Useful Windows 11 Features and Tips to Get Used to

The latest version of Microsoft’s operating system, Windows 11, comes with a fresh look and a slew of new features. After going through most of them, we’ve listed down some of the exciting Windows 11 features that are worth highlighting to help you familiarise yourself with the new update.

Run Android Apps

One of the new Windows 11 features we are most excited about is the built-in Android apps, which have been coming for Windows users for a long time. This update marks the first time you can download Android apps straight into your Windows PC!

Keep in mind that Microsoft will not include the support for Android applications yet in the first release of Windows 11, but it will come with the following updates. Also, you won’t be able to access every Android app in the Google Play Store.

Android apps will be available in the new Microsoft Store via Amazon’s Appstore when the update comes. To access the available applications like Netflix, Disney Plus, Pinterest and TikTok, you’ll need to download the Amazon Appstore. 

After you sign in or create an Amazon account, you’ll be able to search for free or premium apps like usual. The Android apps will then appear in the Start bar and have their own windows on the taskbar.

Arrange Windows with Snap Layouts

The Snap Layouts is one of the most useful of all the Windows 11 features. It provides you with several options to arrange all of your opened windows on the screen into different arrangements.

To use the feature, hover over a square-shaped button between the X and the minimise button in the upper right corner to view various layout options. Then, select the layout you prefer and drag your applications into place.

This handy UI innovation is an upgraded version of the snap and resize feature Microsoft introduced in Windows 7. You may still use the old feature in Windows 11 by dragging and dropping windows into the arrangement you want.

Take note that this feature isn’t available in every application just yet. The old Maximise option will still appear in certain apps. However, you can still arrange the unsupported apps with the Snap Layout by using an app that supports the feature.

Manage Virtual Desktops

Another one of the Windows 11 features worth mentioning is the revamp of the virtual desktops feature that debuted in Windows 10. 

The virtual desktops feature lets you create and manage different virtual desktops and the opened apps by clicking the Task View button. With this, you can create multiple separate desktops for work projects, school tasks, games or anything else. 

With the updated feature, Windows 11 now allows you to personalise the desktops with custom wallpapers to distinguish them better. It also provides a more effortless switch between several desktops with a redesigned icon replacing the old Task View button on the taskbar. 

To create a new virtual desktop, tap on the new Task view taskbar icon and click on the “New desktop” icon. You can also press Win+Ctrl+D to create a new desktop quickly.

Built-in Teams Chat Bar

With many businesses adopting remote working and the increasing popularity of video conferencing platforms, the next update will surely be the most welcomed out of all Windows 11 features. 

Windows 11 comes with a built-in Microsoft Teams, the company’s free video communication software. This means that you can now access your contacts more easily across Windows, Android, Mac or iOS by pressing the Teams Chat icon on the taskbar! 

There’s no need to open the Teams app to start video calls or send messages with this feature. If your contacts are not familiar with Teams, they can still join a video chat via a web link.

To use the Chat, click on the Teams icon on the taskbar. Then, you can choose to message, text, voice, or video call one of your contacts by clicking Meet or Chat. Alternatively, click the button at the bottom of the Chat screen to view the full version of Microsoft Teams.

Customise Widgets

Out of all the Windows 11 features we’ve compiled so far, the Widgets might be the best one. That’s why we save it for last.

While Windows 10 tried to explore widgets, Windows 11 fully embraced them. Windows 11’s Widgets are an AI-powered feed that offers you a variety of handy information.

It also allows you to do a lot, such as checking the weather, managing your Outlook calendar, creating a to-do list and even reading the news, all at a glance. You can also manage your newsfeed, customise the widgets and rearrange them on the page.

To start using it, click on the new Widgets button on the taskbar. A panel will then appear on the left side of your screen with many useful widgets. You may also expand them to fill the entire screen.

Maximise your productivity with the new Windows 11 features!

And there you have it, some of the Windows 11 features that can help you get used to the transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11! 

However, bear in mind that Microsoft is rolling out Windows 11 in stages, so not everyone will be able to access it right away. 

Nonetheless, it wouldn’t hurt to learn about the new features beforehand. Check out PriceShop for other news and tips about the latest tech!