Windows 11: Best Hidden Features, Tips, and Tricks

Windows 11 is Microsoft's latest and most cutting-edge operating system, full of all the latest features and functions, from AI Copilot integration to a sleeker-looking UI. Not everyone loved the centralized Start menu when it first came out, but we're getting used to it. And you can always move it back if you want to.

Indeed, customization is one of the best features of Windows 11, with plenty of options to tweak it to your preferences. The only issue is that you need to know the right Windows 11 tips and tricks to take advantage of it. That's where we come in.

Here are some of the best-kept secrets about how to make the most of Windows 11.

1. Restore Your Right-Click Options

One of Microsoft's most infuriating changes to Windows 11 is the redesigned right-click menus. The company removed most previously available options from the default view to make it more compact. However, it did keep the full list of options around. It moved them one layer deeper in the UI, forcing you to click "Show More Options" to see it.

Note that AMD Radeon and PowerRename are not native Windows options and may not be present on your right-click menu.Credit: Jon Martindale/ExtremeTech

Some of us have to use this every time we right-click, which is highly annoying. Thankfully, there's a way to revert to the old menu permanently. All it involves is adding an entry to the registry via the command line. Here's what you must do to get the old right-click menus back via Microsoft :

• Right-click the Start button and choose Windows Terminal

• Copy and paste this into the window: r eg.exe add "HKCU\\Software\\Classes\\CLSID\\{86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}\\InprocServer32" /f /ve

• Close Terminal

To see the changes, reboot your PC or restart File Explorer. You can restart it by killing it in Task Manager, then clicking "Run new task" and typing "explorer.exe" in the window without quotes.

2: Use Copilot to Draft Text

Microsoft's Copilot isn't a tool everyone loves, but it certainly has its uses. Beyond integrating with Microsoft 365 Office applications, though, you can use the base Copilot model to generate text and images for you quickly and easily. This can be great for drafting quick emails, getting help responding to social media messages, or for giving you a first draft on your report.

Credit: Jon Martindale/ExtremeTech

To use it, just select the colorful Copilot ribbon button next to the Windows search bar (or press Windows key + C), then type in your request in the prompt window. You'll need to sign in if you want some of the more advanced functions, like having it draw you images, or respond to more complicated queries, but the base free version without sign-in is plenty capable for text queries or just having a little chat.

For the most advanced functions and a more responsive Copilot experience, however, you will need to sign-up for a Pro license.

3: Copilot+ PC Features

Got yourself a Copilot+ PC with a capable NPU ? Lucky you, you have access to a range of additional features that those with older PCs won't be able to use. That includes the new Click to Do menu, which opens when you select a block of text or an image and lets you use that selection as a quick query with Copilot. This will now work with Intel and AMD Copilot+ PCs, not just ARM ones.

There's also a new search function in the Settings app that will let you use natural language questions to find a setting, rather than just searching for key terms in the traditional manner. The screen reading tool can now summarize images, too, giving them an AI-written explanation if they lack Alt-text.

4: Easy Share Files

If you've updated to Windows 11 24H2, you can utilize the new easy share functions. Just grab a file and drag it out of a folder in File Explorer and you'll be given a list of options for where you want to take it at the top of the screen. Drop the file on one of them and it'll be shared within the chosen app.

5. View All Quick Settings

Since the 24H2 update to Windows 11, you unfortunately can't customize what you can and can't see in the Quick Settings menu, but most of the options are more readily available at least. To view them all, select any of the icons in the bottom-right of your screen (battery, network, audio, etc.), and you'll see the Quick Settings menu appear.

You can't adjust these, but you can scroll them using that little arrow.Credit: Jon Martindale/ExtremeTech

If you can't find the setting you want in the options on screen, select the little down arrow as highlighted in the image above. It'll scroll you down to the other Quick Settings you might need. If you want access to further settings, select the cog icon and you'll be taken the main Settings menu within Windows 11.

6. Use the Xbox Game Bar

The Xbox Game Bar isn't just for Xbox gaming. It's a built-in toolbar for gaming that drops down from the top of the screen when you press Windows + G. It can help you do important things like track your system component usage, keep in touch with friends and show them what you're playing, or track your FPS —alongside a range of other features.

Credit: Jon Martindale/ExtremeTech

You can also use it to adjust your audio settings, and snap a screenshot or record your gameplay.

While you're at it, make sure you have Game Mode enabled to make sure Windows 11 is optimized for your gaming experience. You can find it in Settings > Gaming > Game Mode.

7: Turn on Dolby Vision

Windows 11's 24H2 update introduced a number of useful updates, including overhauling how HDR is handled in Windows. Now there's a much better explanation about what you're actually enabling, and there's native Dolby Vision support, too. You can enable it in the usual manner (System > Display > HDR), but even if you don't enable it and your monitor supports it, you'll be able to enjoy HDR video when streaming.

8. Use Multiple Desktops

This is a returning feature from Windows 10, but it's been upgraded. To use it, you need to enable the Task View icon in your taskbar (Settings -> Personalization -> Taskbar). Click it to add a new desktop. You can then easily switch between them by hovering over the icon and selecting the desktop you want to use.

You can setup one desktop with work apps, and another with apps that are more for after work. Credit: Josh Norem

What makes this feature great is that you can easily separate your preferred apps for work and not work, and quickly swap them when needed. New for Windows 11, you can also change the wallpaper for each desktop to make it easier to identify at a glance. Whatever theme you've selected will be applied across the board, though.

9: Get Up-to-Date Data With Widgets

Windows 11 fully embraces widgets in a way that Windows 10 never did and they are just a key press away. Press Windows key + W to pop out the widget panel from the left-hand side of your screen, and you'll be greeted with a number of news stories, the latest financial and weather data, and more.

Credit: Jon Martindale/ExtremeTech

But you don't have to stop there. Select the cog icon at the top of the widget window, and you can customize your feed with different sources and topics to your taste. Want a different layout? You can move your widgets around by click and dragging the various windows, or adjust the size or design of different widgets by selecting their three-dot menu icons.

10. Tweak Your Privacy Settings

We've always worried about third parties tracking us as we use our computers. But in Windows 11, Microsoft does most of the tracking itself . But not all of us want Microsoft hoovering up free information about us: We paid for the license, after all.

To adjust your own privacy settings, head to Settings and select Privacy & Security > General. From there, you can disable all the settings below, as they will serve you ads from Microsoft.

Turn this crap off ASAP. Credit: Microsoft

Next, click back to Privacy & Security and go to Diagnostics & Feedback. In this box, Microsoft says it is required to collect data on you to keep your Windows 11 PC "secure, up to date, and working as expected." Sadly, there's no way to opt out of this, but at the bottom is a box that should be unchecked if you care about privacy. It lets Microsoft use your diagnostic data (excluding website traffic) to show you personalized tips, ads, and recommendations. You can safely turn this off.

Sorry Microsoft, but we don't need our experience to be "enhanced" with ads. Credit: Microsoft

11: Use the New Snap Layouts

Windows 11 has deep customization options for window layout. These "snap" layouts give you a range of different designs, from one up one down, to three side by side, to four corner screens—it's all down to what you want, and you can even customize it more deeply than that.

Credit: Jon Martindale/ExtremeTech

To use it, just grab a window and drag it to the top of the screen. There you'll be shown a range of options, and you just drag the window to the particular option you want and release. You can still use classic options like dragging to the side of a display to place the window there, or use the Windows key and arrow keys to move them around, but the fancy snap options are hidden up top.

Alternatively, you can press Windows key + Z to open the layouts menu.

12. Use Live Captions

Microsoft added Live Captions to Windows 11 for videos, automatically transcribing what's happening. It's a neat feature, if not consistently accurate. By default, the captions appear in a bar on the top of your display, but you can change its location and have it appear as a floating box. Although you might expect it to work only with Microsoft's media player or Edge browser, it works with almost anything, including Google Chrome and VLC. 

To turn it on, navigate to Settings > Accessibility > Captions, or you can alternatively just press Windows key + Ctrl + L.

Live Captions also work in Chrome as well. Credit: Microsoft

Another neat feature is that it works in games that don't offer subtitles. A Redditor discovered this cool trick, and the thread notes there are some caveats for games. The biggest is it doesn't work in full-screen mode, only windowed mode. It also has a slight delay, as it has to hear the words before transcribing them, so there can't be any music playing in the background. It's only in English and struggles with music videos where people are screaming/growling (sorry, metal fans).

Still, if you find a game that doesn't offer subtitles, it's worth a shot.

13. Switch to Focus Mode

You don't need to be a writer on deadline all day to appreciate the Focus mode in Windows 11. It's a great way to shut the outside world out for a bit and get some work done. You can enable a session by going to Settings > System > Focus and clicking Start Focus Session.

Once enabled, your PC will go into Do Not Disturb mode for the allotted time. Apps in the taskbar will not flash when notifications arrive, and badge notifications in the taskbar will also be disabled.

You can also add Spotify to your Focus timer. Credit: Microsoft

Once it begins, an on-screen timer appears in the corner. It includes a built-in notification for when you need to take a break, which is on a 20-minute timer by default. You can add Spotify to the app to listen to music while working. Additionally, the app lets you add various tasks from Microsoft To Do. 

Rather just leave it on so you aren't bothered by anything ever again? You can do that in Settings > Notifications by switching Do Not Disturb to On.

14. Move the Start Button Back to the Left Corner

If you don't like the centralized start button in Windows 11, you wouldn't be the first. If you'd rather just move it back where it came from (and where it's supposed to be!), navigate to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar. Under Taskbar Behaviors, you can change the location of the Start Menu. 

Back to where you belong. Credit: Microsoft

15: Look Over Your Security

Windows 11 has the most robust security of any Microsoft operating system to date. So much so, in fact, that many Windows experts suggest you don't necessarily need standalone anti-malware software anymore. I don't know if I'd want to do without it myself, but if you want to have a better idea of your security infrastructure and what settings you want to enable and disable, you need to head to the Security menu.

Credit: Jon Martindale/ExtremeTech

To do so, select the little arrow icon in the bottom-right of your screen, then double click on the blue shield icon. In Security at a glance, you'll have the option to check over your antivirus protections, app and browser controls, and your account protection, among other options.

16. Turn on Dark Mode

Though it's not everyone's cup of tea, Dark Mode can be much easier on the eyes than the standard theme. To switch it on, navigate to Settings > Personalization > Colors and enable it under "Choose Your Mode." Click Custom to adjust it the way you prefer.

You can choose light, dark, or a blend. Credit: Microsoft

17: Enable Power Toys

Windows 11's base install includes many powerful features, but you can enable some fun extras to give you wider and greater controls. These can include a color picker tool, an advanced paste function, a Find My Mouse tool, PowerRename for fast file adjustments, and more.

Credit: Microsoft

You'll need to download Power Toys from the Microsoft Store to use it, but it's a quick "Get" away, and you can start playing around with your very own toolkit of advanced features.

18: Start Using Passkeys for Greater Security

Windows 11 has full support for Passkeys, where you're effectively using this device to prove your identity for other sites and services. They're more convenient and more secure than passwords (if you primarily use this device), making them a great option for anyone who's just about had enough of coming up with yet another unique password.

Credit: Jon Martindale/ExtremeTech

To start using Passkeys, just use that option next time you're signing up with a site or service. In Windows 11, navigate to Settings > Accounts, and you'll find any passkeys you've set up.

19: Use Tabs in File Explorer (and Other Apps)

Windows 11 has full support for tabs in its latest version, which makes multitasking far easier. When you have file explorer open, just press Ctrl + T or press the little plus sign icon at the top of the window to open a new tab. This is much easier to switch between than new windows.

You can also drag files between tabs, and drag and drop them to arrange them in a more organized manner.

Credit: Jon Martindale/ExtremeTech

It works in various apps, too. Notepad supports tabs now, too, letting you quickly jump between basic text documents in the same way.

20: Customize the Start Menu

Some of us take a puritanical approach to our Start menu.Credit: Jon Martindale/ExtremeTech

If you don't like the look of the new Start menu, don't remain frustrated. You can tweak what it shows and how by navigating to Settings > Personalization > Start > Folders. You can add your favorite apps, folders, and icons, including quick access to various settings.

21: Adjust the Volume of Individual Apps

If you've encountered a browser tab that you can't find and won't shut up or a work colleague who's too loud on a conference call, you can lower the volumes of individual apps to give yourself peace of mind (or boost them, if needed). To do so, right-click the sound icon in the bottom-right-hand corner and select Open Volume Mixer.

Credit: Jon Martindale/ExtremeTech

There, you'll be able to tweak the volume scales of every running app that's outputting sound and adjust the volume of your device more broadly. Just use the sliders to drag up and down to find the level that's right for you.

22. Set the Right Power Profile

The power options menus in Windows 11 still include some legacy features, so you'll find some in Settings > System > Power. There, you can adjust your system's power mode and what the screen should do when you haven't touched the mouse in a while.

For performance and energy saving mode options and associated settings, you'll need to navigate to Control Panel > Power Options. There, you can use the tick-boxes to change the power plan, or select "Change Plan Settings" and then "Change Advanced Power Settings." You'll see a box that looks like it's from Windows XP. In that window, you can customize your power settings at a granular level, whether you prefer maximum performance on a desktop PC or want your laptop to sip battery.

The control panel is still where you can make granular changes to power settings.Credit: Microsoft

For more, read How to Speed Up Your Slow Computer .