Windows 11 Unleashed: Discover 15 Hidden Gems in Microsoft’s Latest OS

Since its official release, Windows 11 has been making waves with its sleek design and enhanced features. While many users are familiar with the major changes, such as the centered taskbar and redesigned Start menu, there are numerous hidden features that can significantly enhance your Windows 11 experience. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the 15 best hidden features that you need to know about. From productivity hacks to customization options, we’ve got you covered.

1. Weather Widget in Taskbar

One of the standout hidden features of Windows 11 is the weather widget in the taskbar. Located in the bottom-left corner, this glanceable widget provides real-time weather information based on your location. Simply click on the weather info to quickly open the widget panel. However, it’s important to note that if you have moved the taskbar alignment to the left, the weather widget won’t be visible. To enable it, navigate to Taskbar settings and enable “Widgets”. For a step-by-step tutorial on how to disable widgets in Windows 11, check out our detailed guide.

2. Mute/Unmute Mic From the Taskbar

Another handy hidden feature in Windows 11 is the ability to mute and unmute your microphone directly from the taskbar. Gone are the days of opening individual apps to toggle your mic settings. Currently, this feature is only available for Microsoft Teams users with work or school accounts. Microsoft has also released an API for developers to implement this feature in their apps. To quickly mute or unmute your microphone, use the universal keyboard shortcut “Windows + Alt + K”. This feature is not only useful for streamers and content creators but also for regular users during video calls. Additionally, it allows you to easily manage app permissions for microphone access.

3. Share Any Window From the Taskbar

Windows 11 introduces a seamless way to share screens during video calls using Microsoft Teams. By hovering over an app or active window on the taskbar, you can select “Share this window” to instantly share the specific window you’re working on. This convenient feature eliminates the need to navigate through multiple menus or windows to initiate screen sharing. However, please note that this feature is only available for users with work or school accounts associated with Microsoft Teams.

4. Voice Typing With Punctuation Support

Voice typing is an incredibly powerful but often overlooked feature in Windows 11. With a simple keyboard shortcut “Windows + H”, you can activate the voice typing pop-up and start dictating text in any text field or window. Windows 11 accurately transcribes your speech, complete with correct punctuation. This feature is particularly useful for those who prefer a hands-free typing experience or have accessibility needs. For a detailed guide on how to use voice typing in Windows 11, check out our comprehensive tutorial.

5. Android App Support

After months of anticipation, Windows 11 now supports Android apps, opening up a whole new world of possibilities for users. By partnering with Amazon, Microsoft has made it possible to install and run Android apps and games on your Windows 11 PC. While the Amazon App Store currently offers a limited number of apps, you can also sideload Android APKs or even install the Google Play Store on Windows 11 for access to a wider range of applications. To learn how to install and run Android apps on Windows 11, follow our comprehensive guide.

6. Hidden Old Context Menu

If you recently upgraded from Windows 10 to Windows 11 and miss the old context menu, there’s a hidden feature that allows you to access it. Microsoft has tucked away the old context menu under “Show More Options,” which requires two clicks to access. However, there’s a nifty keyboard shortcut that lets you open the old right-click context menu directly: “Shift + F10”. If you prefer the familiar feature-rich right-click menu from Windows 10, check out our step-by-step guide on how to permanently restore it in Windows 11.

7. Access Folders in Start Menu

Did you know that you can add folders to the Start menu in Windows 11? This hidden feature allows you to instantly access your media files, downloads, and other important documents directly from the Start menu. While Windows 11 currently doesn’t support adding custom folders, you can add the user directory, Downloads folder, File Explorer, and more. To customize your Windows 11 Start menu and learn various ways to personalize it, head over to our in-depth tutorial.

8. Redesigned Emoji Picker

Windows 11 introduces a redesigned emoji picker with new additions to enhance your messaging experience. By using the keyboard shortcut “Windows + .”, you can open the emoji picker, which now includes GIFs (powered by Tenor), Kaomoji, and Symbols. The emojis themselves have also been redesigned to align with the aesthetic of Windows 11. Whether you’re chatting with friends on WhatsApp Web or other messaging services, make sure to take advantage of this hidden feature.

9. Shake to Minimize (Aero Shake)

If you find yourself overwhelmed with multiple open windows, Windows 11 offers a handy feature called “Shake to Minimize” or Aero Shake. By selecting a window and shaking its title bar, you can minimize all other open windows, allowing you to focus on the one you’re currently working on. This feature is disabled by default, but you can enable it by navigating to Settings > System > Multitasking and toggling on the “Title bar windows shake” option. Shake to Minimize is a great productivity hack to quickly declutter your workspace.

10. Manage Volume For Individual Apps

Windows 11 introduces a hidden volume mixer feature that allows you to control the volume for individual apps. Instead of relying on third-party apps like EarTrumpet, you can now adjust the volume for different apps directly from the Settings app. Navigate to System > Sound and under Volume mixer, you’ll find a list of apps where you can set the volume levels. This feature provides a seamless way to manage audio output on your Windows 11 PC without the need for additional software.

11. Advanced Gesture Controls

If you have a laptop with a precision touchpad, Windows 11 offers advanced gesture controls that can greatly enhance your productivity. Customize 3-finger and 4-finger gestures to perform various actions such as opening the Action Center or minimizing all windows. By swiping up, down, left, or right on the touchpad, you can personalize your gestures to suit your workflow. To access the advanced gesture controls, navigate to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Touchpad > Advanced gestures.

12. Dynamic Refresh Rate

Windows 11 introduces dynamic refresh rate, a hidden feature that enhances the smoothness of your display. If you have a high refresh rate monitor, enabling dynamic refresh rate provides a more fluid experience while navigating the UI and interacting with different elements of the operating system. By customizing the dynamic refresh rate in Settings > System > Display > Advanced display, you can choose the appropriate refresh rate for your monitor. Learn more about this feature by checking out our detailed guide on dynamic refresh rate in Windows 11.

13. Focus Session

For users looking to boost productivity and maintain focus while working on their Windows 11 computer, the Focus Session feature can be a game-changer. Integrated within the Alarms and Clock app, Focus Session allows you to sync your Microsoft To-Do tasks and provides a distraction-free environment. With customizable timers, notification options, and the ability to integrate your Spotify account, Focus Session helps you stay on track and complete your tasks efficiently. To learn how to use Focus Sessions on Windows 11, refer to our detailed guide.

14. Clipboard Sync

Windows 11 offers a powerful clipboard syncing feature that allows you to seamlessly copy and paste text between your Windows and Android devices. By signing in with your Microsoft account, you can sync your clipboard across devices, eliminating the need to manually transfer information. With the recent integration of Microsoft’s SwiftKey keyboard, clipboard synchronization now works flawlessly on Android devices as well. To learn how to sync your clipboard across Windows and Android devices, check out our comprehensive tutorial.

15. Screen Time

Windows 11 takes inspiration from smartphones by introducing a screen time dashboard that allows you to monitor your usage. This feature provides insights into your screen on time, screen off time, and sleep time for both a 24-hour period and a week. It helps you track your Windows 11 laptop’s battery life and identify apps that may be draining your battery. Additionally, you can sort apps based on background usage and overall usage to gain a better understanding of your device’s power consumption. Learn more about how to check screen on time on Windows 11 in our comprehensive guide.

Conclusion

Windows 11 is a feature-rich operating system with numerous hidden gems that can enhance your productivity and overall user experience. From the weather widget in the taskbar to advanced gesture controls, these hidden features can take your Windows 11 journey to the next level. By exploring and utilizing these features, you can optimize your workflow and make the most out of Microsoft’s latest desktop OS. So why wait? Dive into Windows 11’s hidden features and unleash the full potential of your PC.