7 Ways to Use Windows 11 More Efficiently
As more productivity apps are released, accessing programs on your Windows 11 PC can be challenging. Especially if your work revolves around multitasking, accessing and switching between apps fast is crucial.
This article will cover tips to make Windows 11 apps more accessible, so you can navigate around your digital workspace with minimal effort and little time.
1. Get Rid of Unnecessary Programs and Bloatware
To make Windows apps easier to locate, it is sensible to first get rid of unnecessary software andremove bloatware from your PC. This will make searching for apps easier, and it will benefit your memory usage.
To view a complete list of all apps and programs installed on your machine, hitWindows + Ito open the settings page. ClickApps, then selectInstalled Apps. Now, you may view an alphabetical list of installed apps on your device. To remove an app, hit the three dots beside any app and selectUninstall.
To change the list order, you can use theSort Byfeature beneath the search bar. Apps can be sorted by their name, size, or by their installation date. If you have multiple drives, you can also filter results based on which drives apps are located in.
2. Pin Programs to the Taskbar
The Windows taskbar offers a superfast way to open apps without having to navigate to the desktop. Windows 11 offers an easy method topin almost anything to the taskbar, so you’re able to access your favorite programs with the click of a button.
Here’s how you can pin an app to the taskbar:
As a further benefit, some programs offer additional quick access options that you can view by right-clicking on them. The options include shortcuts to common in-app features. You can also open any app on the taskbar by holding theWindowskey, followed by the number representing the app’s position on the taskbar. For instance,Windows + 3will open the third item on the taskbar.
3. Create Desktop Shortcuts
Creating desktop shortcuts is one of the fastest ways to access apps with minimal effort. Before starting, you’ll first want todeclutter your Windows 11 Desktopto create a clean environment for your apps.
To pin an app to the desktop, hit theWindowsbutton to open the Start menu, then selectAll appsbutton located in the corner of the Pinned section. Scroll through the alphabetical list to find the app, then click and drag it to any available space on your desktop. If done correctly, a small pop-up titledLinkshould display.
4. Use the Run Dialog
Not all apps are easy to find, especially if you’re a developer. The Run dialogue is a powerful tool to locate programs that are harder to find on your Windows 11 device.
To open the Run dialogue, use the shortcutWindows + R. In the search box, you’re able to type the executable file name of any app to open it. Some basic commands include typing “calc” to open the calculator app, “notepad” to open Windows 11’s Notepad, and “control” to open the Control Panel. View ourRun commands cheat sheetfor a full list of handy shortcuts.
5. Create Custom Keyboard Shortcuts
One of the less-known methods to open Windows apps quicker is by creating custom keyboard shortcuts. By using these shortcuts, you can open a program instantly from any location.
you’re able to assign a keyboard shortcut to any Windows app by following these steps:
If this method is of interest, you can explore our guide for creating shortcuts toinstall websites as apps on Windows.
6. Utilize the Quick Access Menu
The Quick Access menu is a list of common programs and tools. This is not to be confused with the Quick Access feature seen in Windows File Explorer. However, the two features achieve similar goals.
You can open the Quick Access menu in two ways:
You can use the Quick Access menu toaccess the task manager on Windows 11and open a bunch of other frequently used apps. There are also some useful extra tools you can access via the Quick Access menu. You can hit theDesktopoption to minimize all apps. You’ll also find power options, includingSleepandShut Down.
For even faster access, you can hit the underlined letter on your keyboard to open that program. (Note, this only works when using the keyboard shortcut method to open the Quick Access Menu). The Quick Access menu is a great way to access a wide range of useful apps with only the keyboard.
7. Switch Between Apps Faster
If you’re dealing with an overflow of open windows and need a better way to transition between apps, you’ll find this next tip helpful.
The keyboard shortcutAlt + Tabcan be used to switch windows in your workspace. To navigate to another app, simply holdAltand keep tappingTabuntil you reach the desired app. If you prefer the older retro look of theAlt+Tabswitcher, you can hit the rightAltkey before pressingTabto navigate the old-fashioned way.
TheTask Viewon Windows 11 is another method to access programs quicker and keep your apps organized. This allows you tocreate virtual desktopsand categorize open apps and windows.
To enter Task View, use the keyboard shortcutWindows +Tabor hit the dedicated button beside the search bar. Now you can move apps between virtual desktops by clicking and dragging them. This will reduce overwhelm and help youmultitask better on Windows 11.
Access Apps Faster And Improve Your Efficiency on Windows 11
If you want to be more efficient when working on your Windows 11 PC, try out these tips to adopt a more productive workflow. Often, productivity revolves around consistently making small changes to make a greater change over time. Save time and master your workflow using these tips.
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