20 Windows 11 tricks you probably don't know
Windows 11 includes numerous features and shortcuts that can make using your computer faster and more efficient. Some are well known, but many of them are hidden in menus or can be accessed directly using key combinations.
In this iTechServiceTM guide we present 20 Windows 11 tricks useful for everyday work, window management, screenshots, file management, productivity and system configuration.
1. Use Win + V for clipboard history
Windows 11 can keep multiple copied items, not just the last piece of information.
Press:
Windows + V
On first use, enable clipboard history. Afterwards you can view and reuse texts or other previously copied items.
Useful: when working with multiple texts, temporary passwords, addresses or information you need to copy sequentially.
2. Quickly take a screenshot with Win + Shift + S
It is not necessary to open a separate application for each screenshot.
Press:
Windows + Shift + S
You can select the area you want to capture, and the image can then be edited or copied.
3. Use Win + Z for window management
Windows 11 includes Snap Layouts, a useful feature for organizing multiple applications on the screen.
Press:
Windows + Z
You can quickly choose an arrangement layout for windows.
This is especially useful when working simultaneously with the browser, documents, File Explorer or other applications.
4. Quickly open the Power User menu with Win + X
Press:
Windows + X
A menu opens with quick access to features such as:
- Task Manager
- Device Manager
- Disk Management
- Terminal
- Settings
- System
This is one of the most useful shortcuts for Windows troubleshooting.
5. Quickly open emojis and symbols
For emojis, symbols and other special characters you can use:
Windows + .
This is useful in messages, documents, posts and other texts.
6. Use voice dictation in Windows 11
Windows 11 can turn your voice into text in supported fields.
Press:
Windows + H
Then start speaking. This feature can be useful when you need to quickly draft a longer text.
7. Quickly restart the graphics driver
If the display temporarily freezes or display issues occur, you can try resetting the graphics driver without immediately restarting the computer.
Press simultaneously:
Windows + Ctrl + Shift + B
The screen may flicker briefly, and Windows attempts to reinitialize the graphics component.
Important: this combination does not repair a hardware defect and does not replace the diagnosis of a system with persistent issues.
8. Create virtual desktops
Windows 11 lets you separate your activities across multiple virtual desktops.
Press:
Windows + Ctrl + D
To switch between desktops you can use:
Windows + Ctrl + left/right arrow
For example, you can have a desktop for work and one for personal activities.
9. Open Task Manager quickly
For monitoring the processor, RAM, disk and active applications, Task Manager is one of the most important Windows tools.
Press:
Ctrl + Shift + Esc
You can quickly check which applications are consuming the most resources.
10. Check startup programs
If Windows starts up slowly, check the applications configured to start automatically.
Open Task Manager → Startup apps.
Review the listed applications and disable unnecessary programs that you do not need to start up with Windows.
Please note: do not disable system components or drivers unless you know what role they have.
11. Automatically free up space with Storage Sense
Windows 11 includes Storage Sense, a feature that can automatically remove certain temporary files and unnecessary items.
You can find it in:
Settings → System → Storage
Check the space used and configure Storage Sense according to your needs.
12. Use File Explorer with multiple tabs
In modern versions of Windows 11, File Explorer allows using multiple tabs in the same window.
You can open a folder in a new tab and quickly switch between locations without opening numerous windows.
This is useful when copying or organising files between multiple directories.
13. Use Windows search more efficiently
Press the Windows key and start typing the name of the application, document or setting you are looking for.
Instead of manually navigating through menus, you can quickly reach applications and settings.
14. Enable file name extensions display
A file extension helps you identify its real type.
In File Explorer go to:
View → Show → File name extensions
This way you can see extensions such as .jpg, .png, .pdf, .docx or .exe.
It is also a useful setting from a security perspective, as it can make it easier to spot executable files hidden behind misleading names.
15. Enable hidden files display
If you need to access a hidden file or folder, you can enable their display from File Explorer.
Go to:
View → Show → Hidden items
Please note: do not modify or delete hidden files unless you know what role they have.
16. Use Focus for fewer distractions
Windows 11 includes features for focus sessions that can limit distractions while working.
You can use Focus when you are working on a task and do not want to be interrupted constantly by notifications.
17. Quickly share files on the network
Windows provides sharing features that can be useful for transferring files between compatible devices.
Depending on the system configuration, you can use the sharing options available in File Explorer.
Before sharing files, always check to whom and through which network they are being sent.
18. Use Windows Terminal for administration
Windows 11 includes Windows Terminal, through which you can use tools like Command Prompt and PowerShell.
The terminal is useful for diagnostics, administration, and quickly executing certain operations.
For regular users, it is recommended to execute only commands that they understand or that come from a trusted source.
19. Quickly check system information
If you want to find out what hardware and Windows version you have, you can open system information from:
Settings → System → About
There you can identify information such as the processor, RAM memory, and Windows version.
This information is useful when checking if a computer can support certain applications or upgrades.
20. Use PowerToys for additional features
Microsoft PowerToys is a set of utilities intended for users who want additional features for Windows.
Among the available tools are utilities for resizing windows, renaming files, managing the keyboard, previewing files, and other productivity operations.
PowerToys can be very useful if you use Windows 11 intensively and want to automate or simplify certain repetitive operations.
Frequently asked questions about Windows 11
What is the most useful shortcut in Windows 11?
It depends on the activity. For daily use, combinations such as Windows + V, Windows + Shift + S, Windows + Z and Ctrl + Shift + Esc are very useful.
How can I make Windows 11 faster?
Start by checking the apps that start automatically, the free space on the SSD, the RAM and CPU usage, and the programs running in the background. If the system remains slow, the issue can be software or hardware and requires more careful diagnostics.
Can I use these tricks on any computer with Windows 11?
Most of the features presented are available in Windows 11, but some options may vary depending on the Windows version, installed updates, hardware configuration, or system policies.
Is it safe to modify Windows 11 settings?
Regular settings are generally safe when modified correctly. For administrative operations, Registry, PowerShell, or Terminal, it is recommended to follow verified instructions and make a backup before important modifications.
Do you need help?
If you need help with setting up, optimising, or troubleshooting Windows 11, iTechServiceTM can help you identify and resolve your system issues.
See the Windows performance setup.
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