Windows 11 is one of the most widely used versions of the Windows NT operating system created by Microsoft. It was released on October 5, 2021. Windows 11 is unique in that it is available in many different languages. Furthermore, the successor to Windows 10 is user-friendly and has many features.
In addition to the obvious features, many hidden features are real draws. Interestingly, many people who use Windows 11 are already aware of some of its hidden features. However, our study found some of the best-kept secrets. As we discuss the Top 10 Hidden Windows 11 Features: Everything You Need to Know, we will also discuss how to use them.
Top 10 Hidden Windows 11 Features: Everything You Need to Know
As previously mentioned, Windows 11 has many built-in features, some of which have yet to be widely known. And it is quite easy to use Windows 11, and the hidden features are not difficult to locate. There are many hidden features in Windows 11, but our research has uncovered the top 10. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the features below.
- Moveable taskbar
- Focus Assist Mode
- Pin Folders to the Start Menu
- Text-to-speech
- Context menu
- Multiple desktops
- Snap layouts
- Aero Shake Auto HDR
- Dynamic refresh rate
The taskbar is the only thing in Windows that can’t be moved anywhere, but that’s not true in Windows 11. You can move your taskbar to the left or right, but it will be cut off. To do this, you can go to the Registry Editor. To use this feature, follow the steps listed below:
- Press the Windows+R key on your keyboard to open the Run program.
- Type “regedit” and press Enter.
- Click on the Registry Editor and open it.
- Navigate to the following address: “Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\StuckRects3”.
- Double-click the Settings key within StuckRects3.
- Set the binary value according to your preference.
- Close the Registry Editor and restart your PC.
Mode of Focus Assist
Focus Assist mode helps you avoid distractions in Windows 11. However, this mode is hidden in the system, so users with in-depth knowledge of PC features can easily discover it. This model is also easy to enable and customise for individual requirements. To do this, follow the steps below:
- Launch the settings on your PC.
- Click on the “System” option.
- Click on the Focus Assist page that appears on the right.
- Select the Focus Assist Settings and choose the modes to enable or disable.
Therefore, you are now ready to use Focus Assist mode.
Pin folders to the Start Menu.
You can pin folders to the Start menu with Windows 11, and it’s not difficult to do so. However, you need to know some key steps to accomplish this. Windows 11 allows pin folders to the Start menu, and you can easily access your favourite folders by clicking on the Start menu. To add a folder to the Start menu, follow the steps listed below:
- Right-click on the folder you want to pin.
- You will see a variety of options.
- Click on the “Pin” option.
- Select the “Pin to Start” option.
Hence, your folder has been successfully pinned to the Start menu.
Text-to-speech
With Windows 11, you can now say what you want to your computer, and your PC will respond with text. Additionally, you can also customise how this feature works. Although this is a common feature, it is one of the features of Windows 11 that many people need to be aware of. To enable this feature, follow the steps below:
- Open the Settings window on your PC.
- Navigate to the Accessibility section from the left sidebar in Settings.
- Under accessibility, click on the Narrator option.
- Enable the “Narrator” toggle.
As a result, you are now able to use the text-to-speech feature.
This menu was available on Windows 10 when it was released and is also available on Windows 11. However, in Windows 11, you must take specific steps to make it work. Therefore, we will show you how to access the context menu below:
- Press the Windows+R key on your keyboard to open the Run program.
- Type “regedit” and press Enter.
- Click on the Registry Editor and open it.
- Navigate to the path Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\CLASSES\CLSID\
- Right-click an empty area in the right section, navigate to New > Key and paste in the following: {86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}
- Right-click on the key you just pasted in, go to New > Key, and name it InprocServer32
- Double-click the default key under InprocServer32, and close all windows.
- Close the Registry Editor and restart your PC.
Hence, the context menu will now be enabled.
Multiple desktops
Multiple desktops are a convenient way to quickly keep unrelated projects together or switch between desktops before a meeting. Windows 10 and 11 have this feature, but on Windows 11, it cannot be easy to set up, so you may need some assistance. Below are some steps to help you enable this feature:
- On the taskbar, select Task View > New Desktop.
- Open the apps you want to use on that desktop.
- To switch between desktops, select Task View again.
Hence, your multiple desktops have now been enabled.
Snap layouts
To arrange your open windows, use Snap. You can move them with the mouse, keyboard, or the Snap Assist feature. Having tools in a specific place makes the computer easier for the person using it to access and work with. To enable this feature, follow the steps below:
Select the window you want to snap with a keyboard and press the Windows Logo Key + Left Arrow. Using a mouse: Select the title bar of the window you want to snap and drag it to the edge of your screen. Drag it to the left or right side of your screen, depending on where you want to snap it.
Aero Shake
Aero Shake is a feature that allows you to declutter the desktop by grabbing and shaking a window to minimise all other windows in the background. Windows 11 offers it secretly, and you have to enable it manually. To enable it, follow the steps below:
- Launch Settings on your PC.
- Click on “System.”
- Click on the multitasking page on the right side.
- Turn on the Title Bar Window Shake option to enable Aero Shake.
- Multiple desktops
Multiple desktops are a convenient way to quickly keep unrelated projects together or switch between desktops before a meeting. Windows 10 and 11 have this feature, but on Windows 11, it cannot be easy to set up, so you may need some assistance. Below are some steps to help you enable this feature:
- On the taskbar, select Task View > New Desktop.
- Open the apps you want to use on that desktop.
- To switch between desktops, select Task View again.
Hence, your multiple desktops have now been enabled.
Snap layouts
To arrange your open windows, use Snap. You can move them with the mouse, keyboard, or the Snap Assist feature. Having tools in a specific place makes the computer easier for the person using it to access and work with. To enable this feature, follow the steps below:
Select the window you want to snap with a keyboard and press the Windows Logo Key + Left Arrow. Using a mouse: Select the title bar of the window you want to snap and drag it to the edge of your screen. Drag it to the left or right side of your screen, depending on where you want to snap it.
Aero Shake
Aero Shake is a feature that allows you to declutter the desktop by grabbing and shaking a window to minimise all other windows in the background. Windows 11 offers it secretly, and you have to enable it manually. To enable it, follow the steps below:
- Launch Settings on your PC.
- Click on “System.”
- Click on the multitasking page on the right side.
- Turn on the Title Bar Window Shake option to enable Aero Shake.
Auto HDR
HDR stands for High Dynamic Range, which delivers optimal appearance for users. Windows 11 has an automatic feature in this regard. To enable it, follow the steps below:
- Go to the Start menu.
- Click on the “Settings” option.
- Click on “System Settings.”
- You will see the Brightness and Color Page.
- Enable the toggle for auto HDR.
Dynamic refresh rate
DRR stands for “dynamic refresh rate,” which provides a seamless balance between a lower refresh rate and a higher refresh rate. The DRR feature helps users working on high refresh rate laptops extend their battery life. To enable it on your Windows 11 PC, follow the steps below:
- Open the Settings window on your PC.
- Navigate to System and then Display.
- Click on the “Advanced Display” option located under the “Related Settings” option.
- A drop-down menu will appear showing the “Choose a refresh rate” option.
- Select the required refresh rate tagged with the “dynamic” keyword next to it.
Hence, the dynamic refresh rate will now be enabled.
Hopefully, you now have accurate information about the Top 10 Hidden Windows 11 Features: Everything You Need to Know and know how to enable each hidden feature. If any user has any queries, please share them with us in the comment section below.
