Windows 11: 12 hidden features worth using
If you've been following Windows 11's launch in 2021 or have recently started using Microsoft's latest operating system, you'll be familiar with its key features.
A redesigned Start menu and taskbar, new multitasking functionality, and support for Android apps are some of the best known, but there's plenty more you might not know.
In this article, we'll go over 12 of the best Windows 11 features that aren't obvious or easy to find. Some are buried deep in the settings, while others are just a few clicks away. Several are also available in Windows 10, but you might not have used them there either.
Clipboard history
Copying and pasting is something many of us do every day, but it doesn't have to be just one thing at a time. Windows 11's Clipboard History feature lets you access everything you've recently copied in one place, including text and images, but it needs to be turned on first:
Head to Settings > System > Clipboard
Make sure the toggle next to "Clipboard History" is enabled
Now just use the Windows Key + V shortcut at any time to open Clipboard History, then click on any recently copied item to paste it into your new location.
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
You can take it to the next level by enabling "Share Across Devices", which allows you to access all copied items from all your Windows 10 or 11 devices:
Go back to Settings > System > Clipboard
Next to 'Sync across your devices', turn on the toggle or click 'Get started'. In the latter case, you will be prompted to verify the email linked to your Microsoft account
Once enabled, click the drop-down menu next to the toggle and choose auto sync (everything you copy is shared) or manual sync (you choose specific text to share)
Tune-up sessions
Did you know that Windows 11 can help you stay focused on your tasks? The Focus Sessions feature activates Do Not Disturb and hides flashing apps from the taskbar to reduce distractions.
Personalization is available in Settings > System > Focus, but it's easier to start a session through the Clock app. Focus Sessions is the screen you'll see as soon as you open the app, with options to specify duration, breaks, and a daily goal. There is also integration with the Microsoft To-Do app and Spotify for music.
Do Not Disturb disables all notifications by default, but you can set "priority notifications" to always be delivered via Settings > System > Notifications.
Taskbar keyboard shortcuts
You've probably pinned apps to the taskbar to make them easier to access. Why not make the process even faster?
For all the windows you have open, Windows Key + 1 opens the first, Windows Key + 2 opens the second, and so on. But if you don't have anything open already, the same shortcuts will open pinned apps in the corresponding position from left to right.
It's worth noting that this only applies to apps you've pinned manually. It will not open the Widgets panel, start menu, search bar, task view, or Microsoft Teams chat.
File History was introduced on Windows 8 to allow automatic backup of specific files and folders, provided you still have a USB storage device connected.
The option was removed from the Settings app in Windows 11, but is still available:
Search for "Control Panel" and select the appropriate application to open it
Under "System and Security", click on "Save backup copies of your files with File History"
Choose where you want the files to be saved if you have the option, then click "Enable"
It should be noted that the BitLocker warning above will only appear if you have Windows 11 Pro. It's not available on Windows 11 Home, so it's safe to skip here.
Voice input
Voice-to-text technology has been around for a while, but did you know there's a version built into Windows 11? It's generally accurate and works anywhere you can type, although you'll need to stay connected to the internet.
To get started, just use the shortcut Windows Key + H and click on the microphone icon if the recording does not start automatically. Stop at any time by clicking the microphone icon again. It was used to type this sentence, and no changes were needed.
Live Captions is a great accessibility feature that provides a real-time text transcript of any audio or video file you play. It's not perfect, but you usually get the gist of what's being said.
To get started, just search for "live captions" and open the corresponding application or use the shortcut Windows Key + Ctrl + L. Accept the terms and conditions and click "Download" if you have never used it before. Once you see the "Ready to caption" message, head to the audio and start playing it.
Like most smartphones and tablets, Windows 11 has a built-in nightlight, which shifts your screen to warmer tones to help you sleep.
To turn it on, go to Settings > System > Display > Night light and click "Turn on now". But you might prefer to set a schedule – either specific times or sunset to sunrise (if location is enabled).
From the same screen you will also find the option to choose the power of the night light.
Dynamic refresh rate
If your display can output at a higher refresh rate than the default 60Hz, it's worth checking to see if it can dynamically adjust based on what you're doing. This means you get the extra smoothness and fluidity of a 90Hz or 120Hz display without such an impact on battery life.
To check, go to Settings > System > Display > Advanced display and choose your display from the drop-down menu next to "Select a display to view or change its settings".
Then drop down the menu next to "Choose a refresh rate" and see what options are available. You can have just one or more, but the 'Dynamic' mode is the one that will adjust automatically.
Microsoft has its own screen recording tool preinstalled on Windows 11, but you might not be able to find it. It's built into Xbox Game Bar, but has all the features you expect.
To start using it, navigate to the app or page you want to record, then use the Windows Key + G shortcut. Click the "Capture" icon (it looks like a little webcam) to start recording. recording, then tap the microphone icon at any time to start speaking.
All files are saved in File Explorer > Videos > Captures by default, but this can be changed via Settings > Games > Captures.
Shake to minimize
If you have a lot of windows open at once, shaking the titlebar of one can be used to minimize all the others. But the feature is not enabled by default.
To enable it, go to Settings > System > Multitasking and enable the toggle next to "Title bar window shake".
Timestamp in Notepad
The pre-installed notepad isn't the most advanced note-taking app, but it can be useful for jotting things down quickly. A nice feature is a shortcut to add the current date and time at any time.
Just press F5 on your keyboard and it will appear as below. You can also add it via Edit > Time/Date if you prefer.
Hardware and Peripheral Troubleshooter
Microsoft still uses troubleshooters to fix Windows 11 issues, but the old "Hardware and Peripherals" has been removed from Settings. Fortunately, there is still a way to access it:
In the search bar on the taskbar, type "Command Prompt", then choose "Run as administrator" followed by "Yes".
In the window that appears, type 'msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic' and press Enter
The Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter now appears. Click "Next" to begin, then follow the instructions
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