Launched in 2021, Windows 11 has brought a clean new look, new integrations, and a range of productivity features to the Windows experience. With Windows 11 expected to surpass over 500 million active users early this year, the operating system is on its way to becoming the favoured version of Windows among businesses.
Despite recent growth in its adoption, many users haven’t yet exploited the system’s numerous capabilities and innovative new features. Many of these improve the user experience, support more effective collaboration, and enhance workplace efficiency.
As the second installment of our 2-part series, here are 5 more tips to help you unlock the full potential of Windows 11 in your San Luis Obispo business.
Transcribe Your Ideas Fast with Voice Typing
The successor to Windows 10’s dictation tool, voice typing in Windows 11 enables voice to text transcription in scenarios where you’d normally use a keyboard. Voice typing in Windows 11 uses cloud-based AI, making the feature better at understanding and processing natural language than past versions of Windows speech recognition. This results in better accuracy.
To activate voice typing, press the windows key + H. Alternatively, select the microphone key beside the spacebar if you are using a touch keyboard. Both of these actions will open the voice typing launcher; all you have to do now is click the microphone icon and start talking.
To use voice typing you’ll need to be connected to the internet, your device will need to have an activated microphone, and your cursor will need to be in a text box.
Customize and Streamline Your Windows Experience with PowerToys
PowerToys is a free-to-download application that contains a range of tools to help users customize their Windows experience and deploy a range of efficiency enhancements. These helpful utilities were first introduced in Windows 95. They were then abandoned in Windows Vista, only to be reintroduced in 2019 as an update for Windows 10.
At the time of writing, there are currently 24 PowerToy utilities. Some of the most convenient include:
Always on Top. This utility does what its name suggests: it ensures a selected window is positioned on top of other windows, and remains there. Once activated, simply press widows key+ctrl+T to bring the active window to the fore and keep it there even when other windows are selected.
Image Resizer. This helpful tool allows you to resize a number of images instantly with a single right click within file explorer.
Keyboard Manager. If you’re a keen user of keyboard shortcuts, then this utility is definitely for you. Keyboard manager lets you reconfigure keyboard shortcuts, create new shortcuts, and even remap individual keys; customize shortcuts around the tasks you do frequently and improve your efficiency.
Paste as Plain Text. The “paste as plain text” utility provides a handy shortcut for pasting text between locations without transposing the formatting of the original. Simply activate the tool within PowerToys settings, and paste text using Ctrl+Win+Alt+V.
Mouse Utilities. This tailorable utility allows you to modify the behavior and characteristics of your mouse and cursor. For example, the “Find my Mouse” feature highlights your cursor location when you double-tap the Ctrl key, and the “Mouse Highlighter” feature displays distinct visual cues when the left or right mouse button is pressed.
File Locksmith. Find out where your files are in use and the processes involved. Once activated within PowerToys, simply right-click a file or directory within file explorer, choose “show more options,” and then click “what’s using this file?”.
Customize the Start Menu for Easy Access to Commonly Used Apps
Windows 11 lets you customize the start menu to help you locate and launch the apps you need in seconds, here’s how:
Pinned Apps
When you click the start menu button (the Windows icon on your taskbar), you’ll see an array of “pinned” apps displayed beneath the search bar at the top. This section can be easily customized to display the apps you use most often. To do this, navigate to the app you want using the search function, right-click on it, and select “pin to start.”
Start Menu Folders
This simple feature allows you to gather together similar apps into folders for easy retrieval. For example, you might want to group all your productivity apps together, or bunch together apps related to a particular business function. To organize your start menu apps into folders, move the apps you want to group together into the “pinned” section. Then, click and drag an app, hold it over another you want it to share a folder with, and release. You’ll then see a newly created folder that you can drag and drop other apps into as desired.
Clean Up Your Desktop Icons
While it’s not a practice recommended by productivity experts, many of us use the desktop to store folders, files, and applications. Unfortunately, a crowded desktop can look untidy and disorganized – it’s not something you want colleagues to see when screen-sharing or presenting.
Thankfully, Windows 11 allows you to banish the desktop clutter in just a few clicks when you need to make a good impression. Simply right-click anywhere on your desktop, select “view” from the menu, and then check or uncheck the option labelled “Show desktop icons.” This temporarily hides your desktop items from view. To restore them perform the same steps again.
Visualize Power Consumption for Longer Battery Life
Ever wondered which power-hungry apps are causing your battery to drain faster than usual? Well wonder no more, as Windows 11 features an in-built power and battery management dashboard. This intuitive feature displays a chart of power consumption over time, and lists apps according to power usage so that you can identify and shut down those that are causing fast battery depletion. To access this feature, navigate to the settings menu, select “System,” and click “Power & Battery.”
Improve Device Performance for your San Luis Obispo Business
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 extends its expertise in IT management, support, and cutting-edge solutions to businesses throughout California’s picturesque Central Coast Region, including the stunning landscapes of California’s coastal jewel, San Luis Obispo. Proudly serving as a beacon of innovation, we specialize in enhancing the productivity and fortifying the cybersecurity of businesses across this scenic stretch of coastline.
Let Accqua be your partner in unlocking the true potential of IT as a driving force for growth within your enterprise, right here on the captivating Central Coast of California. Reach out to us today and discover how our friendly and seasoned team can tailor tech solutions to meet your unique needs. We’re excited to connect and contribute to the success of your business amidst the scenic beauty of California’s Central Coast.
