22 Best Cool Things To Do in Windows 11? Top Features You Must Know

If you have recently installed the Windows 11 OS on your computer and wondering what is the difference between Windows 10 and Windows 11? What are Windows 11’s new features? Then here we’ve compiled 22 best and cool things to do in Windows 11 OS.

On other hand, Windows 11 introduces several updates. Microsoft’s brand-new operating system is jam-packed with features including a redesigned user interface, support for Android apps, better resource management, and many more. Underneath, it is still the same OS, which is a positive thing. If you upgraded to Windows 11, you might have noticed some changes, starting with where the Start button is now.

22 Best Cool Things to Do in Windows 11 (Tips and Tricks)

Here are some of the best Windows 11 tips and tricks:

1. Move the Start Menu to the left or Center: Cool Things to Do in Windows 11

The position of the Start menu and Taskbar is one of the first changes in Windows 11 that you’ll notice. In order to make it more aesthetically pleasing and usable, Microsoft chose to shift it to the middle. Despite the fact that I quite appreciate the new location, you might prefer it in its old location. Thankfully, you can undo the adjustments and return the Taskbar to its original position on the left.

• Open the Settings.
• Select Personalization > Taskbar.
• Click Taskbar behaviors.
• Choose Center or Left.

Move the Start Menu to the left or Center: Cool Things to Do in Windows 11

2. Use Snap Windows

It might be challenging to arrange the windows on the screen for simple navigation if you have a number of active Explorer windows and running apps. The Snap feature in Windows 11 could be the answer you’re looking for. To easily organize open windows, place your mouse on the Maximize/Resize button and select a layout. There are several options available, each suitable for various jobs and screen sizes.

• Go to the Settings.
• Select System > Multitasking.
• Enable Snap windows.
• Make sure to check the box next to the Show snap layouts when I hover a window’s maximize button.

Use Snap Windows

3. Get Rid of Chat App & Widgets: Cool Things to Do in Windows 11

The Widget and the Chat (Microsoft Team) app are already present by default on the new Taskbar. You may quickly check information like the weather, sports, local traffic, Windows app tips, calendars, and more with the widget app. However, you may disable it in the options if you like to have more taskbar space.

• Go to the Settings.
• Select Personalization > Taskbar.
• Disable both Chat and Widgets.

Get Rid of Chat App & Widgets: Cool Things to Do in Windows 11

4. Reduce Distractions by using the Focus Feature

When it’s time to focus and avoid distractions, Focus Assist can stop alerts from popping up. Go to the System area of Settings, then choose Focus Assist. Alone alarms will annoy you if you want to get notifications for alarms only. Other alerts that should be allowed may be selected using the Priority only option, and you can choose the periods when Focus assistant should be activated automatically.

• Go to the Settings.
• Select Focus.
• Click on Start focus session.

Reduce Distractions by using the Focus Feature

For a detailed guide visit here: How to Start a Focus Session in Windows 11

5. Title Bar Window Shake

Windows 11 also has the Shake to Reduce function, formerly known as Aero Shake, which enables you to minimize all open windows except for the active one simply shaking the title bar (see GIF attached below).

Simply choose the window you wish to concentrate on and shake the title bar if you have too many windows open. All open windows will be minimized save for the one you are working in.

• Go to the Settings.
• Select System > Multitasking.
• Enable Title bar windows shake.

Title Bar Window Shake

6. Use the Old Right-click Menu

Do not panic if you updated from Windows 10 to Windows 11 and discovered that the previous context menu is absent; you may still access it. The former context menu is now concealed by Microsoft under “Show More Options,” requiring two clicks and seeming cumbersome. So, here’s a clever tip you may use to access the previous context menu.

• On Windows 11, press “Shift + F10″ to quickly access the previous, feature-rich right-click context menu.

Use the Old Right-click Menu

7. Use Dark Mode in Windows 11

Windows 11 follows the trend of many other programs by offering the option to change to a darker tint. Before selecting the Color section, right-click an empty space on the desktop and choose to Personalize if you like deeper hues. Choose Dark from the drop-down option labeled “Choose your mode.”

• Go to the Settings.
• Select Personalization > Colors.
• Next to Choose your mode option, select Dark.

Use Dark Mode in Windows 11

8. Quickly Access the Task Manager in Windows 11

In Windows 10, the Taskbar provides immediate access to the Task Manager. With Windows 11, that has changed. While Windows 11 offers a number of methods to reach the Task Manager, the Start menu is one of the simplest.

• Right-click on the taskbar.
• Select Task Manager.

Quickly Access the Task Manager in Windows 11

9. Add Folders to the Start Menu

Few people are aware that Windows 11 allows you to add folders to the Start menu. In its most recent desktop operating system, Microsoft has disguised this function under Start Settings. You can easily access your media files, downloads, and other vital documents with folders on the Start menu.

Custom folders are not currently available in Windows 11, but you may add the user directory, the Downloads folder, File Explorer, and more.

• Go to the Settings.
• Select Personalization > Start > Folders.
• Now, enable any folder you want to use.

Add Folders to the Start Menu

10. Customize the Quick Settings Panel

In Windows 11, Microsoft divided the traditional Action Center into two distinct pop-ups. The Notification panel and the Calendar will appear when you click the Time and Date section.

• Press Windows + A to open Quick Settings.
• Select the edit button.
• Click Add.
• Now add any settings you want and click Done.

Customize the Quick Settings Panel

11. Use the New Touch Gestures

You must become acclimated to a completely new set of touch gestures while using a touch-screen PC convertible or tablet, like the magnificent new Surface Pro 8. Many of these motions require the use of multiple fingers. Instead of launching task switching mode, the Widgets panel of news and information is now opened when you swipe in from the left. You now need to swipe up on the screen (anywhere) with four fingers in order to see the Task View.

Thankfully, opening alerts still requires a swipe from the right. An app may still be minimized and shown on the desktop by swiping down with three fingers while it is open instead of from the top, which no longer shuts the program. All open windows are opened by three finger swipes upward.

• Go to the Settings.
• Select Bluetooth & other devices > Touchpad.
• Now, customize Taps, Scroll & zoom, Three-finger gestures, and Four-finger gestures.

12. Choose a New Theme

In Windows 11, themes are back, but this time they integrate seamlessly with dark mode. The background picture, noises, cursor, accent color, and color theme may all be changed at once by opening Settings > Personalization and choosing one of the pre-installed themes. To modify the current themes, add new ones from the Microsoft Store, or make your own, open Themes.

• Go to Settings.
• Click Personalization.
• Choose your theme.

Choose a New Theme

13. Change Default Apps

Selecting a default app on Windows 10 is simple, but with Windows 11, you must set a default program for each file type, making the process more difficult.

• Go to Settings.
• Select Apps > Default apps.

Change Default Apps

14. Customize the Recommended Section

Microsoft 365 powers the Recommended part of the new Start screen. It displays the files you’ve opened most recently, programs you’ve just installed, and other suggestions. If you don’t want everyone to know about your recent activities, you can turn it off in the settings.

• Go to Settings.
• Select Personalization > Start.

Customize the Recommended Section

15. Pin Apps to Start Menu

For quick access, the programs you use the most can be pinned to the taskbar or the top of the Start menu.

• Press the Windows key.
• Go to All apps.
• Right-click on any app and select Pin to start.

Pin Apps to Start Menu

16. Use the Secret Start Menu

You can also open File Explorer, Task Manager, Settings, Terminal, Run, and other settings by pressing Windows + X buttons.

• Press Windows + X.

or

• Right-click on the Start menu button.

Use the Secret Start Menu

17. Customize Touch Keyboard Theme

If you have a Windows 11 laptop with a touch then you can always customize the Touch keyboard. Windows 11 makes several modifications to the operating system that make it more user-friendly on touch-screen devices like the Surface Pro 8. The capability to modify the touch keyboard is one of these modifications. You don’t simply have to use the system’s built-in white or black keyboard; you can alter how it looks and feels.

• Go to the Settings.
• Select Personalization > Text input.
• Choose any theme you want.

Customize Touch Keyboard Theme

18. Take a Screenshot

Windows 11 allows one to take screenshots in various ways:

• PrintScreen (aka PrtScr) allows you to copy a screenshot and paste it into Paint or another image-editing program.

• Using Snipping Tool

19. Sync Clipboard Across Devices

In Windows 10, the Clipboard feature was introduced. With some improvements in Windows 11, you can now sync the data from your clipboard across devices.

• Go to Settings.
• Select System > Clipboard.
• Enable Sync across your devices.

Sync Clipboard Across Devices

20. Trim Videos Without Installing Any Apps

This built-in Windows utility allows you to cut and resize movies in Windows 11 without the use of any other programs. To learn how to cut a video in Windows 11, read on. The Videos app may be used to edit videos that you play in it, however, it is often used to open photographs and view videos. When editing videos, press the Trim button.

1. Right-click on any video > Open with > Photos.

2. Press Cntrl + E.

3. Trim your video and Save.

Trim Videos Without Installing Any Apps

21. Enable Night Light Schedule

Use Windows 11’s Night Light feature if you frequently work into the night. When activated, it transforms to warm hues, acting as a blue light filter.

• Go to Settings.
• Select System > Display > Night light.
• Turn on the Schedule night light.
• Set the hours.

Enable Night Light Schedule

22. Cool Things to Do with Redesigned Emoji Picker

While Teams has already started receiving 3D emojis, Windows 11 has not yet gotten them, but Microsoft has updated the emoji picker with additional features. You may now add GIFs (provided by Tenor), Kaomoji, and Symbols when you access the Emoji picker in Windows 11 by pressing “Windows +.“

Even the emojis have undergone redesigns and now match the visual style of Windows 11. When conversing with your pals on WhatsApp Web or other messaging apps, you should make use of this secret Windows 11 function.

Cool Things to Do with Redesigned Emoji Picker

How to Type Emojis on Windows 11 PC & Laptop

That’s all. These were 22 cool things to do in Windows 11. These tips and suggestions can help you get used to Windows 11’s changes, whether you’re a power user or just attempting to learn it. The new edition has its own set of useful features to further improve the experience, even though other tactics are simply carried over from Windows 10.