Due to the change in the model of delivering new features to Windows, which began in Windows 8 and was developed in 10, the “eleven” is also a kind of construction site, where something is constantly happening. Windows 11 has a refreshed interface, window layouts on the screen are now available without PowerToys, and full-fledged virtual desktops. In addition to the most obvious ones, you can find functions in this OS that can significantly affect your efficiency.
What does Windows 11 have in store that’s worth paying attention to? There’s a lot of it. But first, it’s worth turning to features like:
Dynamic lighting
More and more devices are equipped with RGB lighting elements (e.g. cases, components, peripherals) – I myself am crazy about flashy lights in the home, especially those that connect to the smart home system. Windows 11 allows you to manage those connected to your computer without the need for software from manufacturers – e.g. Razer (although I admit that Razer has a real harvester in this regard). In Windows Settings, just go to Personalization and then select Dynamic Lighting. You can adjust the brightness, effects and other parameters of RGB lighting directly in the operating system. People who are similarly crazy about nicely glowing computer elements will be really happy with this.
Voice typing with automatic punctuation
I bet that few people use the voice typing feature in Windows 11. And I bet that very few people know that the OS can automatically apply Polish-style punctuation without any user intervention. Just press Windows + H, open the dictation feature, go to settings and turn on automatic punctuation. I have to admit that not having to manually add periods and commas really helps.
Calculations in the search bar
Windows is “ripping off” macOS — in this case, I’m talking about Spotlight. We finally have the ability to perform calculations directly in the search panel. Just press the Windows key, type an equation, and… the result appears on the right in the calculator section. Microsoft has finally integrated search with Calculator. Previously, I would “quickly” use the combination “Windows + R”, type “calc” and perform calculations. Now it’s much easier — and by a good few steps.
Adding a border to screenshots
I use screenshots a lot and sometimes I need a border for my workspace snippings. To achieve this effect, just launch the Snipping tool, go to Settings and enable the option Add a border to each screenshot. You can choose a color and adjust the thickness of the border – just like that. Screenshots with a border can be easier to read in some cases – Microsoft made sure that users do not lack the ability to personalize even this type of tool. This is indirectly the result of the Insider program, where users submit their ideas and point out bugs.
Focus time
Sometimes I use the Pomodoro technique – I set a timer that divides my work into periods of intense activity and short rest. In this way, I am often able to “get a handle on” things that usually took up a lot of my day. The focus timer allows you to set the length of your session, turn off distracting notifications, and, among other things, hide the “flashing” of taskbar icons whose status has changed. A very useful, yet very simple function
Windows 11 is a treasure trove of interesting features that can make our work a little more enjoyable. There are a lot of them – searching for them on your own can be a lot of fun. But it’s good to know at least about some of the ones that are rarely used or are surprisingly rarely talked about. In my opinion, Windows 11 is greatly underrated in this regard – which is a shame.