How to improve productivity in Windows 11 with key tips and tweaks

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If you spend a large part of your day in front of the computer, take advantage of all the productivity features of Windows 11 It can save you many minutes (and a few headaches). The system comes loaded with tools to work faster, concentrate better, and keep your computer running smoothly, but almost none of them are well utilized by default. For the Windows 11 maintenance There are utilities and tricks that help the computer perform better and be more reliable.

In the following lines you will find a very complete guide with Tips, tweaks, and utilities to improve your productivity in Windows 11This guide blends built-in system options with some worthwhile additional tools. You'll see how to organize windows, reduce distractions, optimize performance, leverage the cloud, use voice typing, and much more, all explained in a friendly tone and focusing on what truly makes a difference in your daily life.

Type faster: voice dictation and advanced clipboard

Windows 11 integrates a system of very convenient voice dictation which allows you to write texts almost without touching the keyboard, ideal for long emails, reports or quick notes.

To activate dictation, use the shortcut Windows+HA small bar will open at the top of the screen; simply tap the microphone icon to start listening and transcribing what you say. It's important that you enable the option in this bar. automatic scoringso that the system places commas and periods on its own without you having to dictate them all the time.

If you get used to this system, you'll notice that You can write long texts much faster It's great for typing, especially if you're someone who constantly looks at the keyboard. It's perfect for quick drafts and for keeping your hands free while reviewing documents on paper or another device.

Along with dictation, the other great ally for writing without wasting time is... clipboard historyInstead of the classic Control + V, try using Windows + V After copying several items, a panel will open with everything you've recently copied (text, links, and even images), allowing you to choose what to paste each time.

This history also allows anchor the elements you use frequentlysuch as phrase templates, email signatures, repeated text, or code snippets. This way, you won't have to search for or copy the same thing over and over again; it will always be ready with just a couple of keystrokes.

Organize your screen: Snap Layouts, Snap Groups, and virtual desktops

One of the great improvements in Windows 11 for working better is the way it helps you to arranging windows without going crazyThis is where Snap Layouts, Snap Groups, and virtual desktops come into play.

The snap layouts These are predefined layouts for fitting windows into different areas of the screen. If you hover your mouse over the maximize button of any window for a second, you'll see several grids: half and half, three columns, four quadrants, etc. You just have to select the layout and assign each window to a zoneYou can also drag a window to the side or corner of the screen to automatically reposition it.

When you have multiple windows pinned with Snap Layouts, Windows creates what it calls Snap GroupsGroups of windows that are remembered together. So if you switch to another app and then return to the group from the taskbar, You recover all the windows in the same position without having to rearrange everything every time you change tasks or monitors.

If you need to further separate your work, the function of virtual desktopsYou can have one desktop just for work, another for leisure, another for studying, or even several per client or project. Each desktop has its own windows and behaves almost as if you had several computers in one.

To manage them, press Windows + Tab And you'll see, at the bottom, the desktops you've created. From there you can add new desktops, rename them, rearrange them, and move windows between themAdditionally, by right-clicking on any window you can choose whether it is displayed only on a specific desktop or on all of them.

The Start menu and search: ultra-fast access to apps and files

The Windows 11 Start menu has become simpler, but if you configure it properly it becomes a A very powerful launcher for your programs and documents..

In the upper area you can Pin your favorite apps and web apps to keep them always at hand. You also have the option to group them into folders within the Start menu itself, by dragging one app on top of another, which helps maintain a logical order: work, games, tools, etc.

At the bottom appears the block of Recommendationswhere you'll see recent documents, files you've recently opened, and applications you've just installed. If you're not really getting the most out of it, you can always use external tools like Windhawk for further customize the Home with mods and adjust its appearance and behavior to suit your way of working.

Beyond the menu itself, what truly boosts productivity is adopting the habit of Use the Windows key as a universal search engineSimply press the Windows key and start typing the name of a program, file, or even a website. Almost always, the first result will be what you're looking for, and pressing Enter will open it instantly. If you want to learn more about how... search files fasterThere are techniques to optimize search and indexing.

This built-in search engine also lets you perform quick operations (simple addition and subtraction), search the web with Bing if you haven't disabled that option, and even open a page directly by typing its address. Combined with shortcuts like Windows + app name + Enter, it's a very fast way to navigate the system with minimal mouse use.

Essential keyboard shortcuts for Windows 11

If you want to go really fast, learn some Key keyboard shortcuts in Windows 11 It's practically mandatory. They minimize the time you spend moving the mouse and allow you to chain actions together very quickly.

Some shortcuts that are especially useful for the day to day are:

• Windows + D: Show the desktop instantly and return to what you had open if you press it again.
• Windows + E: Open File Explorer without searching for the icon or shortcut.
• Windows + L: lock the session quickly when you get up from your desk.
• Windows + arrows: adjust the current window to left, right, maximize or minimize, combining with Snap.
• Alt + Tab: switch between open windows very quickly.
• Windows + V: Open the clipboard history to paste any recently copied items.
• Windows + X: Open an advanced menu with shortcuts to Task Manager, Settings, Terminal, and more.

Memorize these shortcuts and use them regularly It greatly reduces unnecessary clicks and makes any routine task run more smoothly.

Maximum concentration: focus sessions, Focus Assist, and notifications

No matter how fast your PC is, if you don't control interruptions, productivity will suffer. Windows 11 includes several features designed to Reduce distractions and work in blocks of time.

The Windows 11 Clock app integrates calls concentration sessionsInspired by the Pomodoro Technique. Before starting your workday (or a work block), you can note down pending tasks, define how much time you will dedicate to each one, and launch a session. The system automatically activates Do Not Disturb mode. Silence irrelevant notifications and schedule short breaks. about five minutes between blocks.

Each time a work interval ends, the clock emits an audible alert. It's time to get up, stretch your legs, grab a coffee, or check for any urgent messages. When it sounds again, it's time for another few minutes of focused work. If you're consistent, this system helps you to avoid chaotic multitasking and focus on one thing at a time.

Concentration sessions are enhanced with some interesting integrations: you can link your account with Microsoft ToDo to send tasks from the list directly to the session, play a list of Spotify each time you start a block and check statistics to see how many actual minutes you've been concentrating each day.

In addition to the sessions, it is advisable to review the section on notifications in Windows SettingsIt's a good idea to keep only truly critical alerts active (work email, calendar, important messages) and silence the rest. The same goes for browser notifications: if Chrome or Edge are bombarding you, it's worth reviewing website permissions and Remove all noise.

Cloud, widgets and Android apps: Windows 11 as a work hub

Another of Windows 11's strengths is how well it integrates with the cloud and with other devices so that you always have your information available.

Thanks to OneDrive (and other compatible services), you can sync your key documents and folders across your PC, laptop, mobile device, and the web. This lets you start a document at work, continue at home, and access it from your mobile device without worrying about USB drives or emailing files to yourself. It also facilitates real-time collaboration with colleagues.

The Windows 11 widgets They can also help you keep essential information in view: calendar, tasks, weather, relevant news, to-do list, etc. Since they're always accessible in the side panel, you can quickly glance at them without opening ten different apps, which helps to maintain context without losing track of what you were doingIf you prefer other options, there is one free alternative to widgets which allows for more customization of the desktop.

Another interesting point is the possibility of Install Android apps On Windows 11, you can access these apps through the Amazon Appstore, available in the Microsoft Store. This greatly expands the range of tools you can use: mobile productivity apps, task managers, communication apps, or reading apps that you might prefer in their Android version instead of the web version.

All of this is supported by a more secure and refined system: with features such as Secure Boot, built-in malware protection, and biometric authentication via Windows HelloWindows 11 aims to let you work with fewer surprises and fewer threats that could make you lose time or data along the way.

Settings to speed up Windows 11 and improve fluidity

For all these productivity tricks to be noticeable, it's important that the team go loose and don't drag yourself alongWindows 11 is somewhat more demanding than previous versions, but with a few simple adjustments you can significantly optimize its performance.

The first thing is to make sure that Everything is up to date in terms of updatesGo to Settings > Windows Update and check for pending patches. Don't forget to check the Advanced Options to install the optional driver updatesAdditionally, it's a good idea to visit your motherboard or laptop manufacturer's website to update the BIOS, chipset, and other important drivers that Windows may not have detected. The same applies to your graphics card: go to the Nvidia, AMD, or Intel website and download the latest drivers. If you need to clean up drivers before installing new versions, know use DDU correctly It is a good practice.

The next step is uninstall programs you don't useFrom Settings > Apps > Installed apps, you can review the list and delete anything you haven't used in months. If something isn't there, you can always use the classic Control Panel > Uninstall a program, where you'll see a more traditional list of everything that's installed. If you don't know where to start, the guide on Unnecessary apps in Windows 11 It helps you identify and remove what doesn't contribute.

It's also a good idea to spend a few minutes managing the automatic application startupOpen Task Manager with Control + Alt + Delete (or Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and go to the Startup Applications section. Look at the Startup Impact column and disable anything you don't need to have open every time you turn on your PC. The fewer apps that start automatically, the faster you'll get to the desktop.

This is in addition to the control of background appsIn Settings > Apps, by accessing the advanced options for each compatible program, you can specify that it should never run in the background. This isn't recommended for messaging apps, email, or tools that need to be constantly running, but it's fine for resource-intensive software that you don't use frequently and that consumes resources without you noticing.

If any app is particularly resource-intensive, consider looking for a different one. lighter alternativesA classic example is changing a very heavy browser like Chrome for lighter options, or replacing oversized editors and viewers with simpler ones, especially on computers with limited memory or processing power.

Clean up files, desktop, and storage

Over time, any Windows installation becomes filled with Temporary files, forgotten programs, and a cluttered desktopall of which affects performance and the feeling of order.

A desktop cluttered with icons forces the system to load all those elements upon login, which can cause the startup is slower and the environment looks clunkierIdeally, keep only the essentials or group everything in a single folder on your desktop. Remember that applications are easy to find by typing their name in the Start menu, so you don't need a shortcut for each one.

To clean up leftover files, go to Settings > System > Storage and access the Cleaning recommendationsWindows will show you the Recycle Bin, temporary files, previous Windows installations, and other unnecessary folders so you can delete what you don't need. You can also use the classic command. Disk Cleanup Looking for that tool from the Start menu: select the drive, mark the items you want to delete, and if you want to go further, click on "Clean system files".

To keep the space under control automatically, activate the Storage sensor In Settings > System > Storage. This service is responsible for periodically deleting temporary files and cached data when they are no longer needed, which helps prevent the disk from becoming full.

If your computer still uses a mechanical hard drive (HDD), it's also advisable to occasionally perform a defragmentationSearch for "Defragment and optimize drives," select the relevant drive, and run the optimization. This reorganizes the data for faster read speeds. If you have an SSD, defragmentation is not necessary; the system itself uses TRIM and other optimizations specific to this type of drive.

Power plan, game mode, and high graphics performance

On laptops and computers with dedicated GPUs, it's worth checking the power settings and graphics to balance performance and consumption according to your needs at any given time.

In many cases, the default power plan is set to "Balanced," which prioritizes battery life at the expense of not fully utilizing the hardware. If you need maximum performance (for example, when editing video, compiling code, or playing games), you can go to Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options and activate a higher-power plan. High performance or Maximum performanceIn return, the battery will last less time, but you'll gain smoothness.

For gaming, Windows 11 includes a specific game modeYou can enable it in Settings > Gaming > Game Mode. This mode reduces background activity, limits interruptions, and prevents Windows Update from installing things while you're playing, which helps to maintain stable frames per second.

Additionally, from Settings > System > Display > Graphics, you can choose app by app whether you want it to use high performance or energy savingThis way, for example, you can ensure that a demanding game or editor always uses the powerful GPU instead of the integrated one, while simple programs remain in efficient mode.

On the other hand, on modest systems or if you want to squeeze even more performance out of your system, you can visually adjust Windows to prioritize performance. By searching for "performance" in the Start menu and opening "Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows," you'll reach a window where, in the Visual Effects tab, you can select “Tune for best performance” Or you can manually disable animations, shadows, and transitions. The system will look more understated, but you'll gain some responsiveness.

Reduce graphics load, OneDrive, and background processes

Windows 11 brings quite a few effects and utilities that, although eye-catching, are not essential They do consume resources, especially on modest machines.

In the section Accessibility Within Settings, you can disable several visual effects that cause windows to open or minimize with smooth animations. Removing these effects makes Windows more responsive, which is especially noticeable when your graphics card or RAM is underpowered.

Another point to consider is OneDrive. While it's very practical for syncing files, if you have many large folders in the cloud, continuous syncing can become cumbersome. slow down the system and the connectionFrom the OneDrive icon in the system tray, go to "Help and settings" and use the "Pause sync" option for a while if you need all the resources for a demanding task. You can resume it later when it's no longer in your way.

In Task Manager, Windows 11 even allows you to put some applications in efficiency modeThis limits their CPU and energy usage, freeing up resources for other, more important tasks. Select the process, click the corresponding icon, and confirm. Not all apps allow this, but for those that do, it's a good way to control what's consuming resources in the background.

Search indexing also has its pros and cons. It improves the speed of finding files, but on slower computers, the indexing process can consume resources. If needed, you can completely disable it. Windows Search Service from services.msc or, more precisely, use "Indexing Options" to exclude specific locations (for example, Outlook or folders with many files that you rarely access). If you're having problems with Explorer, the guide on Slow file explorer It explains causes and practical solutions.

Privacy, telemetry, and security without sacrificing performance

Windows 11 collects and sends certain diagnostic and usage information Microsoft helps improve the system and suggests content, but many of these options can be reduced to minimize background processes.

From Settings > Privacy and security you can access sections such as General, Voice, Handwriting and typing customization, Diagnostics and feedbackWithin each one, you'll see switches to enable or disable the sending of usage data, personalized experience enhancements, app launch tracking, suggested content display, and more. Disable anything that doesn't add value for you. You free up some of the system and, at the same time, you take better care of your privacy.If you want to go further, the guide to Remove bloatware and disable invasive services It helps reduce unnecessary processes.

In the same security block you have the app for Windows securityFrom here you can manage the built-in antivirus, ransomware protections, firewall, and other modules. Keeping these features up to date is key to preventing malware, which, besides being dangerous, is often... severely degrade system performance.

You can run a "Quick scan" from Virus & threat protection, but you also have the option of using Microsoft Defender's offline scan, which restarts your computer and looks for threats before the system fully loads. This is a good resource if you suspect something is wrong and normal scans don't find anything.

Taskbar, multiple monitors, and quick access to advanced tools

The Windows 11 taskbar can also be adjusted so that bother you less and make your life more comfortable when you work long hours.

If you use multiple monitors, you can enable the option in Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behavior show the taskbar on all displaysThis avoids having to stretch the mouse to a single monitor every time you want to switch windows or open something.

Within the toolbar options, you can disable elements you don't use, such as the standalone search bar, widgets, the Chat button, or additional icons. Each item you remove is... one less process running or one less distraction appearingand you get straight to the point with the apps that really matter.

Another little-known trick is that the Start button hides a Advanced menu with very useful toolsRight-clicking on it (or pressing Windows + X) gives you quick access to Task Manager, Terminal, disk management, the list of installed applications, Event Viewer, and other maintenance utilities. Ideal for when you need to make technical adjustments without having to search for each tool separately. If you want to modify menus and shortcuts, see options for customize context menu can improve your workflow.

PowerToys and other extras for users who want to go further

Although many of the tricks in this guide are built into Windows 11, it's worth making an exception for an external suite: power toys, a set of utilities powered by Microsoft that greatly expands the system's capabilities.

Within PowerToys, one of the gems is Powertoys runA quick launcher for applications and actions that's quite reminiscent of macOS's Spotlight. You set up a shortcut (for example, Alt + Space), a search bar appears, and from there you can open programs, perform mathematical operations, search for notes in OneNote, launch scripts, and much more. It can be extended with plugins, so if you get hooked, it almost becomes the command center of the systemIf you want to know more about Unknown PowerToys functionsThere are modules that truly change the way you work.

Another very practical use is Text ExtractorIt adds an OCR reader capable of extracting text from anywhere on the screen, even from areas where you normally couldn't copy (images, closed dialog boxes, etc.). You select the area with the mouse and the text is copied to the clipboard, which is great for Avoid typing in information from screenshots, unusual PDFs, or old software..

The module advanced gluing It also goes a long way from a regular clipboard: it allows you to reformat text, convert it to Markdown, apply AI-powered transformations, and perform other operations that simplify your life if you work with content constantly. Used in conjunction with the Windows clipboard history, It can save you many repetitive steps.

There are more tools within PowerToys (such as advanced window managers, bulk file renaming, or on-screen color meters), but with just these three you'll already notice a clear improvement in your daily workflow.

By combining these native Windows 11 features with a few performance tweaks and utilities like PowerToys, it's possible to turn almost any compatible PC into a A much faster, more organized workstation designed to help you concentrate better, letting the system truly act as a co-pilot in your daily life and not as a constant obstacle.