Focus Tech Insider August 2024 – Technologist

Windows 11 has seen multiple updates since its release in 2021, providing new features and benefits to make your life easier. Though major developments like the AI assistance Copilot and expanded hardware support make news, some lesser-known improvements also deserving of your notice.

These unfamiliar features can speed up and simplify your Windows 11 experience while maintaining productivity and organisation.

Focus mode is one of Windows 11’s most useful features. Imagine this: Suddenly, as you’re working on a crucial project, you start receiving emails, instant messages, and reminders. With all these distractions, it’s challenging to stay focused. Focus mode saves the day by making them silent.

To activate it, click the bell icon at the bottom right of your screen and select “Focus” from the menu. This will give you a 20-minute period with no interruptions, which you can turn off at any time. It’s your very own do not disturb sign!

Live captions are an extra fantastic feature. Assume you work in a noisy workplace or that you have hearing issues. Audio and video files might be difficult to understand. Live captioning is integrated with Windows 11 and creates captions for your content automatically.

You can simply press Windows Key + Ctrl + L to activate it or access it through the Accessibility settings (go to Settings > Accessibility > Captions). You have to download a speech pack and accept Microsoft’s voice processing terms the first time you use it. After that, any music or video will have captions at the top of your screen to make it easier to follow.

If you find typing tedious, you’ll love doing voice typing. With this, you can talk to text rather than type it. To begin, press Windows Key + H. Make sure the microphone is connected (the webcam mic should work well). Click the microphone button to get started when it appears. It can also be programmed to automatically punctuate your words. Voice commands that help you control the dictation flow are “stop listening” and “ignore that.” It saves lots of time when writing emails or documents.

And if you want a tidy and efficient desktop, Start menu folders are a game-changer. To create a folder, right-click an app and select “Pin to start.” Then drag another app over it, and they’ll combine into a folder. You can rename the folder and move it to the top of your Start menu for quick access to your most-used apps. It’s a simple way to keep things organised and within reach.

The Snapping bar is the last one. This function is important if you are a multitasker. With it, you can organise windows on your screen in different ways. A group of layout options will show up when you drag a window to the top of the screen. You may maximise the area on your screen by rearranging the windows. To snap windows into place, you can alternatively use the Windows key + arrow keys. You may enable snapping options under Settings > System > Multi-tasking if you’re not seeing them.

These features might not make headlines, but they can really enhance your Windows 11 experience. Try them out and see how much time you can save.