Windows 11 tips and tricks: get more out of your computer

Windows 11 has been available for a while now and offers many handy features that you may not know about yet. In this article, we share the best tips and tricks to get more out of your Windows 11 computer.

Customize the Start menu

The Start menu is centered in Windows 11. Not used to it? You can change it:

Move the Start menu to the left

1. Right-click on the taskbar
2. Choose Taskbar settings
3. Click on Taskbar behaviors
4. At "Taskbar alignment" choose Left

Customize pinned apps

• Pin apps: Right-click an app → Pin to Start
• Remove apps: Right-click → Unpin from Start
• Rearrange: Drag apps to the desired position

Use virtual desktops

Virtual desktops help you organize your work. One desktop for work, one for personal tasks:

1. Press Windows + Tab
2. Click New desktop at the top
3. Drag windows between desktops
4. Switch with Ctrl + Windows + Left/Right arrow

Snap Layouts: Smart window arrangement

Snap Layouts help you place windows neatly side by side:

1. Hover over the maximize button of a window
2. Choose a layout (half screen, quarters, etc.)
3. Click on the position where you want the window
4. Select other windows for the remaining positions

Tip: Press Windows + Z to quickly open Snap Layouts.

Useful keyboard shortcuts

Enable clipboard history

Copy multiple items and choose which one to paste:

1. Press Windows + V
2. Click Turn on to enable
3. Now you can see the last 25 copied items
4. Click on an item to paste it

Focus Assist: Distraction-free work

Block notifications while working:

1. Press Windows + A (Quick settings)
2. Click on Focus
3. Choose a duration or turn it on indefinitely

You can also schedule automatic focus times in Settings → System → Focus.

Dark mode

Dark mode is easier on the eyes, especially in the evening:

1. Go to Settings → Personalization → Colors
2. At "Choose your mode" select Dark
3. Or choose Custom to use dark mode only for Windows or apps

Night light

Reduce blue light in the evening for better sleep:

1. Go to Settings → System → Display
2. Click on Night light
3. Enable and set the strength
4. Schedule: Set automatic times

Widgets

Widgets give you quick access to news, weather, calendar, and more:

1. Press Windows + W or click on Widgets in the taskbar
2. Click + to add widgets
3. Drag widgets to rearrange them

Remove widgets from the taskbar

Don't use widgets? Right-click the taskbar → Taskbar settings → Turn off Widgets.

Improve performance

Disable startup programs

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc (Task Manager)
2. Click on Startup apps
3. Right-click programs you don't need → Disable

Disk Cleanup

1. Press Windows + S, search for "Disk Cleanup"
2. Select drive C: and click OK
3. Check the items you want to delete
4. Click Clean up system files for more options

Storage Sense

Automatic cleanup:

1. Go to Settings → System → Storage
2. Enable Storage Sense
3. Configure what should be cleaned and when

Quick access to settings

Right-click the Start button for quick access to:

• Settings
• Device Manager
• Terminal (Admin)
• Task Manager
• File Explorer
• Shut down or sign out

Troubleshooters

Windows 11 has built-in troubleshooters for common problems:

1. Go to Settings → System → Troubleshoot
2. Click on Other troubleshooters
3. Run a troubleshooter for your problem (internet, audio, printer, etc.)

Need help? Our support team is ready for you! Send a ticket through the customer portal and we'll usually help you within a few hours.