Guide to Smart Windows 11 Settings to Boost Your Productivity

The newest Windows OS is fast gaining ground on Windows 10. As of August 2024, Windows 11 had over 31% of the Windows market share. That is bound to increase fast as Windows 10 retires in 2025.

Have you already upgraded to the new operating system or are you planning to do so soon? If yes, you'll appreciate these tips for enhancing your Windows 11 experience. Windows 11 comes with numerous impressive features, but utilizing them is essential to achieve a productivity boost.

Let's explore some of the most impactful settings and tools that can revolutionize your daily workflow.

1. Smart Menu Customization

The Start Menu might seem less important than other features. But it’s your gateway to all the applications and settings on your computer. It’s used all the time to open apps, search, and more. This makes it a huge potential productivity enhancer.

Customizing your Start Menu can save you time and clicks. Here are a few ideas:

• Pin Frequently Used Apps: Right-click on any app and select “Pin to Start.” This keeps your most-used applications just a click away.
• Organize into Folders: Drag and drop apps on top of each other to create folders. Label these for easy identification.
• Adjust Start Menu Layout: Go to Settings > Personalization > Start. Here, you can choose which folders appear on Start and adjust the layout to suit your needs.

2. Virtual Desktops

Virtual desktops enable you to arrange your workspace efficiently by dividing various tasks into separate desktops, such as one for work and another for personal use.

• Create a New Desktop: Click on the Task View button on the taskbar or press Win + Tab. Click on “New Desktop” to create a new virtual space.
• Switch Between Desktops: Use Ctrl + Win + Left/Right Arrow to switch between desktops.

3. Snap Layouts and Snap Groups

Snap Layouts and Snap Groups are effective multitasking tools. They arrange windows for side-by-side work. Begin using them, and you'll see a significant decrease in time spent switching between apps.

• Use Snap Layouts: Hover over the maximize button on any window to see available snap layouts. Choose a layout to snap the window into place.
• Create Snap Groups: Snap windows into a layout. Windows 11 remembers the group. Hover over the taskbar icons to see and restore the snap group.

4. Focus Assist

Focus Assist helps you stay focused by minimizing distractions.

• Enable Focus Assist: Search “Focus” from the taskbar search and click Focus Settings. Choose your options and click to start a session.
• Set Automatic Rules: Configure automatic rules to enable Focus Assist during specific times. For example, when duplicating your display or when playing a game.

5. Widgets

Widgets provide quick access to personalized content like news, weather, calendar, and more.

• Access Widgets: Click on the Widgets icon on the taskbar or press Win + W.
• Customize Widgets: Add or remove widgets. Adjust their size and position to suit your preferences.

6. Taskbar Customization

An efficiently arranged taskbar can greatly boost your productivity. Annoyed by unused icons cluttering your view? Conceal them to clear your workspace. This minimizes distractions and allows you to locate what you need more quickly.

• Pin Apps to Taskbar: Right-click on any app and select “Pin to taskbar” for quick access.
• Adjust Taskbar Settings: Right-click on the taskbar and choose “Taskbar settings.” Here, you can customize taskbar behaviors. Such as hiding it in desktop mode or showing badges on taskbar buttons.

7. Keyboard Shortcuts

Keyboard shortcuts can save you a lot of time. Once you learn your favorites, using them will be like second nature. Here are some essential ones:

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

8. Power and Battery Settings

Adjusting power and battery settings can prolong your device's battery life and enhance its performance. Being familiar with these settings is particularly beneficial when you're away from a power source for an extended period.

• Adjust Power Mode: Go to Settings > System > Power & battery. Choose a power mode that balances performance and battery life.
• Battery Saver: Enable Battery Saver to extend battery life. Use it when your device is running low or you're away from power for an extended time.

9. Storage Sense

Storage Sense helps you manage disk space by automatically deleting unnecessary files.

• Enable Storage Sense: Go to Settings > System > Storage. Turn on Storage Sense and configure it to run automatically.
• Configure Cleanup Schedules: Set up schedules for several tasks. Such as deleting temporary files, emptying the recycle bin, and removing unused files.

10. Accessibility Features

Windows 11 includes several accessibility features that can enhance your productivity.

• Magnifier: Use the Magnifier tool to zoom in on parts of your screen. Press Win + Plus to activate it.
• Narrator: Enable Narrator to read text on your screen aloud. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Narrator.
• High Contrast Mode: Improve visibility by enabling high contrast mode. Go to Settings > Accessibility > High contrast.

Looking for More IT Productivity Tips?

Our team of tech specialists has a wealth of additional productivity tips to offer. If you're aiming to enhance your workflow, feel free to contact us.

Contact us today to schedule a chat about productivity enhancers.

About Newport Solutions

Newport Solutions has been helping small businesses in Orange County, CA for almost 20 years. Our dedicated team provides comprehensive IT services, ensuring your business operates smoothly and efficiently. From IT support to cybersecurity, we've got you covered. Discover how we can become your business's IT department today.

We proudly serve the following areas: Newport Beach, Irvine, Costa Mesa, and the greater Orange County region.

Contact us to learn more.