Boost Productivity with These Smart Windows 11 Settings

Windows 11 is quickly gaining traction, with over 31% of the Windows market share as of August 2024. As Windows 10 prepares for retirement in 2025, the adoption of Windows 11 is expected to accelerate. Whether you've already upgraded or are planning to, these settings will help optimize your Windows 11 experience and enhance your productivity.

1. Customize the Start Menu

  • Pin Frequent Apps: Right-click any app and select "Pin to Start" to keep your most-used apps easily accessible.
  • Organize with Folders: Drag and drop apps on top of one another to create custom folders in your Start Menu for a more organized layout.

2. Take Advantage of Virtual Desktops

  • Create a New Desktop: Press Win + Tab or click the Task View button and select “New Desktop” to create a new virtual workspace.
  • Switch Between Desktops: Quickly navigate between desktops using Ctrl + Win + Left/Right Arrow.

3. Master Snap Layouts and Snap Groups

  • Use Snap Layouts: Hover over the maximize button on any window to see available layouts and snap it into place for better multitasking.
  • Create Snap Groups: After snapping windows into a layout, Windows 11 will remember your group. Hover over the taskbar icons to restore your snap group effortlessly.

4. Set Up Focus Assist

  • Enable Focus Assist: Type “Focus” in the taskbar search, open Focus Settings, and start a session to minimize distractions.
  • Automate Focus Assist: Set rules to activate Focus Assist automatically during certain activities, like when duplicating your display or playing a game.

5. Personalize the Taskbar

  • Pin Apps to Taskbar: Right-click any app and choose “Pin to taskbar” for easy access.
  • Modify Taskbar Settings: Right-click the taskbar and select “Taskbar settings” to adjust options such as auto-hiding or showing badges on taskbar icons.

6. Use Keyboard Shortcuts

  • Win + E: Open File Explorer.
  • Win + I: Open Settings.
  • Win + D: Show or hide the desktop.
  • Win + L: Lock your PC.
  • Alt + Tab: Cycle through open apps.

7. Optimize Power and Battery Settings

  • Adjust Power Mode: Go to Settings > System > Power & Battery and select a power mode that best suits your needs.
  • Enable Battery Saver: Activate Battery Saver to conserve energy, especially when your device is low on power or you're away from a charger for a while.

8. Use Storage Sense

  • Turn On Storage Sense: Head to Settings > System > Storage, enable Storage Sense, and set it to run automatically.
  • Set Cleanup Schedules: Configure regular cleanup tasks to optimize your storage without needing to manually manage it.

Need More IT Tips?

Our team of tech experts has plenty more productivity tips to share. Feel free to reach out for additional ways to enhance your workflow with Windows 11.