In our last blog, we took a look at some of the more compelling features of Windows 11, especially as they apply to productivity. We continue our look at features of Windows 11 you may miss today – let’s keep going!
Windows 11 Features You May Have Missed
- Snap Layouts: This feature allows users to keep every app related to a task in one place, grouping open windows into one of six different, pre-created screen layouts. Users can have two apps side by side, each utilizing 50 % of the screen, while stacking three or four apps in a grid is also possible. Simply choose one of the available layouts from Snap Layouts and position your desired applications in place. The layout and associated apps are then saved as a Snap Group that can be easily accessed in the future.
- Secret Start Menu: There are many compelling productivity tools hiding deep within Windows 11. It can be easy to forget they are there if you do not avail yourself of them routinely, and as indicated, they can be tricky to find in the first place. Some are nestled deep within the Settings app, while others launch from a command line. Some seem to be destined to never be found by the casual user. Some of the more useful tools include:
- Network Connections: Managing and viewing internet connections
- Device Manager: No surprise, for intuitively managing devices
- Terminal or PowerShell: Robust command-line tools designed for IT professionals
- Task Manager: Maximizes PC efficiency
The Secret Start menu is the pathway to locating all these hidden tools. Experts say to right-click the Windows icon to the left of the search box or press the Windows key + X. A menu appears with an entire list of these tools.
Have You Tried Windows Copilot Launch?
Microsoft has been developing and incorporating AI capabilities into its overall product line – including Windows itself – with a new feature known as Windows Copilot. Microsoft describes Copilot in the following way:
“It makes every user a power user, helping you take action, customize your settings and seamlessly connect across your favorite apps… For example, you can not only copy and paste but also ask Windows Copilot to rewrite, summarize or explain your content.”
Microsoft recently made available a sneak preview version of Windows Copilot to some participants of the Windows Insider program. However, the tech giant made it clear that this preview concentrated only on the Copilot user interface, available through a right pane on the screen, and not on the features Copilot will eventually offer to users. It s yet to be determined if Copilot will be a boon to those seeking improved productivity or not.
Alliance IT is a managed services firm located in Sarasota, Florida. We work with small-to-medium-sized businesses that are looking for ways to maximize their resources to achieve increased productivity, efficiency, and market reach. By affording themselves with our advanced technology and communications hardware, they can achieve economies of scale not possible on their own. By availing themselves of our professional team, they can enjoy the benefits of elite IT professionals working on their behalf – without having to recruit, onboard, and train those experts.
The scope of managed services has grown significantly since it was concentrated on the break-fix models. From cloud services to structured cabling and VoIP capabilities, Alliance IT has the knowledge, expertise, resources, and efficiency you need to grow and thrive.
