Often, we forget how many features exist on Windows and overlook them. In this post, you will find some forgotten features of Windows 11 and 10 that can optimize various tasks on your PC. Windows is much more than just an operating system. Indeed, it is an ecosystem full of life that offers a multitude of features designed to maximize your experience with technology. However, many of these useful functions remain hidden or ignored by users. In this post, we will find eleven of these hidden treasures that can enhance the use you make of your computer. Knowing in depth the possibilities of Windows can transform your user experience. In addition, it allows you to get much more out of your computer,
These are functions you may not have known existed, yet they can do wonders for optimizing your daily work. Also, to organize your files, and even to solve technical problems. We invite you to enter this world of possibilities that Windows has to offer you.
Forgotten features of Windows 11 and Windows 10
- Storage Sense
- God Mode
- Virtual Desktops
- Advanced Calculator
- Built-in screen recording
- Voice Access
- System Restore
- Character Map
- Power Toys
- Focus mode
- Clipboard history
Storage Sense
One of the challenges of digital life is storage management. Windows has a fantastic, often overlooked feature called Storage Sense.
This intuitive and oft-forgotten Windows tool automatically deletes temporary files and cleans the recycle garbage can every 30 days. In this way, it ensures optimal disk space. To activate it, navigate to:
Settings > System > Storage > Configure Storage Sense
God Mode
Despite its grandiloquent name, it is an extremely useful feature on Windows. In reality, this resource is a shortcut that allows users to access more than 200 administrative tools and settings in one place. Certainly, this greatly facilitates the management and customization of the operating system.
From adjusting the display options to modifying security and privacy parameters, this mode allows you to have total control over your system. For example, you can adjust your mouse settings. You can also customize the Windows firewall. You can even manage hard disk partitions, among other things.
To activate God Mode in Windows 11 and Windows 10, the process is surprisingly simple. Just create a new folder on your desktop. Once created, right-click on it, select Rename and rename it to the following code: GodMode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}.
When you press Enter, you will notice that the folder icon changes to a control panel. When you open this folder, you will have access to all the administrative tools and settings grouped together in an orderly fashion.
It is important to remember that while Windows God Mode can be powerful and useful, it is also an advanced tool. So, before making significant changes to your system, make sure you have a good understanding of what you are modifying to avoid unexpected problems.
Virtual desktops
Virtual desktops are one of the most useful features of Windows. Particularly for those who frequently work with multiple applications or projects at the same time. This feature allows users to create multiple workspaces on a single computer screen. In addition, each with its own set of open applications and windows.
This functionality is ideal for keeping work, study and leisure tasks organized and separate. In fact, they make it easier to switch contexts and concentrate on the task at hand. The use of virtual desktops is quite intuitive.
To generate a new desktop, you simply need to press the Win + Tab keys. This will take us to the Windows task view. Here, you will find an option at the top of the screen that says New Desktop. Selecting this option will create a new empty desktop where you can open new applications or drag windows from the current desktop. You can switch from one desktop to another using the same keyboard shortcut Win + Tab or Win + Ctrl + Right/Left Arrows.
Advanced calculator
The Windows calculator has evolved from a simple tool to a multifunctional application. Apart from the standard mode for basic operations, it offers a scientific calculator with advanced functions. In addition to a programmer, calculator for working with different number systems. It also offers a unit converter for length, weight, temperature and other measurements.
In addition, the Windows calculator includes financial tools. For example, mortgage and compound interest calculators. Whether you need to solve complex equations, convert units, or do financial calculations, the Windows calculator has become an invaluable resource for these purposes.
Built-in screen recording
The Windows screen recording function, built into the Game Bar, is a powerful and easy-to-use feature. It allows you to record what happens on your screen without the need for additional software. This makes it a very useful tool for creating tutorials, recording video game sessions, or documenting technical problems.
To activate the Game Bar, just press Win + G on your keyboard. Make sure you have enabled the recording option in the Game Bar settings. Once enabled, you can start recording by pressing the record button, or with the keyboard shortcut Win + Alt + R.
The recording will be automatically saved to a folder of your choice, usually under the Videos>Captures path. In addition, you can activate the microphone to add a narration to your recordings, which is especially useful for tutorials. With this tool, your Windows operating system becomes a full-screen recording station.
Voice access
Voice Access on Windows is a robust accessibility feature that allows you to completely control your computer with just your voice. This tool is especially useful for those who have difficulty using a keyboard or mouse.
To activate Windows 11 Voice Access, go to Settings> Ease of access> Speech. After activating it, you will see a microphone on the screen that is listening for your voice commands. You can say commands like open Microsoft Edge, minimize all windows, write an email and many other actions.
In addition, each item on your screen has a number that you can say out loud to interact with it directly. Be sure to spend some time learning the different voice commands to take full advantage of this powerful feature.
System Restore
System Restore is one of the most powerful and underutilized features of Windows, often forgotten until a critical problem arises. This feature acts like a time machine. In effect, it allows you to return your PC to an earlier point in time, before the concerns arose.
The operation of System Restore on Windows is quite simple. Periodically, and also before important events such as software installations, Windows creates what is known as a restore point.
This restore point is basically a snapshot of what the system looked like at the time. This includes all system files, installed applications and Windows settings. If something goes wrong, you can use System Restore to go back to that point in time.
Best of all, your personnel files, such as documents, photos or music, will not be affected during the restore process. To use this feature, simply search for System Restore in the Start menu and follow the on-screen instructions. However, it is important to remember that System Restore is not a full backup solution.
Character map
The character map is one of the hidden gems in Windows 11 and Windows 10 that is often overlooked. However, it offers tremendous value. especially when you need a special symbol or character that is not easily found on the keyboard.
This tool has a sizable database of thousands of characters and symbols, from common to exotic.
You might be surprised to learn that the Character Map not only provides you with symbols such as the euro (€), the yen (¥) or the copyright sign (©). In fact, you can also find a wide range of Unicode characters, glyphs and technical symbols.
To access the Character Map, follow these steps: open the Start menu and navigate to Windows Accessories, where you will find the Character Map. Once opened, you can browse through the variety of symbols available.
PowerToys
PowerToys is a set of utilities for advanced Windows users developed by Microsoft. These utilities add or modify features to improve productivity and user experience. Below, we will look at how to use some of the most popular utilities that come with PowerToys.
- FancyZones: allows you to customize how windows are arranged on your desktop. You can create zones on your screen and then simply drag and drop windows into those zones to have them automatically resize to fit. To set up FancyZones, open PowerToys and select ‘FancyZones’ from the left menu, then click ‘Launch Layout Editor’.
- PowerToys Run: is an enhanced application launcher that you can use to quickly find and open applications, documents, and even run mathematical commands and calculations. To use PowerToys Run, simply press Alt + Space and start typing what you are looking for.
- Bulk Image Renamer: This utility allows you to quickly rename large numbers of files. Just select the files you want to rename in Windows Explorer, right click and select PowerRename. A window will appear where you can enter the rules for the new name.
- Markdown and SVG file preview: PowerToys can enable preview of these file types in Windows Explorer. This can be enabled from the ‘File Preview’ section in the PowerToys settings.
To start using PowerToys, you will need to download and install it from Microsoft’s GitHub website. Please note that PowerToys requires Windows 10 version 1803 (build 17134) or later.
Focus mode
Focus Sessions in Windows 11 is a feature built into the Clock application, aimed at improving user concentration. It works with the Pomodoro technique and integrates with Spotify.
To use it, open the Clock app and go to the “Focus Sessions tab. There, you will be able to set the duration of your work and rest sessions. Once set, simply start your focus session and Spotify music will accompany your concentration, helping you stay focused on your tasks without distractions.
Clipboard history
Clipboard history is a very useful feature that allows Windows users to view and retrieve items they have previously copied. This way, you can easily access a list of text or images you have copied in the past, instead of limiting yourself to the last copied item.
To use this feature, you must first enable it. Go to Settings>System> Clipboard. There, enable the Clipboard History option. Once enabled, you can use it by pressing the Win + V keys. A panel with the items you have recently copied will be displayed.
Simply click on the item you want to paste. If you copy something new, it will be added to the top of your Clipboard History. Note that, by default, the history is cleared when you restart your PC. Unless you choose the option to synchronize in the clipboard settings. In effect, this allows you to keep the history between different devices.
Making the most of Windows’ overlooked features can make all the difference in how efficiently and productively you use your computer. Next time you use Windows, don’t forget to explore these features and discover the countless possibilities they offer to optimize your workflow and enjoy a more powerful and efficient system.
