Windows 11: The best hidden functions you should know about

Windows 11 has been popular with many users since its release. The new user interface has a modern look and feel, the operation is fresher and Microsoft has incorporated some practical improvements. However, in addition to the familiar features such as the new Start menu or the better integration of Microsoft Teams, there are many hidden functions that only a few people know about.

These functions can help you to work more productively, use your PC more efficiently or simply gain more control over the system.

In this overview, we show you the best secret features that Windows 11 has to offer - clearly explained and easy to use.

The clipboard has become smarter in Windows 11. With the key combination Windows + V you can now open the clipboard history. Here you can see not only the last copied text, but also older entries, images or emojis. This allows you to conveniently select from several copied contents.

This feature is particularly useful for people who write a lot or collect information from different sources. To be able to use the history, the function must be activated once in the settings under System > Clipboard.

Many people know about virtual desktops, but only a few actually use them. This feature is perfect for creating order. For example, you can set up one desktop for work and another for your private life. Each desktop can have its own windows, apps and tasks.

From Windows 11 onwards, managing these virtual desktops has become even easier. With Windows + Tab you can open the overview, create new desktops or rename existing ones. So if you like to work in an organized way, you should definitely use this tool.

In addition, many IT teams and developers rely on dedicated servers to work with multiple system environments simultaneously. In combination with virtual desktops, tests and projects can be cleanly separated from each other - a real advantage for professional workflows.

One of the best new features in Windows 11 is the so-called Snap layout. This allows you to easily arrange windows on the screen. If you move the mouse over the maximum icon of a window, a selection menu with different layouts appears. This allows you to arrange up to four apps next to each other - without any tedious dragging and fitting.

This saves time and creates order, especially when working with multiple programs. You can also save your own layouts or use the key combination Windows + arrow keys to navigate even faster between windows.

Focused work is difficult for many people - especially with constant distractions. Windows 11 has a solution for this: Focus Sessions. This function is integrated directly into the clock app. You specify how long you want to work undisturbed and Windows hides notifications during this time.

In addition, you can create a to-do list or even integrate music via Spotify. This makes the focus session a real productivity tool that offers more than just a timer.

If you use a laptop with a touchpad or a device with a touchscreen, you can benefit from new gestures in Windows 11. Three- or four-finger gestures allow you to switch between apps, minimize windows or display the desktop - all without a mouse.

The gestures can be customized under Settings > Devices > Touchpad. Particularly exciting: Many of these gestures also work smoothly in combination with external monitors.

Many people are familiar with the classic key combination Alt + Tab. But did you know that in Windows 11 you can specify whether all open windows or only current tasks are displayed? This behavior can be adjusted in the settings under System > Multitasking.

If you use many programs at the same time, you can switch between important windows more quickly and maintain an overview. This option is particularly useful for developers, designers or project managers.

Laptop users benefit from new energy-saving options. Under Settings > Energy & battery you will not only find the usual energy-saving plans, but also detailed information on battery usage. Here you can see which apps consume a particularly large amount of energy.

This helps to extend the runtime and use the device more efficiently. For companies that rely on mobile working, this is a real plus point - especially if they need to access stable dedicated servers in the cloud at the same time.

For technology fans and IT professionals, Windows 11 offers the new Windows Terminal. It combines Command Prompt (CMD), PowerShell and the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) in one neat window. Tabs, themes and configuration options make the terminal a powerful tool.

Especially in environments with multiple systems or servers - for example when managing dedicated servers - the terminal ensures significantly greater efficiency. Once you've worked with it, you'll hardly want to go back.

The search function in Windows 11 is not only faster, but also more intelligent. It recognizes frequently used programs, displays recently used files and suggests suitable actions - for example, directly "Open settings" or "Show system information".

With one click, you can delve deeper into the control panel or activate special options such as memory optimization. A real insider tip for anyone who likes to get straight to the point.

Windows 11 brings many visible innovations - but the real highlights are often hidden. Whether improved window management, smart clipboard or focus sessions: If you know about these hidden functions, you can work much more productively and enjoyably with the system.

It becomes particularly exciting when you combine these features with powerful technology - for example with dedicated servers, virtual desktops or cloud services. In this way, the full potential of Windows 11 can be exploited - not only in everyday life, but also in professional use.