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Windows 10

Hidden Features of Windows 11 That You Most Likely Have Not Yet Experimented With

Hidden Features of Windows 11 That You Most Likely Have Not Yet Experimented With

An updated design, better animations, and enhanced productivity tools are some of the new features that have been added in Windows 11. However, underneath its glossy appearance lurks a collection of hidden features that the majority of users fail to see. In the event that you are aware of where to locate these lesser-known tools, they have the potential to make your system more effective, customized, and pleasurable to employ. As you read on, we will discuss the hidden features of Windows 11 that you have most likely not yet experienced, as well as the practical methods in which you may incorporate these capabilities into your everyday routine.

1. The Hidden Start Menu, which includes Power Tools

When you hit the Win key as well as the X key, you may enter a hidden menu that contains shortcuts by right-clicking the Start button. You may access the Device Manager, Task Manager, and Disk Management from this location. Additionally, you can access options for a rapid shutdown or restart. across the use of this menu, you may navigate across many windows in a more expedient manner.

2. History of the Clipboard Being Built-in

If you press the Win key and the V key simultaneously, Windows 11 will enable you to see a whole history of the clipboard, rather than copying one thing at a time. Whenever you copy anything, including text, links, and photos, this function will remember it and allow you to paste it at a later time. The fact that it allows cloud synchronization across several devices makes it an ideal solution for people who work between a personal computer and a laptop.

3. Desktops that are dynamic and come with virtual desktops

Windows 11 makes Virtual Desktops more helpful than they have ever been before, although many users are unaware of this fact. Utilize the Win key, the Ctrl key, and the D key to create a new desktop and arrange several processes. An example of this would be having one desktop dedicated to work, another for gaming, and a third for creative endeavors, each of which would have its own set of applications and windows.

4. Quick Snap Layouts That Are Hidden for Productivity

You may access Snap Layouts by moving your mouse pointer over the maximize button on any window using the mouse. Using this secret feature, you may easily arrange several windows into grids, columns, or split views without having to manually resize them. It is particularly helpful for ultrawide displays or for multitasking between different tools, such as those used for research, writing, and communication.

5. The Top-Secret Report on the Battery

You may produce a comprehensive report on the health of your laptop’s battery by entering the following command into the Command Prompt that is located on your computer:

powercfg’s battery report command

By doing so, an HTML file is generated that displays the capacity of the battery, charging patterns, and general health. When it comes to determining the cause of poor battery performance or making plans for a replacement, it is a hidden treasure.

6. A Storage Sense that Allows for Automatic Pickup

Storage Sense is a function that can be found tucked away inside the Settings app. It is specifically designed to manage system cache, erase temporary files, and clean the Recycle Bin automatically. In order to make your system work more smoothly without requiring any user involvement, you may schedule cleanups.

7. Clock app’s Focus Sessions, number seven

Windows 11 conceals a powerful Focus Sessions feature inside the Clock app, with the majority of users using it for the sole purpose of checking the time. The purpose of this program is to assist you in maintaining your concentration while you are working or studying by providing you with a timer, task integration with Microsoft To Do, and support for Spotify.

8. Utilizing Hotkeys to Access Hidden Commands in File Explorer

There are shortcuts located inside the File Explorer of Windows 11 that are not immediately evident. Take, for example:

  • To display or conceal the preview window, use Alt + P.
  • A new folder is created instantaneously when you press Ctrl, Shift, and N.
  • To rapidly access the file properties, use Alt and Enter.
    Utilizing these simple shortcuts allows for much quicker file handling.

9. Give Things a Shake to Reduce Distractions

When you hold a window by its title bar and shake it, all of the other windows will immediately minimize, leaving just the window that is now active visible. This simple yet unobtrusive motion is ideal for times when you have an excessive number of applications open at the same time.

10. The folder titled “God Mode”

God Mode, which organizes all of the system settings into a single folder for convenience, is still available in Windows 11, which is designed for power users. In order to activate it:

On your desktop, create a new folder for your files.

Alter its name to:

E7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C is the GodMode configuration.

This changes the folder into a central location that contains hundreds of different configuration choices and settings for the system.

11. Shortcut Code for the Hidden Audio Troubleshooter

Select Troubleshoot sound issues from the context menu that appears when you right-click the sound icon in the taskbar after your sound stops functioning. It is not necessary to navigate through menus since Windows 11 will automatically detect and repair the majority of problems.

12. Emoji and Symbol Panel with a Kept Secret

The emoji picker, which also includes symbols, punctuation, and even GIFs, may be opened by pressing the Win key in conjunction with either the period (.) or the semicolon (;). This is particularly helpful for when you are posting on social media or sending informal messages.

13: The Dark Mode A timetable

Using the Task Scheduler, you may automate the process of switching between light and dark themes, which avoids the need to manually move between them. Windows will automatically alter its theme to correspond with your working hours or nighttime browsing if you configure triggers for particular times of the day with the appropriate settings.

14. Searching using Natural Language for Advanced Results

Natural language queries are supported by Windows Search, which means that you may input phrases such as “documents I edited last week” or “photos from April” to retrieve files in a more logical manner. As opposed to manually traversing directories, this saves a significant amount of time.

The redesigned version of Windows 11 is more than just a clean facelift; it is filled with hidden features that improve speed, customization, and productivity. These tools may assist you in unlocking the full power of your system, whether it is via the use of virtual desktops for organization, the generation of a hidden battery report, or the activation of God Mode. You will be able to transform your Windows 11 experience into a more streamlined and intelligent workflow if you just take the time to investigate these hidden jewels.

Categories
Windows 10

How to Fix Slow Boot Times Without Using Tools Provided by Third Parties

How to Fix Slow Boot Times Without Using Tools Provided by Third Parties

It is possible for even a powerful computer to seem out of date if it starts up slowly. When you have to wait for your computer to load for several minutes before you can begin working, it may be quite stressful. Although many people resort to using third-party optimization software, Windows already offers built-in solutions that are efficient, secure, and free of charge. Increasing the speed at which your system boots up may be accomplished without the need of additional applications if you make a few tweaks.

1. Disable any startup programs that are non-essential.

When you start Windows, many apps will automatically start running, which could add valuable seconds or even minutes to the amount of time it takes for your computer to boot up.

Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl, Shift, and Esc simultaneously.

Proceed to the tab labeled “Startup.”

Go through the list and turn off any programs that aren’t required to run when the computer starts up. This includes chat applications, updaters, and auxiliary utilities.

The primary focus should be on deactivating components that are not needed; nevertheless, system operations and security software should remain active.

2. Allow for a Quick Start-Up

Microsoft Windows has a function called Fast Startup that combines hibernation with shutdown, making it possible for your computer to start up more rapidly.

To access the Power Options, open the Control Panel and go to the Hardware and Sound section.

Simply choose the power buttons that you want to use.

Currently unavailable options may be changed by selecting the Change option.

For the option to turn on rapid startup, check the box.

This works best for users who have solid-state drives (SSDs), although users who have hard disk drives (HDDs) could also see an improvement.

3. Ensure that Windows is always up to date

Slow booting might be caused by software or drivers that are out of date. Performance enhancements are often included in regular updates.

Navigate to the Settings menu, then choose Update & Security, and finally select Windows Update.

Click the Check for updates button, and then install any fixes that are available.

4. Remove Temporary Files from System

When the system disk is crowded, it might slow down the boot process. There are tools built into Windows that may delete unneeded files.

Put Windows and R together to open the Run dialog.

After typing cleanmgr, hit the Enter key.

Please choose your system drive, which is often C:.

Verify that the deletion has been confirmed after checking choices such as Temporary files, System cache, and the Recycle Bin.

5. Improve the overall background services

It’s possible that some background services won’t be necessary for the startup.

After pressing Windows and R, type msconfig and then click Enter.

Go to the tab labeled “Services.”

Be sure to check the box labeled “Hide all Microsoft services” to prevent disabled key processes.

Delete any services that aren’t essential after reviewing the list.

6. Check for errors and the health of the disk.

Delays in starting might be caused by a failing hard disk or data that are corrupted. Diagnostic tools are part of Windows’s default installation.

Launch the Command Prompt in the Administrator mode.

After typing chkdsk /f, hit the Enter key.

To enable the scan to run, you will need to restart your computer.

You should seriously consider switching to a solid-state drive (SSD) if you are currently utilizing a hard disk drive (HDD).

7. Modify the settings for the virtual memory

It is possible to increase speed by modifying the virtual memory settings, even though Windows controls it automatically.

To access the system, go to the Control Panel, then choose System and Security, and finally select System.

Choose the Advanced options for the system.

To access the advanced settings, go to the Performance section and click on Settings.

Make the necessary adjustments to the parameters of the virtual memory so that Windows can handle it, or choose a size that is specific to your RAM.

8. Defragment the hard disk drive (only) or optimize the drives.

The process of starting up might be slowed down by fragmentation if you are using a conventional hard disk.

Within the Start menu, look for the option to defragment and optimize drives.

Choose your hard disk drive, and then choose the Optimize option.

When it comes to solid-state drives (SSD), Windows automatically optimizes SSDs, which eliminates the need for manual defragmentation.

9. Reducing the Visual Effects

Not only can animations and fancy effects seem beautiful, but they may also slow down older computers.

To access the advanced system options, open the Control Panel and go to the System menu.

Under Performance, choose Settings from the menu.

You may choose to deactivate visual effects manually or adjust the settings for optimal efficiency.

You can substantially reduce the amount of time it takes for your computer to start up and make it seem quicker by fine-tuning the settings that are built into Windows. This can be done without installing any additional software. Upgrade to a solid-state drive (SSD) continues to be the most effective choice for making the most significant improvement, particularly on older PCs. However, even if you do not make any modifications to your computer’s hardware, following these instructions may help your computer start up more quickly and without any hiccups.

Categories
Windows 10

Hidden Features of Windows 11 That You Most Likely Have Not Yet Experimented With

Hidden Features of Windows 11 That You Most Likely Have Not Yet Experimented With

In addition to having rounded edges and a taskbar that is centered, Windows 11 is much more than simply a cosmetic makeover. In spite of its streamlined appearance, Microsoft has included a number of functions that are often overlooked by users in their day-to-day lives. Your entire computer experience may be improved, your productivity can be increased, and your security can be strengthened by using these hidden tools and settings.

In the event that you are using Windows 11 on a regular basis but feel as if you have just scratched the surface, the following are some features that are less well-known and that you have probably not yet explored.

1. Layouts and Groups that can be Snapped

With snap layouts, multitasking is elevated to a whole new level. When you hover over the maximize button of a window, you have the ability to rapidly organize your applications into a variety of alternative layouts, including two side-by-side, three columns, or even a four-grid orientation.

Due to the fact that Snap Groups remember these combinations, you may easily bring them back with a single click in the event that you minimize or switch jobs.

The customers who are juggling many applications at the same time will find this functionality to be a time saver.

2. Virtual Desktops that allow for customized settings

Windows 11 gives you the ability to create numerous desktops, each of which may be used for a different purpose, such as work, study, or personal usage. New is the capability to do the following:

Each desktop should have a unique backdrop assigned to it.

The desktops may be rearranged by simply dragging them around.
Your ability to maintain an ordered and distraction-free digital life is facilitated as a result of this.

3. Concentrate with the use of the Clock app

The productivity tool known as Focus Sessions has been added to the Clock app. This function is meant to assist you in working in scheduled intervals.

Task management is made easier with the integration of Microsoft To-Do.

Connects to Spotify in order to play music in the background.

Contains reminders to take breaks in order to avoid burnout.
You may think of it as having a Pomodoro timer built right in, without having to rely on any other applications.

4. The History of Clipboard Images and Cloud Sync

Clipboard History is a tool that remembers everything you’ve copied, and it can be found by pressing the Windows key and the V key simultaneously.

The products that are used regularly may be pinned.

The clipboard may be synchronized across all of the devices that are logged in with the same Microsoft account.
People that often copy and paste, such as students, researchers, or professionals, will find this to be of tremendous use.

5. A Dynamic Refresh Rate to Ensure a Smooth Scrolling Experience

Dynamic Refresh Rate (DRR) is a new feature that Windows 11 brings to the table for laptops that are capable of higher refresh rates.

In response to the activities you are doing, it will automatically modify the refresh rate to either a lower or higher value.

Battery life is preserved while you continue to enjoy fluid animations when they are required.

6. Controls for Hidden Gestures on Touchpads for Number Six

Windows 11 introduces strong touchpad gestures for users of laptops, including the following:

Task View may be opened by swiping up with three fingers.

You may switch between desktops by swiping left and right with three fingers.

A tap with four fingers will open the notification center.
The navigating process may be substantially sped up by using these shortcuts, which are often overlooked.

7. Recommendations for Storage with Automatic Cleaning

Through the use of Storage Sense, Windows 11 is able to intelligently manage the space on your drive.

This deletes temporary files as well as the contents of the recycle bin.

You are also able to manage files on OneDrive by storing just the items that you need locally.
Your computer will function smoothly without the need for manual cleanups thanks to this.

8. Punctuation and Voice Typing

Simply enable Voice Typing by pressing the Windows key and the H key wherever you may type text.

The version of Windows 11 that is used for dictation automatically includes punctuation, in contrast to prior versions.

This tool does remarkably well when it comes to notes, emails, or short messages.

9. Remote File Transfers Using the Nearby Share

The Nearby Share feature, which is comparable to Apple’s AirDrop, enables users to transfer files between Windows 11 computers without the need for cables or cloud services.

It is compatible with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

It is possible to activate it using the fast settings window.

10. Integrated support for Android applications (via the Amazon Appstore)

With Windows 11, you are able to execute Android applications via the Amazon Appstore and Windows Subsystem for Android, despite the fact that this capability is still restricted.

Excellent for applications that improve productivity or for casual mobile gaming.

Even on their own computers, developers are able to test Android applications.

11. A Power User Menu That Is Hidden

By hitting Windows and X simultaneously or by right-clicking the Start button, you may access the Power User menu.

The Device Manager, Disk Management, Windows Terminal, and other applications may be accessed quickly using this feature.

A more expedient method of accessing system tools without having to go through settings.

12 Voice Access for Complete Control of the Computer

Voice Access, a more recent accessibility feature, gives you the ability to do all of your computer’s operations using voice commands.

Launch applications, initiate button clicks, and dictate text.

Even when you are not connected to the internet.
This is a revolutionary step forward in terms of accessibility and hands-free computing.

13. Secret Methods for Using File Explorer

The File Explorer has been revamped to incorporate settings that are undetectable yet helpful:

To facilitate easier access, the crowded ribbon has been replaced by a new command bar.

Changes to Quick Access provide you the ability to pin frequently used folders or files.

Refreshing the menu with a right click allows for better organized navigation, and the “Show more options” option brings back the previous menu when it is required.

14. Windows Sandbox for Risk-Free Testing and Evaluation

The Windows Sandbox feature, which is included in Windows 11 Pro, generates a secure and temporary environment in which users may test applications or surf the web.

As soon as you shut it, everything will be reset.

It is ideal for testing potentially malicious files without putting your primary system at danger.

A surprising amount of strong capabilities are concealed behind the sleek interface of Windows 11, which is a surprise. Snap Groups, Voice Typing, and Windows Sandbox are just some of the technologies that have the potential to make daily computing more streamlined, as well as quicker and more secure.

The exploration of these hidden treasures not only enables you to get more out of your personal computer, but it also guarantees that you are making the most of Windows 11’s capabilities.