Windows 11 Hidden Features That'll Change How You Use Your Computer

Windows 11 began its staggered rollout last year, and since then Microsoft said its latest operating system is ready for broad deployment. This means anyone with a computer that meets the minimum requirements should be able to download and install Windows 11. 

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 setting up Taskbar shortcuts to saving battery power.

Microsoft isn't typically as upfront about its hidden features in the same way that Apple tends to be, which can sometimes make it more difficult to know how to take advantage of all that Windows has to offer. But we've got you covered here with our list of hidden features you can start using right now to get the most out of Windows 11.   

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.