💻 Windows 11 Tips & Tricks (2025 Edition)

Category: Windows Guides

Author: jmarket

Tags: Windows 11, Productivity, Performance, Shortcuts, Tweaks

Introduction

Windows 11 continues to evolve into a sleek, efficient, and modern operating system — but many of its best features are hidden beneath the surface.
This guide highlights practical tips, shortcuts, and tweaks to help you make the most of Windows 11’s performance, productivity, and customisation tools.

Whether you’re a new user or an experienced tech enthusiast, these tricks will help you get more done — faster and smarter.

⚡ 1. Supercharge Productivity with Keyboard Shortcuts

Save time and navigate faster using these built-in shortcuts:

• ⊞ Win + X – Opens the Power User menu (quick access to Device Manager, Task Manager, etc.)


• ⊞ Win + A – Opens Quick Settings (Wi-Fi, brightness, volume, etc.)


• ⊞ Win + N – Opens the Notifications Center


• ⊞ Win + E – Opens File Explorer instantly


• ⊞ Win + Shift + S – Takes a screenshot using Snipping Tool


• ⊞ Win + V – Opens Clipboard History (enable in Settings → Clipboard)


• ⊞ Win + . (Period) – Opens emoji and symbol picker

Tip: You can pin frequently used apps to the taskbar and access them with Win + Number (1–9).

🎨 2. Customise the Start Menu & Taskbar

Make Windows 11 truly yours:

• Right-click the taskbar → Taskbar Settings → toggle off features you don’t use (Widgets, Chat, etc.).


• Move the Start button to the left:
  
  Settings → Personalisation → Taskbar → Taskbar behaviours → Taskbar alignment → Left.


• Rearrange pinned apps on the Start Menu by dragging and dropping.


• Create app folders by dragging one app icon on top of another.

Tip: Want the Windows 10 look? Try ExplorerPatcher to restore the classic Start Menu and layout.

🧭 3. Master File Explorer Tabs

Windows 11 now supports native File Explorer tabs — no third-party apps required.

• Open new tab: Ctrl + T


• Switch between tabs: Ctrl + Tab


• Close a tab: Ctrl + W


• Drag files between tabs just like you would between windows.

Tip: Middle-click folders to open them in new tabs — perfect for managing multiple projects.

⚙️ 4. Boost Performance on Older PCs

Make Windows 11 run smoother with these optimisations:

• Disable Startup Apps → Task Manager → Startup Apps → Disable unneeded items.


• Enable Storage Sense → Settings → System → Storage → Storage Sense → On.


• Switch power mode → Settings → System → Power → Best Performance.


• Turn off animations → Settings → Accessibility → Visual Effects → Animation Effects → Off.


• Use Disk Cleanup (cleanmgr.exe) to remove old files.

Tip: Keep drivers up to date via Windows Update → Optional Updates or your hardware manufacturer’s site.

🔒 5. Strengthen Security & Privacy

Protect your data and identity using built-in tools:

• Turn on Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Real-time protection.


• Enable Controlled Folder Access for ransomware defense.


• Use Windows Hello (facial or fingerprint login) for stronger authentication.


• Set up BitLocker (Pro editions) to encrypt your drives.


• Enable Smart App Control to block untrusted applications.

Tip: Pair Windows Defender with ESET Online Scanner or Malwarebytes Free for layered protection.

🧩 6. Snap Layouts & Virtual Desktops

Stay organised with multitasking features:

• Hover over a window’s maximise button to choose a Snap Layout.


• Create multiple virtual desktops with Win + Ctrl + D.


• Switch between desktops with Win + Ctrl + ← / →.


• Name desktops by right-clicking them in the Task View screen.

Tip: Snap layouts can also be triggered by dragging a window to the top edge of your screen.

🎧 7. Control Sound and Devices Quickly

Windows 11 streamlines audio management:

• Press Win + A → Click the arrow next to the volume slider to switch output devices.


• Use Win + Ctrl + Shift + B to restart graphics and sound drivers if your display freezes.


• Assign per-app audio devices in Settings → Sound → App Volume and Device Preferences.

Tip: Enable “Enhanced Audio” in Sound Settings for spatial or 3D effects.

📱 8. Use Your Phone Seamlessly with Windows

The Phone Link app now integrates Android and iPhone devices:

• Send texts, view photos, and receive notifications right from your PC.


• Mirror Android apps or screen (supported models only).


• Answer calls directly on your PC.

Tip: Pair via QR code inside the Phone Link app — setup takes under 2 minutes.

🚀 9. Hidden Power User Features

God Mode Folder:

GodMode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}

Create a new folder with this name to unlock access to every Control Panel setting in one place.

Resource Monitor: Press Win + R → type resmon for real-time performance data.

System Information Tool: Press Win + R → type msinfo32 to view hardware and software details.

Tip: These built-in tools rival many third-party “tweaker” apps — safely and natively.

✅ Final Thoughts

Windows 11 blends modern design with deep customisation and performance tools.
By mastering a few shortcuts and enabling its hidden features, you can turn it into a streamlined, secure, and personalised workspace.

💙 Explore, experiment, and make Windows 11 work your way — safely and efficiently.

🔗 Resources

• Microsoft Windows 11 Help Center


• Windows 11 Download Page


• PCHF Windows 11 Forum

Last updated: October 2025 • Verified by PCHF Staff