In this series, we answer the question: ‘how can Windows 11 benefit businesses?’ including for local businesses in San Luis Obispo. Launched in 2021, Windows 11 is the latest iteration of Microsoft’s illustrious Windows operating system. Building upon and refining the successful elements of its forerunner – Windows 10 – the new system introduces a raft of design changes, as well as new functionality that supports a better user experience and enhanced productivity.
If your business hasn’t yet made the transition to Windows 11, here are some of the changes you can expect:
A slick new interface. Windows 11 introduces a streamlined, minimalist interface. The taskbar has been centered, there’s a muted color scheme, and menus feel more modern than before.
A better virtual desktop experience. Windows 11 makes it easier to customize, organize, manage, and navigate virtual desktops. This enables users to set up dedicated workspaces for tasks or projects, resulting in greater organizational efficiency.
Microsoft Teams Integration. Microsoft Teams acts as the operating system’s communication focal point, facilitating effortless communication and more productive group collaboration.
Performance optimization. Microsoft has focused heavily on performance optimization in Windows 11. Users can expect faster wake times, quicker authentication through Windows Hello, and a more responsive experience generally, assuming hardware used is compatible.
A better touch, pen and voice experience. Windows 11 has undergone various optimizations to improve the experience across touch, pen, and voice inputs, making the new OS better suited to a range of work styles.
Better support for multitasking. Windows 11 makes it easier to manage and organize open windows thanks to 2 important new features: snap layouts and snap groups. This makes it easier to transition between clusters of applications, supporting more streamlined and efficient multitasking.
Combining advanced and intuitive new features with a host of interface upgrades, Windows 11 could help your business achieve new heights of productivity. However, this means taking the time to discover some of the system’s best features, some of which aren’t always obvious on first encounter.
To help, we’ve assembled a short guide comprised of 2 parts, outlining 10 tips and tricks for unlocking the full potential of Windows 11. These insights will help you tailor Windows to your preferences, save time, optimize resources, and organize your digital space.
Organize Your Open Windows with Snap Layouts
If you’re a long-time Windows user, you’ll know that Microsoft makes it really easy to snap and resize application windows, in fact, these capabilities have been around since Windows 7. So, what’s new in Windows 11?
Dragging a window to the sides or corners of the screen still allows half and quarter screen layouts to be configured quickly. But now, you’re also provided with a menu of layout options that make it easier to adapt window arrangements to the dimensions of any display. These layout options are called “snap layouts,” and can be accessed by hovering the cursor over the maximize button of any window, or using the (windows key+z) keyboard shortcut.
Every time you create a layout, it is automatically saved as a “snap group,” allowing you to close or open groups of applications simultaneously through the taskbar. Snap groups make it easy to return to a project after an interruption or break, with the apps you were using remaining exactly as you left them.
Retain Everything You Copy and Cut with Clipboard
Windows 11’s Clipboard feature now allows you to retain, browse, and reuse everything you copy and cut, including text, graphics, photos, and more. Gone are the days of immediately losing an item you’ve just copied, as the Clipboard history feature lets you configure retention settings, and “pin” important items to prevent deletion.
You can even access all your clips from any device thanks to cloud syncing, which lets you access and manage your clipboard history provided you’re logged into the same Microsoft account across each platform. This feature is not enabled by default. To activate it, go to the start menu, select “setting,” click “system,” and then “Clipboard,” and ensure “sync across devices” is toggled on.
Explore Clipboard today, to manage helpful media and retrieve text for frequent reuse.
Partition Your Digital Workspace with Virtual Desktops
Any business includes local businesses in San Luis Obispo, use our computers for a variety of activities, each requiring the use of a distinct set of applications. You might use one set for managing your accounts, another for creating presentations, and an entirely different set altogether for coordinating your marketing activities. Furthermore, with the popularity of remote work, many of us are using our devices for both work-related and personal purposes, making it important to establish clear boundaries between professional and recreational activities.
By creating virtual desktops within Windows 11, you can assemble groups of applications for a distinct purpose, allowing you to find the tools you need for a task quickly and block out unwanted distractions.
The experience of creating, configuring, and managing virtual desktops within Windows 11 couldn’t be simpler. Locate the task view icon (overlapping windows symbol) situated beside the search feature on the taskbar. Here, you’ll see all the desktops you’ve created previously. To create a new one, simply click “new desktop” and open the apps you want to add to it. You can also rename and customize the background image of each desktop by right-clicking on the desktop you want to modify within task view.
Get The Information You Need at a Glance with Widgets
Widgets are scaled down versions of applications that give users access to key information or simplified functionality, without having to fully launch the underlying program. These handy little apps have been a feature of Windows operating systems since Vista launched back in 2007.
In Windows 11, Microsoft has introduced a centralized widget feed located on the far left of the taskbar. This feed makes widgets more useful than ever, offering users the ability to customize and curate the panel according to their needs.
For San Luis Obispo’s businesses, there are several Microsoft apps and features that can be launched within the widgets, such as Outlook Calendar, To Do and the Focus Session tool. You can also add widgets that display traffic, weather, sports, and news updates, ensuring you’re only ever a click away from the information that matters to you.
Accqua IT Solutions – Elevating Central Coast Businesses with Tailored IT Services in San Luis Obispo
Nestled in the heart of San Luis Obispo, Accqua IT Solutions offers premier IT management, support, and cutting-edge solutions tailored for businesses throughout California’s picturesque Central Coast Region. Our dedicated team is proud to serve as a beacon of innovation, enhancing productivity and fortifying cybersecurity for enterprises along this stunning stretch of coastline.
Partner with Accqua to unlock the true potential of IT as a driving force for growth within your San Luis Obispo enterprise. Our friendly and seasoned experts specialize in crafting tech solutions to meet your unique needs. Contact us today to discover how we can contribute to the success of your business amidst the scenic beauty of the Central Coast.
