Windows 11 gets flak for its design choices, but fifteen built-in features and one free Microsoft suite save me hours weekly. Most people never enable them because they are buried in Settings or require a Store download.
Built-in features to enable today
- Snap Layouts — hover maximise button; essential on ultrawide and dual monitors.
- Virtual desktops — Win+Ctrl+D; separate work, personal, gaming.
- Clipboard history — Win+V; multiple copies; pin frequently used snippets.
- Focus sessions — Clock app; Do Not Disturb during deep work.
- Voice typing — Win+H; surprisingly good for drafts.
- Widgets — disable if distracting; or use for calendar glance only.
Microsoft PowerToys essentials
FancyZones — custom snap grids. PowerRename — bulk file rename. Image Resizer — right-click resize. Peek — preview files without opening. Run — Alt+Space launcher. All free from Microsoft GitHub.
Settings to change once
Disable suggested content in Start and Settings. Turn off lock screen ads/recommendations. Map Caps Lock to Escape if unused (PowerToys Keyboard Manager). Enable night light schedule. Pin real folders to Quick Access; unpin defaults you never open.
Keyboard shortcuts cheat sheet
Win+Shift+S screenshot region. Win+E Explorer. Win+. emoji panel. Win+Pause system info. Alt+Tab vs Win+Tab — know both. Snap window with Win+arrow keys before FancyZones if you prefer keyboard-only workflow.
