9 Hidden Windows 11 Features That Will Change How You Work
- Andy McMillan
- Dec 15, 2025
- 2 min read
💻 Windows 11 Hidden Features You Probably Missed
Windows 11 is packed with sleek design changes and productivity boosters, but some of its best tricks are tucked away. Whether you’re a power user or just someone who wants to make everyday tasks smoother, these hidden gems can save time and make your PC feel smarter.
🪟 1. Snap Layouts & Snap Groups
Hover over the maximize button to see layout options (two, three, or four windows).
Snap Groups remember your window arrangements, so you can jump back into multitasking with one click.
Great for research, side‑by‑side comparisons, or keeping chat and work open together.
📋 2. Clipboard History & Cloud Sync
Press Windows + V to open your clipboard history.
Store multiple copied items and paste them later.
Sync across devices if you enable it in Settings — perfect if you copy something on your laptop and paste it on your desktop.
How too link: https://youtu.be/-18r7GPAu44
🖥️ 3. Virtual Desktops
Create separate desktops for work, gaming, or personal use.
Press Windows + Tab and select “New Desktop.”
Customize each with its own wallpaper for easy distinction.
🖱️ 4. Shake to Minimize
Grab a window by its title bar and shake it — all other windows minimize instantly.
Shake again to restore them.
A quick way to clear clutter when you want to focus.
🔎 5. Quick Settings Panel
Click the Wi‑Fi/Volume/Battery icons together in the taskbar.
Access brightness, Bluetooth, Airplane Mode, and more without digging into menus.
You can customize which toggles appear here.
🎙️ 6. Voice Typing with Punctuation
Press Windows + H to activate voice typing.
Windows 11 automatically adds punctuation, making dictation smoother.
Handy for emails, notes, or when your hands are busy.
🛠️ 7. PowerToys (Optional Download)
Microsoft’s free add‑on suite unlocks advanced tricks:
FancyZones for custom window layouts.
PowerRename for batch file renaming.
Color Picker for design work.
A hidden gem for productivity enthusiasts.
🧩 8. Hidden Right‑Click Options
Right‑click menus are simplified in Windows 11, but you can still access the full legacy menu by clicking “Show more options” or pressing Shift + F10.
Useful if you miss older shortcuts or third‑party integrations.
🕵️ 9. Focus Sessions on Clock App
Built into the Clock app, Focus Sessions let you set timers, link Spotify, and track progress with Microsoft 'To Do'.
A hidden productivity tool for students and professionals alike.
Clock app, linked to Spotify
✨ Wrap‑Up
Windows 11 hides plenty of clever features that can make your daily workflow faster and more enjoyable. Exploring these tricks not only boosts productivity but also helps you feel more in control of your PC.
Here are a few more examples: 24 Hidden Windows 11 Features You’ll Wish You Found Sooner
💡Tell us what your favourite hack is.
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