Windows 11 has many features that can improve our user experience, but we need to be aware of them to take advantage of them.
Some Windows 11 features you really need to use:
- Universal Media Control:
Universal Media Control is an ultra-convenient Windows 11 feature which gives you the ability to cultivate and maintain a concentrated, productive mindset. Sometimes a little do-not-disturb time is necessary to stay focused and productive in a workplace that is becoming more dynamic and collaborative. Often, the best option for us when trying to do important activities is to create an environment where we can eliminate as many distractions as possible.
You’ll notice that a media control interface displays in the Action Center while a video or music is playing. You can pause, play, forward, or reverse any media using this media control. You’ll find all of the Action Center’s regular bells and whistles, including this new well-integrated set of media controls atop them. Simply click the Action Center button by hovering your cursor over any of the icons in the lower-right to access the controls (Wi-Fi, volume, battery, etc.).
2. Android applications on Windows:
Until recently, you had to buy extra software from a third party to emulate Android apps on Windows. Now with Windows 11, you can run Android apps using a native emulator. Some installation is required, but it is relatively simple to set up. Here are the steps:
- Install the Windows Subsystem for Android. To do this, all you have to do is upgrade Windows to the most recent version, which is 22110.1402.6.0 or higher.
- Next, select Programs from the Control Panel’s menu, then click Turn Windows features on or off. It is possible to activate the Windows Hypervisor Platform and Virtual Machine Platform from here.
- The final step is simply downloading and installing the Amazon Appstore. After that, you can sideload your preferred Android applications on your Windows computer.
3. Snap Layouts:
A new feature in Windows 11 called snap layouts aims to show people how powerful window snapping is. By holding down Win + Z or moving the mouse over a window’s maximize button, users can quickly access snap layouts. Users can click on a zone in a layout to snap a window to that specific zone and then use Snap Assist to complete generating an entire layout of windows after launching the menu that displays the available layouts.
Snap layouts can handle three side-by-side windows on big landscape screens, as well as top/bottom stacked windows on portrait screens. They are customized for the current screen size and orientation.
4. Windows Widgets:
Windows Widgets were eliminated from Windows 7 due to many security concerns. Widgets are thankfully coming back with Windows 11 after a long absence. With only a button press, you can access various information thanks to lightweight programs called widgets.
Simply hit the Windows key and W on the keyboard to add widgets. Alternatively, you can hold your cursor over the Widgets button in the Taskbar’s left corner. You may add or delete widgets to create unique views that let you quickly view information like the climate, emails, or trip notifications.
5. Teams Chat integration:
The Teams app from Microsoft has been pushed and marketed as the default messaging program in Windows 11. And it’s true that the most recent version of Windows makes it simple to install and use Teams straight away. But the so-called software behemoth appears to have forgotten about those who use Windows accounts for our places of employment or education. Only personal accounts are supported by the Teams version included in Windows 11. You must still download and install a special, dedicated edition of the software if you use Teams at work or school. Let’s see how everything turns out.
The helpful new integration enables Microsoft Teams users to instantly start text or video chats from the Taskbar, start calls with team members, or swiftly share open windows with other users by hovering over them. The most intriguing feature is that new functionality is constantly being tested and integrated with new Windows updates, even though the integration isn’t yet a finished product. The most exciting aspect of all, although the integration isn’t yet complete, is that new functionality is constantly being tested and incorporated with fresh Windows updates.
6. Focus Sessions:
The new Focus function in Windows 11 assists you in reducing distractions. It works with the Clock app and has features like a focus timer and music integration to keep you on task. You will experience the following during a focus session:
- Your screen will display a focus timer.
- The do not disturb feature will activate.
- Taskbar applications won’t flash to alert you.
- Badge notifications for apps in the Taskbar will be disabled.
Your focus session will end when you get a notification. You can also end a focus session early if you need to.
You only need to open the Alarms & Clock app to begin (which may need an update depending on your version of Windows 11). Select Focus Sessions, enter a start time, then click Start Focus Session in the top left of the sidebar.
7. Sync Clipboards across devices:
The days of having to copy a text on your phone, send it to yourself via Messenger, and then copy it again on your computer are long gone. Texts can be copied and pasted between your Android phone and a Windows computer utilizing the SwiftKey Beta from Microsoft and Windows 11.
To begin, open SwiftKey and turn it on. Select Clipboard under Settings then turns on Clipboard history. Tap the Sync across devices button after that. A prompt will appear when you try to paste text, asking if you wish to paste it from SwiftKey.
8. Screen time and battery monitoring:
We spend a significant amount of time on computers daily. It can be easier to maintain a healthy balance between our digital and physical lives if you can track how much time you spend on your laptop.
Your battery can be compared to that. To prolong the lifespan of our laptop battery, we can examine how we’re using (or misusing) it with the help of Windows 11’s battery monitoring tool. Simply go to Settings and select Power & battery to enable it. Expand the Battery consumption section under Battery settings to get a detailed breakdown of how your PC battery was used over the previous 24 hours and to see where you spend most of your daily screen time.
If you require any Windows 11 related support or have any questions simply contact our friendly Support Team today.
