Windows 11 has been released for end-user download after a three-month-long beta and developer testing phase. There are many surprises for those who have just updated to Windows 11.
These are the top 10 things you should do when first boot your Windows 11 system.
Top 10 things you can do on Windows 11
Windows 11 introduces various new features to Windows and updates many older ones to improve their function and form. While most of the improvements are for the quality of life, not all are welcome. Let’s take a look at all the things you may want to modify or see on Windows 11.
It’s still unclear if the Start Menu center alignment was a smart move by Microsoft. It’s bold, eye-catching, and whatever the verdict, it’s still a great move by Microsoft. It is not for everyone. Here’s how you can revert the Start Menu to its original state.
- Right-click on the taskbar menu and choose Taskbar settings.
- Scroll down and select Taskbar behaviors.
- After that, click on the Taskbar alignment drop-down menu and choose left.
- Instantly, the Start Menu will shift to the left.
Use Snap Layouts and Snap Groups
If you use PowerToys’ FancyZones function, you understand what Snap Layouts do. When you have several windows or folders opened up, you can hover over the ‘maximize’ button and choose how you would like to lay them out on your screen.
- First, press Windows key + Z to bring it up.
- After choosing a layout, it will ask you to select the windows you would like to occupy the rest of the screen.
- It will snap the windows in the desired layout.
- You don’t have to choose another window. Click anywhere on your screen to open the window you want.
- The ‘Group’ will save your chosen layout. It will appear in the taskbar when you hover over any open windows.
- Snap Layouts or Snap Groups are beneficial and productive features. They allow you to align windows and snap them to fit in a specific screen area.
Turn on Compact View
You’ll notice that File Explorer folders and files are a little spaced out.
It makes it simpler to find what you want. It also means your screen will have fewer files before you need to scroll. You can also turn on “Compact View” if you don’t like the spacing between files. It reduces the space between files and folders, making them appear smaller on your screen. Here’s how you do it:
- Press Windows key + E to open File Explorer and select View at the top.
- After that, Choose Compact View from the list.
- Now, files and folders will appear in compact view.
Try Widgets
- Widgets are back and better than ever on Windows. Widgets can be accessed from the taskbar by default.
- Click on the Widgets icon to slide out the Widgets panel. It will provide a range of information, including News, Weather, Sports, and other stories that are relevant to your location.
- Your widgets can be customized to suit your needs. You will only see the information you need and nothing else. Each widget will include an ellipsis icon in the top right corner. This icon will allow you to adjust the widget’s size, modify it, or delete it.
- Click on Add Widgets to add a widget.
- After that, choose from the available widgets.
- It will be instantly added to the Widgets Screen.
Integrate your smartphone with your Phone app
For a while, the ‘Your Phone” app has been available. Windows 11 has made integration easier, especially for Samsung phones. Using the Your Phone app, you can drag-and-drop files between your phone and your computer.
The Your Phone app is worth trying, even if you don’t own a Samsung phone. It permits you to make and receive calls from your computer, check your messages, and manage mobile notifications.
- Type Your phone on the Search menu and hit the Enter key.
- Click on Get started.
- After that, click on the Sign-in button.
- Follow the instruction to connect your smartphone to Windows 11.
Try Teams Chat ( Or remove it from the taskbar )
- Microsoft Teams is now integrated with Windows 11 more seamlessly. Its ‘Chat” feature has its spot on the taskbar.
- If you are using it for the first time, then click on the Get started.
- After that, select your account.
- After signing in, the Microsoft Teams app will be available, and you can begin interacting with your contacts.