💃 Windows users need this: FancyZones lets you create custom grid layouts or use pre-configured options on a PC. To use it, download and install Microsoft’s free PowerToys utility and find FancyZones. Pick a layout you like, then hold down on Shift and drag a window into one of the zones. Voila!
5 best Windows 11 utilities to get more out of your PC
Windows 11 has been out since early October, and users are learning their way around the latest version of Microsoft’s operating system. While you may not be eligible to upgrade just yet, be patient and check out some of the things you can look forward to.
The new OS adds features to increase efficiency and make Windows easier to navigate. Among these changes are new keyboard shortcuts and multiple desktops that help to separate your tasks. Tap or click here to learn more about new features added to Windows 11.
Third-party developers have also stepped in to add features to Windows 11. Let’s focus on utilities geared towards power users, who tend to dive deeper into technical aspects compared to the average user.
1. PowerToys
PowerToys comes from Microsoft itself and has been updated for Windows 11. This application lets you personalize Windows and streamline it to your liking. Some of the tools include:
- The ability to keep your PC awake without fiddling with power and sleep settings.
- You can also copy any onscreen color to your clipboard.
- An image resizer that works right from File Explorer.
- Mouse utilities that include a Find My Mouse tool.
- A Windows key shortcut guide.
- Create complex window layouts and quickly position windows into those layouts.
- Remapping keys and create your own keyboard shortcuts.
- Globally mute both your microphone and camera using Win+N while on a video call.
There are tools to explore in PowerToys. Get it here and start playing.
Related: Before you upgrade to Windows 11, read this warning to save yourself time
2. ThisIsWin11
ThisIsWin11 adds more customization options to Windows 11, and it includes a guide to help you learn your way around the new OS. Once you have that down, try out the following:
- Disable Windows 11 features you may not want to use, such as Snap Assist, Widgets and the Camera and Alarm apps.
- Remove preinstalled bloatware.
- Restore some Windows 10 looks and features.
- Use OpenTweaks to complete actions in one click, such as turning dark theme on, aligning the taskbar, showing file extensions and hiding the search bar, to name just a few.
- Change privacy and app permission settings.
- Optimize your PC settings for gaming.
You can try out ThisIsWin11 here.
6 hidden Windows 10 tools you should be using
Microsoft PowerToys sounds like it should be a new videogame franchise or children’s interactive device. No, Microsoft hasn’t shifted its focus towards kids, but it has given some adults new things to play with inside Windows.
Download Microsoft's new Apple-inspired update
Windows users may have more compatible programs and video games at their disposal, but they have plenty of reasons to envy Mac owners. That’s because macOS is largely unaffected by Windows’ most common security threats, and certain features like Spotlight make it easy to search for missing files or apps without leaving the keyboard.