Windows 11, the latest version of Microsoft’s widely used operating system, is packed with new features and improvements that cater to the needs of both power users and beginners.
From Start Menu to Windows Hello, this new Windows generation offers a range of features that make multitasking, organization, and personalization easier than ever before.
The new design of the Start menu, for instance, allows users to add their shortcuts and resize them to fit their needs, making it easier to access frequently used apps and programs. Windows Hello, on the other hand, is a more secure and convenient way of logging in, using facial recognition or a fingerprint scanner.
Overall, Windows 11 is a feature-rich operating system that offers many improvements over its predecessor, Windows 10, making it an excellent choice for users looking for a smooth and efficient experience.
Windows 11 New Taskbar and Start Menu
Windows 11 has updated its Taskbar and Start Menu on the home screen. Both features have been moved to the center for better usability and aesthetics.
As this new alignment looks decent, you can also move it back to the original place. To change your Windows taskbar, follow these simple ways
- Right-click on your Windows screen.
- Select “Taskbar Settings” from the menu.
- Now Click on the “Taskbar location on screen” section.
- Click on any alignment option from the given menu. This can help you to align the taskbar in different directions on your screen.
- Click “Apply” to save the changes.
You can also enable Windows fingerprint or facial recognition to quickly unlock Windows 11 with your finger touch or face. You may also set up a PIN to quickly unlock Windows 11 PC or laptop. For more detailed information check this Setup Fingerprint, PIN, and Facial Recognition in Windows 11/10 blog.
Customized Recommended Section in Windows 11
Microsoft has also customized the recommended section on the home screen. It shows you the recently added apps, files, and other recent activities. However, if you want to close this setting you need to.
- Click Start to open the Start menu.
- Scroll down to the bottom and choose the “All apps” button.
- In the “All apps” section, right-click on any apps that you want to remove from the recommended section.
- Choose “Remove from this list” from the menu.
- Repeat this step for any other apps if you want to remove them from the specified section.
- To add apps to the recommended section, click on the “All apps” button, then right-click on the app you want to add and select “Pin to Start.”
Visible Classic Right-click Menu on Windows 11
Windows 11 now has a new right-click menu. This one is less disarranged than the previous one. It only shows those options which are frequently used on the computer. You can also access the previous menu on your PC.
- Right-click on File Explorer.
- Choose Show more options to start the spillover menu.
- Shift + F10 may also be used to access this option.
Change Your PC Texts in Windows 11
Windows 11 has many pre-installed tools that can make your system more friendly. You can now change your mouse pointer, cursor, and words in different sizes and colors.
- Go to Windows Settings.
- Scroll down and Click on the Accessibility option.
Use Snap Layout Feature in Windows 11
One of the most useful features in Windows 11 is the Snap Layouts feature. This feature helps you to organize your open windows and apps on the screen easily.
You can simply move your window to the edge of the screen and it will automatically snap to take up a quarter, half, or full screen. This makes it easy to multitask and has multiple windows open at the same time.
Enable/Disable Windows 11 Viruses & Threat Protection
Windows have also improved the scanning feature in its latest updates. Now you can scan your PC for viruses and find out whether it needs your attention or not.
- Click on the Start button and Go to Settings.
- Scroll down and Click on Privacy & Security -> Viruses & Threat Protection -> Quick Scan.
Note: Scanning will take some time.
Accessing Windows Task Manager in Windows 11
In Windows 10, task managers can be directly accessed through the Taskbar. But in the updated Windows 11, you have a lot of ways to access it, out of them the easiest is from your Start Menu.
- To open the Task Manager option, Right-click on Start.
- Or Tap Windows + X and choose it from the Winx menu.
Add Folders to Start Menu in Windows 11
The Start Menu in Windows 11 has been redesigned to be more customizable and user-friendly. You are no longer allowed to pin folders to the Start Menu.
However, you can now add your shortcuts to the menu and even resize it to fit your needs. This helps you to quickly get access to frequently used apps as well as programs.
- Open File Explorer by pressing the Windows key + E or by clicking on the File Explorer icon on the taskbar.
- Navigate to the folder, you want to add to the Start menu.
- Right-click and Choose “Pin to Start” from the given menu.
- The folder will now appear in the Start menu as a file.
Hide Widget and Chat on Windows 11 PC
With Windows 11 you can now access the Widget in the new Taskbar. Widget apps typically help you to get information about sports, weather, calendars, etc at a glance. However, if you have more space for the Taskbar you can close it from the settings.
- Go to the Settings section or type Windows + I.
- Drop down and Click on the Personalization button.
- Open Taskbar and select the Taskbar items.
- Here you can toggle the switch for Widgets and Chat to close.
Manage Running Apps Using Desktop on Windows 11
If you are a working professional, who needs to switch over multiple apps on a single window. You may now switch over different open apps through a single click.
- Type Ctrl + Tab to switch your apps.
- To manage the apps, Press and hold Ctrl + Tab to visible all running applications.
- You can simply switch between different apps through the Arrow or Tab key on your Windows.
Windows Title Bar Shake in Windows 11
One of the coolest features of Windows 11 is the new title bar Windows Shake option. This will help you to minimize every running application except the active window with a shake. To open this feature
- Go to Windows Settings > System > Multitasking.
- Now move the switch for the Title bar Windows Shake and turn it on.
- To check whether it works, press and hold your title bar on any running app and shake it a little. This will minimize other apps except for your running window.
Enable Dark Mode in Windows 11
Windows 11 allows you to choose different display modes for the screen. This will give you the option to select from Light, Dark, and Custom modes to change the user interface of the Windows screen and apps.
- To enable the Dark Mode, Go to Windows Settings.
- Scroll down and Click on System -> Personalisation -> Colors mode.
- Now Click on the Choose your mode option and select Dark mode.
Save Battery Using Background Apps in Windows 11 Laptops
Sometimes applications on Windows start running in the background to receive or send notifications etc. This is useful during work, but it can also consume a lot of battery and data. To save your battery and close these background apps
- Go to Windows Settings > System > Power & battery.
- Find and click on the Battery Saver option. Adjust your Battery and limit the notifications and background activity.
Read more: How to Improve the Battery Life of Windows or Gaming Laptops?
Last Words
With its new design, improved performance, and enhanced security, Windows 11 is sure to provide an excellent user experience. Whether you are a beginner or a power user, these Windows 11 tips and tricks will help you to get the most out of your Windows 11 PC or laptop and can make your working life simpler and easier than before.
