It’s a tired, tired cliché, but if you’re like me, working smart, not hard is the only way to live.
And if you use Windows 11 regularly, you absolutely owe it to yourself to squeeze every last time-saving feature out of it. Fortunately, there are many ways to do that. Here are a few of those that I find very useful.
Snap Properties
This is perfect for simple editing, especially if you use multiple monitors.
Just move your mouse over the zoom button in the upper right corner of any window to reveal different layout options. Then click where you want the current window to go.
This feature is perfect for multitasking and keeping your desktop tidy.
Virtual desktops
Create multiple workspaces for different projects using Virtual Desktops. To get started, press Windows Key + Tab to open Task View, then click “New Desktop” at the bottom of the screen.
Switch between desktops seamlessly by using Windows Key + Tab and or more quickly by hitting Windows Key + Ctrl + Left/Right Arrow. You can even drag and drop windows between desktops.
Windows key shortcuts
Mastering Windows key combinations is one of the best ways to save time. You’ll need to invest a little effort since there are so many—see the full list here—but doing so will pay off in spades.
Some useful tips to get you started:
- Windows Key + I: Open Settings
- Windows Key + L: Lock your PC
- Windows Key + H: Turn on voice typing
- Alt + Tab: Switch between open applications
- Windows Key + N: Open the notification center
- Windows Key + V: Open Clipboard history
- Windows Key + E: Open File Explorer
Focus times
Minimize distractions and keep your head in the game during periods of focus. Access the feature by going to Start > Settings > System > Focus.
From here, you can make several choices, including which distractions to turn off and how long you’d like your focus session to last.
Voice typing
This is my absolute favorite timer in the history of Windows timers right here, folks. Give your fingers a rest with Windows 11’s built-in voice typing feature.
If your cursor is in any text field, press Windows Key + H to activate voice typing. Start speaking, and watch as your words are automatically typed.
Say “stop listening” when you’re done or hit Windows Key + H again, and you’re good to go.
File Explorer tabs
Manage multiple folders efficiently with File Explorer tabs just like you would with web browser tabs.
Open File Explorer and click the + button next to an existing tab, or press Ctrl + T to open a new tab. Drag and drop tabs to rearrange them or right-click a tab for more options.
A customized start menu
Customize the start menu according to your needs for quick access to your most used applications and files.
Open the start menu, click the “All apps” button, then right-click on any app there and select “Pin to Start” to keep it easily accessible.
You can then rearrange pinned items by simply dragging and dropping them. Remove unwanted apps from this section by right-clicking on them and selecting “Uninstall from scratch” to get rid of them.
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