Windows 11 is only running on 226 million devices and counting. Although it is picky as far as PC specs go, Windows 11 is the superior version of the OS. It boasts many new and old hacks that improve user experience, and if you are lucky to have a Windows 11 computer or are considering upgrading, this piece is for you.
Here are 7 useful tips and tricks to ensure you use Windows 11 like a pro.
Add More Right-Click Options
Microsoft decided to redesign the context menu in Windows 11, taking away some settings that are considered less critical. You may find that right-clicking on files and folders does not provide some options you were used to seeing in the previous versions. For example, the possibilities for printing, setting a new background, and viewing the file location are not readily available by default.
Still, you can access the older menu by clicking “Show more options” at the bottom of the context menu. Select a file or folder and press “Shift + F10” to achieve the same effect.
Select New Sound Modes
Windows 11 gives you more control over your sound output and makes Windows easier to hear by providing mono and enhanced audio modes. To toggle between these options, go to Settings >System > Sound. Mono audio combines the left and right speaker channels.
On the other hand, you can go for enhanced audio by clicking on “All sound devices” in the Advanced section of the sound menu. Choose your audio device and turn on the “enhanced audio” option. This option provides bass boost, room correction, virtual surround, and loudness equalization.
Exclude Edge from Alt + Tab
Who doesn’t use the Alt + Tab shortcut to switch between running applications on Windows? However, Microsoft updated the OS to include Microsoft Edge tabs in the Alt + Tab menu, which might be confusing when you have several tabs open on the browser.
Let’s say you have one tab on Microsoft Edge where you have a tab on gaming on Windows 11 and another researching the best slots sites UK. Pressing Alt + tab now adds these two tabs to the task switcher, making it look like you were running applications called “gaming on Windows 11” and “best slots sites UK”. The same would be the case if you had five or even 10 tabs open on Edge, which is cumbersome.
Luckily, you can disable this feature on Windows 11 by going to Settings > System > Multitasking, then using the Alt + Tab drop-down menu. Next, you want to choose “open windows only” to keep individual Edge tabs out of the task switcher.
Take Screenshots Faster
Forget about the old way of taking screenshots where you had to press “print screen” and transfer the clipboard to an image editor. Windows 11 lets you take precise screenshots with the help of the snipping tools and the “Windows + Shift + S” shortcut.
This shortcut launches the snipping tool, which you can drag across the area you want to screenshot. It facilitates better precision because you don’t have to screengrab everything and go through the editing process.
However, the shortcut only allows for the versatile rectangular snipping option. You’ll have to open the snipping tool app for more options, such as free roam and Windows snipping. It’s also worth mentioning that this option is available to Windows 10 users with updated versions of the OS.
Use Snap Layouts
No Windows 11 list is complete without mentioning snap layouts. It is a lifesaver feature that eliminates the hassle of manually dragging and resizing windows on your screen to fit them neatly. Instead, this feature lets you select layouts for up to four windows.
You only have to hover over the “maximize” button or press “Win + Z” to see your snap layout options. Snapping the windows together puts them in a snap group, which conveniently stays intact until you detach them.
Type Faster by Talking
You are missing out on a lot if you haven’t tried the Windows 11 voice typing feature yet. It helps users input text much faster by converting their speech to text. Press “Win + H” to start voice typing. You can also get there by selecting the mic button on the touch keyboard.
Windows 11’s speech input function is also available for voice activation, whereby apps with the ability for voice interaction can listen in and respond to particular keywords. For example, you can set Cortana to activate whenever you say “Cortana.”
Clear the Decks with Win + D or Title Bar Window Shake
Most Windows users move the mouse to the screen’s far right bottom corner to minimize all open windows simultaneously. Still, the same effect is possible through the “Windows + D” shortcut. But that’s possible in Windows 10 as well, so what’s new?
Windows 11 adds another cool feature you can access by going to Settings > System > Multitasking, then toggling on “Title bar window shake.” With this setting in place, you can click and hold on the title bar of an open window, then shake the mouse from side to side to close all other windows except the one you have selected.
Conclusion
It’s not an upgrade if it doesn’t make life easier. Windows 11 does a great job of providing a smooth user experience. You can add more right-click options, move your start button, enjoy new sound modes, take screenshots quickly, use snap layouts, voice type, and clear the decks in style.
