Microsoft's latest operating system, Windows 11, started its phased rollout to compatible devices in October, and Windows 10 got its own update earlier this month. So far only some people have been prompted to update to the newer OS of the two, and many others ponder if they should download Windows 11 anyway. But if you installed Windows 11, you'll find there are tons of tips, tricks and hidden features that are easy to learn and can make working on your laptop smoother. 

 

Whether you're using your computer for work or your personal life, it's a good time to master some of Windows' productivity features. These built-in tricks can help you do everything from set up Taskbar shortcuts to save battery power and get the most out of your machine. Microsoft doesn't typically publicize its hidden features in the same way that, say, Apple does. This can make it more difficult to know how to take advantage of all that Windows has to offer. But we've got you covered. 

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Windows 11 review: New OS has us asking, update or wait?

So no matter which Microsoft, Dell, HP or other Windows compatible rig you have, these clever tips will help you stay organized and get more done. Plus, here's everything you need to know about Windows 11, how to skip the wait and download the OS now, the best features in Windows 11 and how it compares to Windows 10. 

1. Minimize every window except the active one

If your desktop screen has gotten too crowded with open windows, you can quickly minimize them all except the one you are currently working in. You'll need to turn this on in Windows 11 by heading to Settings, then System, then Multitasking and turning on Title bar window shake

Just click the title bar of the window you want to remain open to select it. Then, hold the mouse down and move the window back and forth quickly -- shaking it, essentially. After a couple of quick shakes, all other open windows will minimize, leaving only the one you've shaken open. Neat, huh?

2. Open the 'secret' Start menu

You know that to get to the Start menu, you hit the Windows icon at the bottom over on the left of the screen or on your keyboard. But Windows 11 includes a lesser-known second Start menu that makes accessing important features like the Command Prompt, the Control Panel and the Task Manager much easier. You can access it two different ways, either by pressing the Windows key + X, or right click the Windows icon/Start button. 

 

3. Take a screenshot on Windows 11

I know, it's a basic one -- but it's amazing how easy it is to forget how to take a screenshot on your laptop or desktop when you don't do it often. 

There are at least eight different ways you can take a screenshot with Windows. If you want to capture and save a picture of your entire screen, the easiest way is to hit the Windows key + Print Screen key, and that picture will be saved to the Pictures > Screenshots folder. 

To capture just one part of your screen, hit the Windows key + Shift + S to open a tool called Snip & Sketch, which allows you to click and drag to create a screenshot, which is saved to your Clipboard.

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4. Open pinned items from your Taskbar with keyboard shortcuts

If you've pinned programs to your Taskbar at the bottom of your screen to create a shortcut, you don't have to click the icons to open them. Instead, use the keyboard shortcut Windows key + [Number key], with the number key corresponding to the position of the pinned program on the Taskbar. For example, Windows key + 2 will open the second pinned item on the Taskbar. 

This is especially useful if you're typing furiously and don't want to lift your fingers from the keyboard. It may feel more natural to reach for the Windows key.

5. Learn how much space apps are taking up

Computers start running slower as they grow short on space. One quick way to speed them up may be to get rid of apps that take up more space than they should, especially if you don't regularly use them.

To see how much space apps, temporary files and documents are taking up, navigate to Settings > System > Storage. Tap Show more categories to see a full list.

To get an idea of what to toss, tap Cleanup recommendations to see what Windows 11 suggests. You probably won't get rid of your browser, but you might find that a game you haven't played in years is some good dead weight to drop.