Summary
- Use OneNote quick notes with Windows + Alt + N for quick ideas
- Disable startup tasks for a faster computer boot and fewer distractions
- Try a different file manager like OneCommander for better organization
While computers can be a big source of entertainment, most of us use them for work, too, and being productive is extremely important in that context. Computers are designed to improve our workflow, but in most cases, there are things you can do to take that productivity that much further. If you want to improve your workflow on Windows 11, we've rounded up some tips and tricks that can go a long way in helping you work faster.
10 Use OneNote quick notes
Hold that thought
Have you ever had an idea you quickly needed to write down before you forgot? There are a few ways you can do that, but if you have no time to waste, the best route is to use OneNote. You don't have to launch the full app each time, because one of the most useful OneNote feature is the ability to create quick notes. At any point, You can pressWindows + Alt + N to launch a quick note.
You'll need to launch OneNote for the first time for this to work, but after that, OneNote will run in the background so you can always create a quick note to jot down something quickly.
9 Disable startup tasks
More performance and fewer distractions
This one may be a bit more iffy as a productivity enhancer, but hear me out. A lot of the apps you install set themselves up to start whenever you boot up your computer, which has two downsides. First, it makes your computer take longer to boot and run more slowly, which naturally affects your productivity.
On top of that, some apps also start with pop-ups or other things that can cause distractions. As such, it's a good idea to go through your list of apps and see what you really need to have running when the computer boots up. It will help you later.
How to turn off startup tasks in Windows 11
Is your computer taking too long to boot and feeling slow? You can turn off startup tasks in Windows 11 to help your PC run a bit faster.
8 Use multiple desktops
Separate your workspaces
I've recently written about the wonders of using multiple desktops on Windows 11, and I'll reiterate it here. Using multiple desktops is a great way to improve your productivity, primarily because it helps you stay organized and focused. By having your work apps in one desktop and your personal apps on another, you can reduce distractions and avoid spending too much time looking at something other than work. You can also create multiple desktops for different projects you may be working on, so you don't have to struggle as much to find the document you're looking for at any given time. All of this will save you precious time in the long run, and you'll get your work done much faster.
Multiple desktops are an underrated Windows 11 feature — here's how to take full advantage of them
If you're not using multiple desktops on Windows 11, now's a good time to start.
7 Install PowerToys
FancyZones is the best
Another way to boost your productivity on Windows, and one that I actually rely on very heavily, is using PowerToys, specifically the FancyZones tool. This is one of my favorite tools in the entire PowerToys suite, since it basically takes window management to the next level. Sure, Windows 11's Snap Layouts feature is nice, but powerToys lets you craft the perfect layout for all your apps, with the ability to quickly switch between layouts so you can always have the right layout for the right needs.
If you have an ultrawide monitor, FancyZones makes it incredibly easy to organize your windows next to each other. And pinning those windows to the right place is also easier than ever since all you need to do is hold Shift while dragging the window over the area you want it in, rather than having to drag it to the edge of the screen or something. I've sung the praises of this tool multiple times, and will happily continue to do so. And there's a lot more PowerToys can do, like rename files in bulk, resize images, and more.
The ultimate guide to using PowerToys
Windows may not be perfect, but Microsoft gives you the tools to make the experience better with PowerToys. Here's everything you need to know.
6 Try a different file manager
File Explorer isn't as good as it could be
This one may not be for everyone, but one thing I highly recommend trying is using a different file manager instead of Microsoft's File Explorer. Recently, I've been using OneCommander, and I've really been loving everything it has to offer. The UI is clean and concise, but the dual-pane style makes it much easier to move and organize my files. you get a quick file preview at the bottom of both panes, and a navigation pane on the left for quickly navigating to major folders. It's really nice, and you can even set it to (almost) fully replace File Explorer.
But even if OneCommaner isn't for you, there are a lot of other options, like the Files app, FreeCommander, and Q-Dir. You can try them out and see what suits your work needs the best.
You can actually change the default File Explorer in Windows — here's how
Because File Explorer isn't that great
5 Use keyboard shortcuts
It can be much faster than using a mouse
Many of us are used to handling their computer with a mouse and keyboard, and indeed, this is the most intuitive way to do it for most people. But, if you take a little bit of time to learn, using keyboard shortcuts can really make things go by faster. There are plenty of keyboard shortcuts in Windows 11 to help you get things done more quickly, and we can't possibly go over all of them here. However, here are a few you may or may not know that will surely help:
- Ctrl + T - Open a new tab in your browser, File Explorer, Notepad, or Windows Terminal
- Ctrl + W - Close the current tab
- Ctrl + Shift + T - Re-open the last closed tab (in supported apps)
- Ctrl + C - Copy a selection
- Ctrl + X - Cut a selection
- Ctrl + V - Paste copied text
- Windows + V - Open clipboard history
- Windows + (1-9) - Open the app in the respective position on the taskbar (count excludes icons like Start and Task View)
We definitely recommend checking out the whole list we've compiled separately, but if you're not familiar with the above, they're a great place to start. Oh, and did you know you can open the Start menu and start searching for files without clicking anything? It's a much faster way to open an app or document when you need it. Just press theWindows key and start typing what you want to find.
The ultimate guide to keyboard shortcuts in Windows 11
Want to get work done faster on your PC? These Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts can help you do things faster without reaching for your mouse.
4 Enable clipboard history
Make copying and pasting easier
We mentioned clipboard history above, but if you don't know what that is, that's okay. Since Windows 10, your computer can actually save the items you've copied, even if you copy something else after that. By pressingWindows + V, you can see the history of items you've copied during the current session, even including images. However, you need to first turn on this feature before it actually saves your items, so we recommend launching this for the first time before you actually need it.
Another cool thing about clipboard history is that you can even pin items, so that even after you restart your PC, you can always access them. If you have a bit of text you use all the time, this is a very useful feature.
3 Install and update apps with winget
It's so much faster
Installing and updating apps on your PC can take up a good bit ofd your time, especially when you have to get updates for each app from different places. But the Windows Package Manager, or winget, makes this way easier. learning the ropes of winget can take a bit longer, but once you learn it, it's much faster to isntall your apps this way than to go search for it online.
What's more, winget also lets you export lists of apps, so when you set up a new PC, you can install all your previous apps in one go. And you cal also update all your apps at once with winget, so it saves you a lot of time checking for updates.
How to use Windows Package Manager (winget) on Windows 11
Windows Package Manager gives you an easier way to install and manage your apps on WIndows 11 and 10. Here's how to use it.
2 Set up Do not disturb
Get rid of distractions
Do not disturb is a very popular feature in almost any operating system, and it's just as essential in Windows. Notifications are distracting, so if you want some peace and quiet to get your work done, you'll want to use Do not disturb. You can easily enable Do not disturb form your notifications pane, but you may also want to set it up to work automatically.
In the Settings app (underSystem > Notifications), you can set up Do not disturb to automatically turn on during specific times, and also set priority notifications that can break through if needed. This will go a long way in keeping you focused.
1 Use Focus sessions
For when youreally need to work fast
Do not disturb is great, but sometimes, you really need to focus, and just muting notifications isn't enough. That's where the Focus sessions feature comes in. Focus sessions allow you to set a timer, set the tasks you want to focus on, and just focus on work. It enables Do not disturb, yes, but on top of that, it can disable flashing and badges on the taskbar, so you have no visual noise whatsoever to distract you. Plus, since you have a timer, it becomes easier to stay focused for a set period until your next break (if you choose to have any).
Another cool thing about Focus sessions is that you can play music while you work, with some soothing tunes available by default to help you stay focused. And if you use it frequently, the app even lets you see the progress you've made so you can celebrate your achievements. It's pretty nice.
How to use Focus sessions in the Windows 11 Clock app
The Clock app on Windows 11 comes with a new feature called Focus sessions, plus it has a fresh design. Here's how to use it.
Make the most of your Windows 11 PC
As you can see, there are a lot of things you can do to make your PC work better for you and get things done faster. Not all of these will necessarily work for your specific needs, of course, but hopefully, you can see how they can be helpful. I know some of these have been useful to me in the past and still are today.
