Guide: Smart Windows 11 Settings to Boost Productivity
The latest Windows 11 operating system is rapidly gaining traction among businesses in the Wirral, Liverpool, Chester, and North West England. As of August 2024, Windows 11 holds over 31% of the Windows market share, and its adoption is expected to grow as Windows 10 phases out in 2025.
Whether you’ve already made the switch or are planning to upgrade soon, these strategies will help you maximise your Windows 11 experience. Leveraging its features effectively can significantly boost your productivity. Let’s delve into some of the most impactful settings and tools that can enhance your daily operations.
1. Customising the Start Menu
The Start Menu serves as your central hub for accessing applications and settings, making it essential for maintaining productivity.
Pin Your Most-Used Applications
Right-click any application and select “Pin to Start”. This ensures your frequently used apps are always within easy reach, minimising the time spent searching for them.
Organise Apps into Folders
Simply drag and drop apps onto each other to create organised folders. Label these folders clearly to streamline your workflow, especially useful for industries like law firms and accountancies.
Tailor the Start Menu Layout
Head to Settings > Personalisation > Start to customise which folders appear and adjust the layout to fit your specific business needs.
2. Utilising Virtual Desktops
Virtual desktops help you segregate different tasks into separate workspaces, ideal for diverse sectors such as construction, estate agents, and primary schools.
Create Additional Desktops
Click the Task View button on the taskbar or press Win + Tab, then select “New Desktop” to establish a distinct virtual workspace.
Seamlessly Switch Between Desktops
Use Ctrl + Win + Left/Right Arrow to effortlessly navigate between your virtual desktops, keeping your projects organised.
3. Snap Layouts and Snap Groups
Enhance your multitasking capabilities with Snap Layouts and Snap Groups by positioning windows side-by-side, reducing the need for constant app-switching.
Implement Snap Layouts
Hover over the maximise button on any window to view available snap layouts. Select your preferred layout to arrange your windows efficiently.
Create and Restore Snap Groups
Snap multiple windows into a chosen layout. Windows 11 remembers these groups, allowing you to restore them easily by hovering over the taskbar icons.
4. Focus Assist
Maintain your concentration by minimising distractions with Focus Assist, a feature that can be customised to suit your work environment.
Activate Focus Assist
Search for “Focus” in the taskbar and select Focus Settings. Choose your preferences to start a focused work session.
Configure Automatic Rules
Set up rules to trigger Focus Assist during specific times, such as when presenting or during virtual meetings, perfect for busy offices in Liverpool and Chester.
5. Widgets
Widgets provide quick access to personalised content like news, weather, and calendars, helping you stay informed without interrupting your workflow.
Open Widgets
Click the Widgets icon on the taskbar or press Win + W to access the Widgets panel.
Customise Your Widgets
Add or remove widgets, and adjust their size and position to match your preferences and business requirements.
6. Customising the Taskbar
A well-organised taskbar can greatly enhance your efficiency by keeping essential tools readily available.
Pin Essential Apps to the Taskbar
Right-click any application and select “Pin to taskbar” for quick access to your most-used tools.
Modify Taskbar Settings
Right-click the taskbar and choose “Taskbar settings” to customise behaviours, such as hiding it in desktop mode or displaying badges on taskbar buttons.
7. Mastering Keyboard Shortcuts
Proficient use of keyboard shortcuts can save valuable time, making your interactions with Windows 11 more efficient.
Key Keyboard 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 applications.
8. Power and Battery Optimisation
Optimising power and battery settings can extend your device’s battery life and improve performance, essential for businesses on the move.
Select an Appropriate Power Mode
Navigate to Settings > System > Power & battery and choose a power mode that balances performance with battery life.
Enable Battery Saver
Activate Battery Saver to extend battery life, particularly useful for teams working remotely or on-site.
9. Efficient Storage Management with Storage Sense
Manage your disk space effectively with Storage Sense, which automatically removes unnecessary files.
Enable Storage Sense
Go to Settings > System > Storage, turn on Storage Sense, and schedule it to run automatically.
Set Up Cleanup Schedules
Configure schedules to delete temporary files, empty the recycle bin, and remove unused files regularly, keeping your systems clean and efficient.
10. Accessibility Features
Windows 11 offers several accessibility features that can enhance productivity for all users.
Use the Magnifier Tool
Zoom in on parts of your screen by pressing Win + Plus to improve visibility.
Activate Narrator
Enable Narrator to have on-screen text read aloud by navigating to Settings > Accessibility > Narrator.
Enable High Contrast Mode
Improve screen visibility by turning on high contrast mode in Settings > Accessibility > High contrast.
Looking for More IT Productivity Tips?
At Hilt Digital, we specialise in providing bespoke IT solutions for businesses across the Wirral, Liverpool, Chester, North Wales, and the North West. Our team of experts can help optimise your workflow with services such as managed infrastructure, proactive monitoring and maintenance, SentinelOne endpoint protection, penetration testing, dark web monitoring, and Azure cloud consultancy and management.
If you’re aiming to enhance your productivity and secure your business, contact us today to discuss how we can support your IT needs.