windows only” to keep individual Edge tabs out of the task switcher.
Take screenshots faster
Forget the old method of taking screenshots where you had to press “Print Screen” and transfer the clipboard to an image editing programme. In Windows 11, you can take precise screenshots using the snipping tools and the key combination “Windows + Shift + S”.
This key combination starts the clipping tool, which you can drag over the area you want to take a screenshot of. This allows for better selection as you don’t have to grab and edit everything from the screen.
However, the shortcut only enables the versatile option of rectangular cropping. For other options, such as Free Roam and Windows Snipping, you will need to open the Snipping Tool app. It’s also worth noting that this option is available for Windows 10 users with updated versions of the operating system.
Using Snap Layouts
No Windows 11 listing is complete without mentioning Snap Layouts. It’s a life-saving feature that eliminates the hassle of manually dragging and resizing windows on the screen to fit them neatly. Instead, this feature allows you to select layouts for up to four windows.
All you need to do is hover over the maximise button or press Win + Z to see the snap layout options. If you combine multiple windows, they will be grouped together, which conveniently remains until you separate them again.
Type faster by speaking
You’re missing out on a lot if you haven’t tried the Windows 11 speech typing feature. It helps users type text much faster by converting their speech to text. Press “Win + H” to start voice typing. You can also select the microphone button on the touch keyboard.
Windows 11’s voice input feature is also available for voice activation, where apps with voice interaction capability can listen and respond to certain keywords. For example, you can set Cortana to activate when you say “Cortana”.
Clear the decks with Win + D
Most Windows users move the mouse to the bottom right corner of the screen to minimise all open windows at the same time. However, the same effect is also possible with the key combination “Windows + D”. This is already possible with Windows 10, so what’s new?
Windows 11 adds another cool feature by going to Settings > System > Multitasking and then switching on “Move windows in the title bar”. With this setting, you can click and hold on the title bar of an open window and then move the mouse back and forth to close all other windows except the selected one.
Setting up virtual desktops
Windows 11 allows you to create multiple virtual desktops. For example, you can create one desktop for your work and another for your personal needs – and switch back and forth between the two desktops at any time at the touch of a button or click of a mouse. You then have quick access to other programmes and documents on your “work desktop”, for example, just like on your “personal desktop”. And just as you leave the virtual desktop after a session, you will also find it again.
The whole thing is quite simple via the task view. You will find the icon for this in the taskbar next to the magnifying glass. Here you will find your desktop as “Desktop 1”, to the right of which is a plus symbol labelled “New desktop”. Simply click on it and there is another icon for the task view, your “Working desktop”. Of course, you can repeat this process several more times and set up even more virtual desktops… For yourself and, of course, for everyone who shares your PC.
Optimise PC performance and adjust energy settings
Windows 11 offers you several ways to save energy and still get the most out of your PC. For example, with the help of so-called energy saving plans. This allows you to actively influence the behaviour of your PC and you also have the choice: between one and several energy-saving plans a few details or many details when configuring these plans. You will find the energy options in the classic Control Panel in the “System and Security” area. Here you not only have options such as sleep mode, energy-saving mode etc., you will also find a whole host of options under “Advanced settings”, which will protect your battery for longer, especially when using the device on the move.
The bottom line
It wouldn’t be an upgrade if it didn’t make life easier. Windows 11 does a great job of providing a smooth user experience. You can add more right-click options, move the Start button, enjoy new sound modes, take screenshots faster, use snap layouts, text with your voice and edit decks in style.
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