Boost Your Productivity with These Underrated Windows 11 Features

Since its launch in 2021, Windows 11 has been continuously updated, bringing new features and improvements to make your life easier. But while big announcements like the AI assistant Copilot and expanded hardware support grab headlines, some lesser-known features deserve your attention, too. These hidden gems can make your Windows 11 experience quicker and easier, helping you stay productive and organized.

Focus Mode

Picture this: You’re deep into an important project, and suddenly, notifications start popping up – emails, instant messages, reminders. It’s hard to maintain focus with all these interruptions. Focus mode comes to the rescue by silencing them. To activate it, click the bell icon at the bottom right of your screen and select “Focus” from the menu. This will give you a 20-minute period with no interruptions, which you can pause anytime. It’s your digital “Do Not Disturb” sign.

Live Captions

Imagine you’re in a noisy office, or maybe you have some difficulty hearing. Understanding audio and video files can be challenging. Windows 11 has built-in live captioning that automatically generates captions for your content. You can activate it from the Accessibility settings (go to Settings > Accessibility > Captions) or by pressing Windows Key + Ctrl + L. The first time you use it, you must agree to Microsoft’s voice processing terms and download a speech pack. After that, captions will appear at the top of your screen, making it easier to follow along with any audio or video.

Voice Typing

If you find typing tedious, you’ll love Voice typing. This lets you dictate text instead of typing it. To start, press Windows Key + H. Make sure your microphone is connected (your webcam mic works fine). Click the mic button that appears, and you’re ready to go. You can even set it up to automatically punctuate your sentences. Voice commands like “stop listening” or “ignore that” help you control the flow of dictation. It’s a real time-saver for writing emails or documents.

Start Menu Features

Start menu folders are a game-changer if you want a tidy and efficient desktop. To create a folder, right-click an app and select “Pin to start.” Then drag another app over it, and they’ll combine into a folder. You can rename the folder and move it to the top of your Start menu for quick access to your most-used apps. It’s a simple way to keep things organized and within reach.

Snapping Bar

If you’re a multitasker, this feature is a lifesaver. It lets you snap windows into various layouts on your screen. Drag a window to the top of the screen, and layout options will appear. You can place windows in different positions, making the most of your screen space. You can also use the Windows key + arrow keys to snap windows into place. If you don’t see the snapping options, turn them on in Settings > System > Multi-tasking.

These features might not make headlines, but they can enhance your Windows 11 experience. Try them out and see how much time you can save.

Information used in this article was provided by our partners at MSP Marketing Edge.