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.
- Clicking the “Chat” icon in the taskbar will open a list with your most recent contacts. You can continue interacting with them, start new chats, or invite them for a virtual meeting.
Here’s how to get rid of the Teams’ Chats’ from your taskbar:
- Right-click on the taskbar and click on the Taskbar settings.
- After that, turn off Chat.
Use multiple desktops
Another feature that has been around for a while is using multiple virtual desktops in Windows. However, it wasn’t as easy as now in Windows 11.
- The taskbar now has a ‘Task View” button. It will show you the current desktops in use and give you the option to add a new one.
- Clicking on Task View will show all open windows on your current desktop. Drag any window to a virtual desktop, and it will appear there.
Users can use the ‘Task View” button to create different desktops for different purposes.
Check out the new Microsoft Store
- Windows Store is now by the name of Microsoft Store. The change is not just temporary; both end-users and developers would greatly benefit from the many changes.
- Developers can upload win32 versions to their apps on Microsoft Store. Now, this convenience is available to other app developers.
- The best part is that Microsoft will also bring Android apps to Windows. Although the process is a bit strange, it can be done through Amazon App store. The result is that Windows users can search for and download Android apps. However, users will require to sign in to Amazon instead of Google.
- Although the concept is still childhood for Windows users, it will only be a matter of time before it becomes fully realized. Only time will explain this how effective it is to get developers to submit their apps to Microsoft Store and allow users to use Android apps directly on Windows 11.
Open File Explorer to ‘This PC’
Although this is a minor modification, it will make File Explorer easier for users to access This PC’. File Explorer defaults to opening Quick Access. Here’s how you can change this:
- Open File Explorer by pressing Win key + E.
- Click on the ellipsis icon (3 dots ) at the top of the toolbar.
- Then choose Option from the list.
- Click on the drop-down menu beside ‘Open File Explorer To’ in the ‘File Options’ window.
- After that, choose This PC.
- Lastly, hit OK.
- You’ll now be taken to “This PC” when you open File Explorer.
Customize the Action Center
- The Action Center or Quick Settings Menu, as it is also called, has undergone a major overhaul. You can access it from the right side by clicking on the Wi-Fi, speaker, or battery icon.
- Here you can turn on/off Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Airplane Mode, Focus Assist, and other features shortcuts.
These are the top 10 things you should do when you start Windows 11.
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