Whenever Windows updates, it adds new capabilities and features that enhance the user experience, particularly in terms of boosting productivity. Often though, we’re so busy getting to work that we don’t take the time to explore these functions. 

We’re using devices to be productive, but we aren’t optimizing them. To save you time, we’ve compiled this list of the best features built into Windows 11 that boost productivity and provide a much-improved user experience.

Snap Layouts and Grids

Snap layouts and groups allow you to display multiple apps on your monitor, side by side or in a grid, to compare files, documents, webpages, or other information. You can see everything simultaneously rather than hopping from one window or app to another. When using snap layouts, Windows keeps them grouped, allowing you to return to the layout if you open another app.

To use snap layouts, open all the apps you need and then hover over the maximize button in the upper right corner of one of the apps. Doing this will bring up a selection of layout options. Click the one you need, then select which apps will appear in the different quadrants of your screen.

Desktops

If you use different apps for different needs—some for working remotely and others in your personal life, for example—you can create distinct desktops to run them. This helps you quickly get into the flow of work by having your desktop set up for your work tasks. Similarly, you can turn off work mode on your breaks to watch videos, visit real-money casinos you can play at, or catch up on the latest cat memes. 

Click the black-and-white overlapping squares on your taskbar to create different desktops. You can then switch between desktops by clicking the same icon on the taskbar you used to make them.

Microsoft To-Do Lists

Whether you use your Windows 11 operating system for work or personal needs, you likely have a long list of projects, tasks, appointments, and other things to keep tabs on. The Microsoft To-Do app can help you keep tabs on all these different things so that nothing is missed. 

You can create multiple to-do lists, add tasks, categorize them, set reminders, and plan how and when you’ll complete them. The app integrates AI, making adding reminders or scheduling tasks simple. 

All you have to do is include the day, time, or date a task needs to be done, and the app will automatically set a reminder. Alternatively, you can manually add these details by clicking “+ Add a task” and entering the information. For larger tasks, the app allows you to add steps to break them down and make them less intimidating to complete.

To start using the app, go to the Start menu or the search bar in the taskbar and type “To Do.” Then, all you need to do is add your tasks.

Focus Sessions

With Windows 11, you can set up dedicated focus sessions that help you complete tasks by minimizing distractions on your device. Sessions will display the clock app on your screen while hiding flashing and badges from the taskbar and turning on Do Not Disturb to avoid distractions from notifications. 

You can set up how long you want your focus session to be and add breaks for more extended sessions—though it may sound counterintuitive to completing tasks, adding a few short breaks can improve your focus and productivity over longer periods.

To start a focus session, go to the search bar located in the taskbar, then type “clock.” From the clock app, you can start a focus session for your desired duration and choose to incorporate or skip breaks. 

Additionally, you can link your Spotify account and your Microsoft To Do list. Linking Spotify allows you to quickly play music or white noise to aid your focus while connecting your to-do list can ensure you’re staying on top of projects and not missing any pressing tasks.

Windows Clipboard

Copying and pasting are frequently used commands that save time on countless tasks. With the Windows Clipboard feature, you can make these commands even more efficient. This feature gives you access to the last few items you copied instead of just the last thing you copied. This allows you to copy multiple links, images, or text passages before needing to paste them into your working file or documents. 

To use the clipboard, press “Windows Key + V” and click “Turn on.” For frequently copied and pasted items, you can pin them to your clipboard, saving you from repeatedly finding and copying the same information.

Custom Start Layout

Another useful feature of Windows 11 is the ability to customize the Start menu layout. Like the clipboard, this feature can be immensely helpful. Rather than having to type or scroll through your device’s different apps or files, you can pin the ones you use the most to the Start menu for quick access.

Bonus tip: Pin your most frequently used apps to your taskbar. This will save you the step of going to the Start menu to open the app. While using the app, right-click its logo in the taskbar and click “pin to taskbar.” This way, you can find it right in the taskbar the next time you need it.

Copilot

One of the most significant apps for boosting productivity is the built-in access to Microsoft Copilot. Copilot is an AI assistant that can help you with many tasks in your personal and professional life—whether you need an extra set of eyes to review an email, a jumping-off point for projects, or an answer to a burning question. 

Copilot is automatically pinned to your taskbar, but you can also find it by going to the Start menu and typing “Copilot.” The app will then launch and help you with whatever you need.