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Windows 11 has been out for a while now, but there are still plenty of hidden features that you might not know about. Here are 15 of our favorites:
1. Snap Layouts
Snap Layouts is a new feature in Windows 11 that makes it easy to arrange your windows in a variety of different ways. To use Snap Layouts, simply hover your mouse over the maximize button on any window and then select one of the available layouts.
2. Focus Sessions
Focus Sessions is a new feature in Windows 11 that helps you stay focused on your work. When you start a Focus Session, Windows 11 will automatically block notifications and other distractions. You can also set a timer for your Focus Session, so you know how long you have left to work.
3. Virtual Desktops
Virtual Desktops is a feature in Windows 11 that allows you to create multiple desktops. This can be useful for organizing your work, or for keeping your personal and work life separate. To create a new Virtual Desktop, simply click on the Task View button on the taskbar and then click on the
New Desktop
button.
4. Widgets
Widgets are a new feature in Windows 11 that gives you quick access to information and tools. To open the Widgets panel, simply click on the Widgets button on the taskbar. You can then add or remove widgets as you like.
5. PowerToys
PowerToys is a set of free utilities that can help you customize and improve your Windows 11 experience. Some of the most popular PowerToys include FancyZones, which allows you to create custom window layouts, and PowerRename, which makes it easy to rename multiple files at once.
6. File Explorer tabs
File Explorer tabs are a new feature in Windows 11 that allows you to open multiple folders in the same window. This can be useful for organizing your files, or for working on multiple projects at the same time.
7. Quick Settings
Quick Settings is a new feature in Windows 11 that gives you quick access to important settings, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and volume. To open Quick Settings, simply click on the Quick Settings button on the taskbar.
8. Snipping Tool
The Snipping Tool is a built-in Windows 11 app that allows you to take screenshots. The Snipping Tool has been updated in Windows 11 with a number of new features, including the ability to take scrolling screenshots and to annotate your screenshots.
9. Paint 3D
Paint 3D is a built-in Windows 11 app that allows you to create and edit 3D models. Paint 3D has been updated in Windows 11 with a number of new features, including the ability to import and export 3D models, and to create 3D animations.
10. Xbox Game Bar
The Xbox Game Bar is a built-in Windows 11 app that allows you to track your gaming progress, chat with friends, and record your gameplay. The Xbox Game Bar has been updated in Windows 11 with a number of new features, including the ability to create and join parties, and to share your gameplay clips.
11. HDR support
Windows 11 supports HDR (High Dynamic Range), which provides a wider range of colors and contrasts. This can make your games, movies, and photos look more realistic and immersive.
12. DirectStorage
DirectStorage is a new feature in Windows 11 that optimizes the way that games load data from your storage device. This can result in faster load times and reduced stuttering.
13. Auto HDR
Auto HDR is a new feature in Windows 11 that automatically applies HDR to games that don’t natively support it. This can improve the visual quality of your games without any additional effort on your part.
14. Game Mode
Game Mode is a feature in Windows 11 that optimizes your PC for gaming. When Game Mode is enabled, Windows 11 will prioritize gaming traffic and allocate more resources to your games.
15. Xbox Cloud Gaming
Xbox Cloud Gaming is a service that allows you to stream games from the cloud. This means that you can play games on your PC even if you don’t have a powerful gaming PC. Xbox Cloud Gaming is currently in beta, but it’s expected to be released to the public later this year.