Windows 11 brings a cleaner design, powerful AI tools, and tons of hidden features that most users never explore. If you’ve recently upgraded—or you want to squeeze every bit of performance and usability from your PC—these 31 tips will help you unlock Windows 11 like a pro.
1. Move the Start Button Back to the Left
Windows 11 centers the Start menu by default. To restore the classic left alignment, open Taskbar Settings and set Taskbar Alignment to Left.
2. Use Copilot for AI Assistance
Copilot can write text, summarize pages, generate images, and help with tasks. Open it using the taskbar icon or press Windows + C. It can understand context and guide you step-by-step in apps.
3. Edit the Quick Settings Panel
Click your Wi-Fi/volume/battery cluster to open Quick Settings. You can scroll, drag items, and rearrange the panel to match your workflow.
4. Work Smarter With Multiple Desktops
Use the Task View icon to create virtual desktops—one for work, one for gaming, one for study. You can also assign unique wallpapers to each desktop.
5. Use Widgets for Instant Updates
Widgets show your calendar, weather, sports, stock updates, and more. Customize the feed or add third-party widgets like Spotify and Messenger.
6. Master Snap Layouts
Hover over the maximize button to access advanced window layouts. Snap apps into two, three, or four-window arrangements for efficient multitasking.
7. Connect Your Phone to Windows
Using the Phone Link app, you can view notifications, reply to texts, make calls, and access your photos directly from your PC.
8. Use Passkeys for Password-Free Login
Passkeys replace passwords with secure device-based authentication through Windows Hello—using your face, fingerprint, or PIN.
9. Stay Focused With Focus Sessions
Open the Clock app to start Focus Sessions. They block distractions and automatically schedule break intervals during long work periods.
10. Open Multiple File Explorer Tabs
Just like a web browser, File Explorer now supports tabs. Right-click a folder and choose Open in New Tab.
11. View All Installed Apps
Open the Start menu and click All to see every installed app, or type the app name to find it quickly.
12. Pin Your Favorite Apps to Start
Right-click any app and choose Pin to Start. You can even create folders by dragging icons on top of each other.
13. Try AI Image Tools
Windows 11 apps like Designer, Paint, and Photos offer background removal, object deletion, and AI-generated artwork.
14. Apply Custom Themes
Go to Settings → Personalization to switch themes, change color modes, and personalize your interface.
15. Add Folders Back to the Start Menu
Under Personalization → Start → Folders, add shortcuts like Settings, File Explorer, Documents, and more.
16. Manage Recommended Items
Customize the Recommended section in the Start menu—disable recent files, frequently used apps, and system suggestions if you prefer a cleaner layout.
17. Change Default Apps by File Type
Windows 11 requires setting defaults per file type. Go to Settings → Apps → Default Apps and assign apps for each extension.
18. Check Detailed Battery Usage
View battery consumption charts under Power & Battery → Battery Usage to identify apps that drain power.
19. Pair Audio Devices Easily
In Sound Settings, add new input or output devices—including Bluetooth, wireless docks, and microphones.
20. Use Microsoft Teams Chat
Teams comes preinstalled, making messaging, calling, and video meetings simple. Remove it if you prefer another app.
21. Try New Audio Modes
Enable mono audio or enhanced modes like virtual surround and loudness equalization in Sound Settings.
22. Learn New Touch Gestures
On touch devices, Windows 11 offers upgraded gestures like four-finger swipes for Task View and three-finger swipes to minimize apps.
23. Memorize Useful Keyboard Shortcuts
- Windows + W → Widgets
- Windows + A → Quick Settings
- Windows + Z → Snap Layouts
- Windows + K → Cast
- Windows + Shift + S → Screenshot Tool
24. Open the Game Bar
Press Windows + G to access recording tools, performance stats, audio controls, and Xbox features.
25. Record Audio With the New Sound Recorder
Sound Recorder captures audio with waveform previews and supports multiple formats like MP3, AAC, FLAC, and WAV.
26. Enjoy Media With the New Media Player
The revamped Media Player app handles both music and video in a cleaner, modern interface.
27. Back Up Your PC Easily
Use the Windows Backup app to save files, settings, apps, Wi-Fi passwords, and restore them across devices through OneDrive.
28. Clear the Desktop With Window Shake
Enable Title Bar Shake to quickly minimize all background windows by shaking one active window.
29. Compress Files to ZIP, TAR, or 7z
File Explorer now supports TAR and 7z compression formats—ideal for smaller file sizes and better error handling.
30. Project to Your PC
Install the Wireless Display feature to project screens from another PC or Android device directly onto your Windows 11 computer.
31. Locate Your Mouse Cursor Easily
Turn on cursor highlighting features to make your pointer flash or invert colors, helping you spot it instantly on large screens.
Final Thoughts
Windows 11 is packed with smart features, but many users never look beyond the basics. By learning these tips, you can upgrade productivity, security, and convenience without installing anything extra. Explore them, customize your setup, and unlock the full potential of your PC.