8 Hidden Features in Windows 11

The Windows functionality is obvious for those, running this operating system for years. But, you may find some hidden jewels, you will love.

1. Voice Typing with Punctuation Support

Voice typing is definitely one of the best built-in hidden features of Windows 11, and it does not look like many people are aware about this awesome tool. It allows you to type in any text field or window with a hotkey. Simply press “Windows + H” to see the voice typing pop-up come up. Now, speak out whatever you want to type, and it will accurately transcribe your speech, that too with correct punctuation.

2. Hidden Old Context Menu

If you upgraded from Windows 10 to Windows 11 and find the old context menu missing, don’t worry, you can still access it. Microsoft has hidden the old context menu under “Show More Options,” which requires two clicks and feels like a hassle. Use the “Shift + F10” keyboard shortcut to directly open the old feature-rich right-click context menu on Windows 11.

3. Manage Volume For Individual Apps

Some people use third-party applications, like the EarTrumpet, to control volume for individual apps. But you don’t have to do that anymore. Windows 11 has a hidden Volume mixer feature that lets you control volume for individual apps. Just open the Settings app and move to System -> Sound.” Here, under Volume mixer, you can set the volume for different apps with ease.

4. Windows Backup

Similar to what we have on smartphones, Windows 11 also comes with a complete backup solution. But to use this feature, you must sign in with your Microsoft account on your PC. All your files and folders from the user profile (Desktop, Documents, & Pictures) will be uploaded to OneDrive, and Microsoft will store your app list, on-device Settings preferences, Microsoft Store preferences, and more.

When you sign in on a different PC, all your preferences will be synced and files will be restored from OneDrive. How awesome is that? Do note that it is a cloud backup and different from older backup solutions such as File History and Windows Backup and Restore. To use this feature, open Settings and move to “Accounts -> Windows backup“.

5. Use Multiple Desktops

This is a returning feature from Windows 10, but it's been upgraded. To use it, you need to enable the Task View icon in your taskbar (Settings -> Personalization -> Taskbar). Click it to add a new desktop. You can then easily switch between them by hovering over the icon and selecting the desktop you want to use.

You can setup one desktop with work apps, and another with apps that are more for after work. Credit: Josh Norem

What makes this feature great is that you can easily separate your preferred apps for work and not work, and quickly swap them when needed. New for Windows 11, you can also change the wallpaper for each desktop to make it easier to identify at a glance. Whatever theme you've selected will be applied across the board, though.

6. Move the Start button Back to the Left Corner

Start button is in the center now, but if you do not like that, you can move it back to the left corner. To move it back, go to Settings -> Personalization -> Taskbar. Under Taskbar Behaviors, you can change the location of the Start Menu.

7. Clipboard history

Windows 11 also takes the clipboard function a step further. When you hit Windows key + V in Windows 11, you’ll be able to choose from a list of recently copied items, meaning the copy and paste function won’t forget a copied item once you copy something else.

You’ll have to enable the function first by going to Settings > System > Clipboard and switching on the toggle next to “Clipboard history.”

8. Open pinned taskbar items via keyboard shortcuts

If you’ve pinned programs to the Taskbar for faster access, there’s a neat keyboard shortcut that can save you even more time.

You can bring up a pinned program by pressing the Windows key + the number corresponding to the position of the program on the Taskbar. For example, pressing Windows + 1 will bring up the first item pinned on the Taskbar. This shortcut is a game-changer for those seeking maximum productivity.