Boost Your Business Productivity with Windows 11

1. Smart Menu Customization

The Smart Menu is the gateway to all applications and settings on your computer. This feature will significantly enhance your productivity! You can use the Smart Menu to open apps, do searches, and much more.

Customizing your Start Menu will save you time and clicks. Here are a few ideas:

• Pin Frequently Used Apps: Right-click on any app, choose the “Pin to Start” function allowing you to pin your most used apps, and then access them with one click.
• Organize into Folders: Drag and drop apps on top of each other to create folders. Label them for easy identification.
• Adjust Start Menu Layout: Go to Settings > Personalization > Start. You can choose which folders appear on the Start Menu and customize layouts to suit your needs.

2. Virtual Desktops

The Virtual Desktops function allows you to organize your workspace by separating different tasks into distinct desktops. For example, you could set up one desktop for work and another for personal use.

• Create a New Desktop: Click on the Task View button on the taskbar or press Win + Tab. Use the “New Desktop” function to create a new virtual space.
• Switch Between Desktops: Use Ctrl + Win + Left/Right Arrow to toggle between different desktops.

3. Snap Layouts and Snap Groups

Snap Layouts and Snap Groups are powerful multitasking tools. They “snap” windows into position for side-by-side work. When you start using these functions, you’ll notice a big reduction in time-consuming app-switching.

• Use Snap Layouts: Hover over the Maximize button on any window to see available snap layouts. Choose a layout to “snap” the window into place.
• Create Snap Groups: “Snap” windows into a layout. Hover over the taskbar icons to see and restore the snap group. Windows 11 will remember the group.

4. Focus Assist

Focus Assist helps you stay focused by minimizing distractions.

• Enable Focus Assist: Find “Focus” on the taskbar search and click on Focus Settings. Choose your options from the menu.
• Set Automatic Rules: Set up automatic rules to enable Focus Assist during specific tasks, for example, when you’re duplicating your display or playing a game.

5. Widgets

Widgets provide quick access to personalized content such as news, weather, calendar, and more.

• Access Widgets: Click on the Widgets icon on the taskbar or press Win + W.
• Customize Widgets: Add or remove widgets. Adjust their size and position to suit your preferences.

6. Taskbar Customization

Tired of looking at icons you never use? With the Taskbar Customization function, you can hide icons you don’t need. This reduces distractions on your taskbar and helps you find the apps you need faster. A well-organized taskbar will enhance your productivity.

• Pin Apps to Taskbar: Right-click on any app and select “Pin to Taskbar” for quick access.
• Adjust Taskbar Settings: Right-click on the taskbar and choose “Taskbar Settings.” Here, you can customize taskbar actions, such as hiding the bar in desktop mode or showing badges on taskbar buttons.

7. Keyboard Shortcuts

Keyboard shortcuts can save you a lot of time. Once you learn your favorites, using them will become second nature. Here are some essential shortcuts:

• Win + E: Open File Explorer.
• Win + I: Open Settings.
• Win + D: Show or hide the desktop.
• Win + L: Lock your PC.
• Alt + Tab: Switch between open apps.

8. Power and Battery Settings

Optimizing power and battery settings can extend your device’s battery life and improve performance. Knowing how to make these adjustments is also helpful if you’re without a power connection and need to extend your battery’s charge.

• Adjust Power Mode: Go to Settings > System > Power & Battery. Choose a power mode that balances performance and battery life.
• Battery Saver: Enable Battery Saver to extend battery life. Use it when your device is running low or you're away from a power source for an extended time.

9. Storage Sense

Storage Sense helps you manage disk space by automatically deleting unnecessary files.

• Enable Storage Sense: Go to Settings > System > Storage. Turn on Storage Sense and set it up it to run automatically.
• Configure Cleanup Schedules: Set up schedules to automate certain storage tasks, such as deleting temporary files, emptying the recycle bin or removing unused files.

10. Accessibility Features

Windows 11 includes several accessibility features that enhance productivity.

• Magnifier: Use the Magnifier tool to zoom in on parts of your screen. Press Win + Plus to activate it.
• Narrator: Enable Narrator to read text on your screen aloud. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Narrator.
• High Contrast Mode: Improve visibility by enabling high contrast mode. Go to Settings > Accessibility > High contrast.

Looking for More IT Productivity Tips?

Our team of tech experts has many other productivity tips to share. If you’re looking to optimize your workflow, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Contact us today to schedule a chat about how we can help you improve your productivity at 888-899-2857 or visit www.tnius.com.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press.

Sources:

Comp Corner: Maximize your Windows 11 experience with these essential settings., https://www.compcorner.com/post/maximize-your-windows-11-experience-with-these-essential-settings-rel-canonical.

Microsoft Community: https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/surface/forum/all/surface-pro-8-very-poor-battery-life/8e93471b-966f-4f3d-bcdf-accb5bea322d.

Newport Solutions: Guide to Smart Windows 11 Settings to Boost Your Productivity, https://newport-solutions.com/blog/guide-to-smart-windows-11-settings-to-boost-your-productivity.

Urban IT: 10 Windows 11 Settings That Boost Productivity, https://urbanit.com/smart-windows-11-settings-that-boost-your-productivity/.