Windows 11 Tips for Beginners
Windows 11 has many features that most people never find. A few minutes learning them can make daily use faster and less frustrating. These tips work on most Windows 11 computers, and the menu names are the ones shown in the current version of the system.
Snap windows into place
Hover over the maximise button of any window to see Snap layouts, then pick a layout with two or three areas. You can also press Windows key + Left or Right to move a window to the side of the screen. This is useful when you compare two documents or keep a video call beside your notes.
Use the clipboard history
Press Windows key + V to see your last copied items. You can paste any of them again, and pin the ones you use often. If you do not see the list the first time, turn on clipboard history in Settings under System, then Clipboard.
Capture screenshots quickly
Press Windows key + Shift + S to choose an area to capture. The image is copied to the clipboard and you can open it in the Snipping Tool to crop or annotate it.
Move between desktops
Press Windows key + Tab to open Task View. Create a new desktop there to keep work and personal apps apart. Switch between desktops with Ctrl + Windows key + Left or Right.
Search from the Start menu
Press the Windows key and start typing. Windows searches apps, documents, settings and the web. Type a setting name, such as "display" or "battery", to jump straight to it.
Keep notifications under control
Click the date and time, then use the Do not disturb option or Focus sessions to pause notifications while you work. You can also choose which apps are allowed to send alerts in Settings under System, then Notifications.
Check what uses your storage
Open Settings, then System, then Storage. The storage breakdown shows large files and apps. Turn on Storage Sense to delete temporary files automatically. Our guide to freeing up disk space covers more options.
Useful shortcuts
| Shortcut | What it does |
|---|---|
| Windows key + D | Show the desktop |
| Windows key + E | Open File Explorer |
| Windows key + L | Lock the computer |
| Windows key + . | Open the emoji panel |
| Ctrl + Shift + Esc | Open Task Manager |
Frequently asked questions
Can I move the taskbar to the top?
Windows 11 keeps the taskbar at the bottom, and it cannot be moved to the sides or top with the built-in settings. Third-party tools exist, but they can cause problems after updates.
How do I stop Windows from restarting for updates?
In Settings, go to Windows Update and choose Active hours or Pause updates. Install updates at a time that suits you, because security fixes matter.
See also how to update your computer safely.
Settings instead of the Control Panel
Most options that used to be in the old Control Panel now live in Settings. Press the Windows key, type what you want to change, and open the matching page. This is the quickest way to change display scaling, default apps, sound devices and network settings. Learning the names of the main sections helps you move faster when something needs fixing.
Keep the taskbar tidy
Unpin apps you never use, and pin the five or six you open every day. Right-click any pinned app to see its recent files and to open a new window quickly. If the taskbar feels crowded, you can hide labels for the search button or turn off the widgets panel in Settings.
Related reading
- Mac Basics for Windows Users Switching Over: The main differences between macOS and Windows, and the Mac habits that make the switch easier: Finder, Command key, Dock and app installation.
- How to Speed Up a Slow Computer Without Buying New Parts: Free and low-cost ways to make a slow Windows or Mac computer faster: startup programs, memory use, storage, updates and simple maintenance.
- How to Read Computer Error Messages and What to Do: A method for understanding error messages on Windows and Mac: what to read first, how to search for solutions safely, and when to get help.