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On the occasion of the release of Windows 11, discover 11 tips to use the new version of the operating system effectively.
Presentation
he new Windows update has been available since October 5th. In addition to offering a more modern design , Windows 11 also offers new features. We have compiled a list of 11 tips to fully exploit the potential of this new version of Microsoft’s operating system!
1. Activate dark mode
On Windows 11, it is possible to choose between a light or dark theme. If the dark mode is renowned for its aesthetics, it mainly allows you to increase the autonomy of your computer and avoid eye fatigue. To activate dark mode on Windows 11, nothing could be simpler:
- go to the Start menu ,
- click on Settings, then Personalization,
- in the Colors menu , choose dark mode.
Note: you have the option of modifying your theme for further customization. To do this, go to Themes .
2. Use keyboard shortcuts to navigate more easily
In addition to the existing shortcuts , Windows 11 brings a bunch of new keyboard shortcuts to make the operating system easier to use:
- Windows + a: access quick settings (volume control, Wifi, Bluetooth, brightness, concentration assistant, etc.)
- Windows + n: to open the action center
- Windows + w: to open the widgets menu
- Windows + z: to easily dock windows with Snap Layouts
- Windows + Shift + s: to open the new screenshot tool
3. Use widgets
Microsoft offers a new custom widget stream for Windows 11. To access it, click the widget button built into the taskbar or use the Windows + w shortcut. Various widgets are displayed by default in the tab: weather, news, calendar, etc.
It is possible to add other widgets such as stock market values, a to-do list, photos, sports results or traffic status. To insert widgets, just click on Add widgets or on your profile picture (located at the top right of the menu). You can also remove a shortcut by clicking on the three horizontal dots in the upper right corner of the widget in question, then selecting Remove Widget.
Note: you can remove the widget button from your taskbar by right-clicking then Hide in the taskbar .
4. Change default browser
In Windows 11, Edge is the default browser offered. Of course, it’s entirely possible to change this setting, although Windows won’t make it easy for you. Indeed, it is now necessary to define the browser to use for each type of file (PDF, HTM, HTML, SVG, etc.) and each type of link (FTP, HTTP, HTTPS, etc.). Here is the procedure to follow :
.Go to the Start menu then Settings ,
.Choose Applications then Default applications and Choose default values for link type. On the line concerned (FTP, HTTP, HTTPS, etc.), select your new default browser ,
.Then go to the Choose default values for file type tab , and repeat the process for the affected file types.
5. Change the location of the taskbar
On Windows 11, the taskbar is centered by default. If you don’t like this new configuration, you can move the menu. To do this, go to Settings then Personalization and Taskbar . Then click behavior on the taskbar, then change Aligning the taskbar by Left.
6. Customize your taskbar
Windows 11 provides the ability to customize the taskbar with an easy procedure: click Start , then Settings and Personalization . Then choose Taskbar . It is possible :
- pin applications to the taskbar,
- to deactivate the elements that you do not want to appear in the taskbar (search, display of tasks, widgets or chat),
- automatically display or hide the taskbar in Desktop mode,
- display or hide the badges (notification dots) on the taskbar buttons.
On the other hand, Windows 11 no longer allows you to place the taskbar at the top or to the sides of your screen.
7. Customize the Start menu
With the new Start menu interface , it is possible to pin the apps you are used to using in order to access them faster. To pin an app, go to the All apps menu , then right-click on the app you want to pin and choose Pin to Start menu.
Note: you can also deactivate the « recommendations » part of the Start menu .
To further customize your Start menu , you can add directories next to the power button. To do this :
- Go to Settings then Personalization and Start ,
- Choose Folders then activate the desired elements (settings, file explorer, documents, downloads, images, personal folder, etc.).
8. Take a screenshot easily
Windows 11 offers an improved screenshot tool, with easily accessible features.
To take a screenshot easily on Windows 11, you can:
- use the Windows shortcut + shift + s,
- select the Screen Capture Tool application in your search bar,
- configure the « print screen » key on your keyboard (from your accessibility settings), in order to trigger a screenshot as soon as you press the key.
The new screenshot tool interface provides access to the different capture modes (rectangle, window, full screen, free form) as well as the self-timer function (3, 5 or 10 seconds).
9. Optimize the display space of windows
On Windows 11, the layout of the windows has been redesigned to improve your navigation. The Snap Layouts option allows you to organize your open windows among several layout templates. So you can divide your screen by two, three or even four and have access to all tabs at a glance.
You can use the Windows + z shortcut to easily dock your windows, or click on a window’s maximize / shrink icon.
10. Create multiple workspaces
Already available in Windows 10, the virtual desktop feature has been redesigned for the new version of Microsoft’s operating system. You can create a new desktop from the Task View button (the icon with the black and white square) located in the taskbar, or by using this keyboard shortcut: Windows + Ctrl + d.
To switch between desktops, simply press the Task View button again , or swipe left or right on your touchscreen with 4 fingers.
11. Save the settings of your external screens
If you are used to using one (or more) additional screen connected to your PC, here is a feature that should please you: Windows 11 offers the possibility of saving the display settings of your screens. Concretely, it is possible to save the layout of each window according to the connected monitors. Here is the procedure to follow :
- Open the Start menu , then click Settings ,
- Tap System , then Display ,
- Select the Remember window locations based on monitor connection check box .