Microsoft Windows 11 Family

Everyone will agree that Windows 11 is far from being a perfect operating system. However, not only does Microsoft seem to be correcting course through updates, but the OS also offers many user-friendly features designed to simplify life. The problem? Many of them remain hidden. Here’s a selection of tools and options to optimize your daily life on Windows 11.

Snap Interface for Managing Your Windows

If you have a wide screen or regularly switch between multiple applications, you probably already know how to place two windows side by side. But Windows goes further with the Snap interface. Accessible via the keyboard shortcut Win-Z or by hovering over the window’s maximize/minimize button, this interface displays various automatic configurations to organize your workspace. Splitting into four segments, two identical panes, or a 2/3 ratio – 1/3: one click is enough to arrange your windows where manual manipulation would be cumbersome.

Display File Extensions for Better Identification

By default, Windows hides file extensions for visual cleanliness. However, this decision makes it challenging to precisely identify files (PNG or JPG? DOC or DOCX?), and can pose a security risk as malicious files can hide more easily. To correct this, open File Explorer, go to the View menu, scroll down to Show, and click on File Name Extensions. Displaying these extensions also allows you to directly modify them by clicking on them as you would rename a file.

Use Clipboard History for Productivity

In addition to the traditional copy-paste on Windows 11, an often overlooked shortcut can activate a lifesaving function: Win-V for Clipboard History. This tool memorizes multiple copied elements (text, images) and allows you to retrieve content copied hours ago, even if it has been overwritten. Better yet, this history can be synchronized across your different devices.

Activate Storage Assistant to Avoid Space Issues

Despite the increasing capacity of SSDs, Windows and applications remain space-hungry. While manual cleaning is sometimes necessary, Windows 11 offers a storage assistant capable of automatically deleting temporary files, emptying the Recycle Bin, or managing unnecessary files (updates, items saved in the cloud). To activate it, go to Settings, then System. Click on Storage and check the Storage Assistant box. By clicking on the option, you can configure the cleaning frequency and the types of files to prioritize for space clearance, or even manually activate the cleaning.

PowerToys, for Advanced Users

Let’s conclude with PowerToys. This open-source software developed by Microsoft is aimed at power users, but even the average person can find interesting elements in it. It offers incredibly practical features that are surprisingly not native to Windows: interface enhancements, enriched existing functionalities, a powerful command palette, bulk file operations, and more.

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