🧠 Windows 11 Ultimate Cheat Sheet: 100 Tips & Tricks (2025 In-Depth Edition)
Windows 11 continues to evolve with updates like 24H2 and 25H2, bringing AI features, better customization, and deeper integration with Microsoft 365 and Intune.
This in-depth cheat sheet gives you 100 powerful Windows 11 tips and tricks — organized by category — to help you boost performance, customize your workspace, and master new system features.
💼 Productivity and Multitasking
| # | Tip / Feature | Description | How to Use / Path |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Snap Layouts (Win + Z) | Arrange windows into grids, halves, or custom layouts for better multitasking. | Hover over the maximize button → choose layout → click apps to fill zones. |
| 2 | Focus Sessions in Clock App | Built-in focus timer with Spotify and To Do integration to reduce distractions. | Open Clock → Focus sessions → Set duration and playlist. |
| 3 | Virtual Desktops (Ctrl + Win + → / ←) | Separate workspaces for personal, gaming, or projects. | Press Win + Tab → “New Desktop.” |
| 4 | Clipboard History (Win + V) | Access previous copies, including text, images, and URLs. | Enable once → Press Win + V to paste from history. |
| 5 | Voice Typing (Win + H) | Dictate text anywhere with automatic punctuation. | Place cursor in any text field → Press Win + H. |
| 6 | Task View & Timeline (Win + Tab) | See all open windows and desktops with previews. | Win + Tab → switch between apps or desktops. |
| 7 | Quick Screenshot (Win + Shift + S) | Use the Snipping Tool overlay for screenshots. | Drag area to capture → saves to clipboard. |
| 8 | Shake to Minimize | Reduce clutter by minimizing all other windows. | Grab the window title bar and shake. |
| 9 | Emoji & GIF Panel (Win + .) | Access emojis, GIFs, kaomoji, and symbols. | Works in chat, email, and Office apps. |
| 10 | Multiple Monitors Settings | Automatically remember app placement per monitor. | Settings → System → Display → Multiple displays. |
| 11 | PowerToys FancyZones | Create custom snap zones for multi-monitor layouts. | Download PowerToys → FancyZones module. |
| 12 | Clipboard Cloud Sync | Sync clipboard across devices. | Settings → System → Clipboard → Sync across devices. |
| 13 | Quick Assist | Remote support without third-party tools. | Press Win + Ctrl + Q or search “Quick Assist.” |
| 14 | Nearby Share | Share files with PCs over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. | Settings → System → Nearby Sharing. |
| 15 | File Drag to Taskbar | Drag files directly to taskbar icons to open in that app. | Works for Word, Outlook, Photoshop, etc. |
🎨 Personalization & Appearance
| # | Tip / Feature | Description | How to Use / Path |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | Customize Taskbar Icons | Show or hide widgets, Chat, or Task view. | Settings → Personalization → Taskbar. |
| 17 | Start Menu Layout Options | Choose between “Pinned,” “Recommended,” or “More pins.” | Settings → Personalization → Start. |
| 18 | Accent Color from Wallpaper | Auto-match UI colors to wallpaper. | Settings → Personalization → Colors → Accent color. |
| 19 | Dark Mode Toggle (Win + Ctrl + C) | Instantly switch between dark and light modes. | Shortcut or Settings → Personalization → Colors. |
| 20 | Dynamic Wallpapers (Motion Backgrounds) | Use live wallpapers or themes that change through the day. | Download Lively Wallpaper or enable Windows Spotlight Theme. |
| 21 | Widgets Board (Win + W) | View weather, calendar, and personalized feeds. | Press Win + W → customize widgets. |
| 22 | Auto-Hide Taskbar | Taskbar hides automatically until hovered. | Taskbar behaviors → “Automatically hide the taskbar.” |
| 23 | Transparency Effects | Adds subtle glass blur for UI depth. | Settings → Accessibility → Visual effects. |
| 24 | Rename Your PC | Change hostname easily without cmd. | Settings → System → About → Rename this PC. |
| 25 | Set Custom Lock Screen Slideshow | Display a folder of images or Bing pictures. | Settings → Personalization → Lock screen. |
| 26 | Animated Stickers (24H2) | Add movable stickers to wallpaper. | Right-click desktop → “Add stickers.” |
| 27 | Taskbar Overflow Menu (24H2) | Shows hidden icons when taskbar is full. | Appears automatically on smaller screens. |
📁 File Explorer & Storage Management
| # | Tip / Feature | Description | How to Use / Path |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28 | Tabs in File Explorer | Open multiple folders in one window. | Ctrl + T to open new tab. |
| 29 | Favorites in Home | Pin frequently used folders to sidebar. | Right-click → “Add to Favorites.” |
| 30 | AI File Actions (25H2) | Copilot suggests renaming, summarizing, or archiving files. | Right-click file → Copilot Actions. |
| 31 | NTFS Compression Settings (KB5040442) | Control compression ratio for large files. | File → Properties → Advanced → Compression options. |
| 32 | Preview Pane (Alt + P) | View file contents without opening. | Enable “Preview Pane” in View tab. |
| 33 | Cloud Integration Sidebar | OneDrive and SharePoint appear under “Home.” | Auto-enabled when signed in with Microsoft 365. |
| 34 | Command Bar | Replaces ribbon with quick access buttons. | Rename, Sort, or Share files directly. |
| 35 | Copy Path Shortcut (Ctrl + Shift + C) | Copy full file path instantly. | Works on files or folders. |
| 36 | Tags & Search Improvements (25H2) | Tag files for faster search organization. | Right-click → “Add tags.” |
| 37 | File Explorer Performance Mode | Improves load times for large directories. | Enabled automatically in 24H2 builds. |
⚙️ Settings & System Controls
| # | Tip / Feature | Description | How to Use / Path |
|---|---|---|---|
| 38 | Power Mode Switch | Adjust for performance or battery life. | Settings → System → Power. |
| 39 | Storage Sense | Automatically deletes temporary files. | Settings → System → Storage. |
| 40 | Battery Saver Mode | Extends laptop battery life. | Settings → System → Power & Battery. |
| 41 | Optional Features (RSAT, Hyper-V) | Enable IT tools directly. | Settings → Apps → Optional features. |
| 42 | Default Apps by File Type | Assign apps to file extensions. | Settings → Apps → Default Apps. |
| 43 | Privacy Dashboard | Review permissions for camera, mic, and location. | Settings → Privacy & Security. |
| 44 | Language Packs & Voice Typing | Add regional languages or speech input. | Settings → Time & Language → Language. |
| 45 | Backup via OneDrive | Automatically back up Desktop and Documents. | Settings → Accounts → Windows Backup. |
| 46 | Energy Saver (25H2) | Reduces background power use on all devices. | Found under Power settings. |
| 47 | Storage Spaces | Protect data with redundancy. | Control Panel → Storage Spaces. |
🚀 Performance Optimization
| # | Tip / Feature | Description | How to Use / Path |
|---|---|---|---|
| 48 | Startup Apps Control | Speed up boot by disabling unused startup items. | Task Manager → Startup tab. |
| 49 | Efficiency Mode in Task Manager | Reduce app CPU usage dynamically. | Right-click process → Efficiency mode. |
| 50 | WSL 2 GPU Acceleration | Enable Linux GPU compute. | Run wsl --install then wsl --update. |
| 51 | Disk Cleanup (cleanmgr) | Classic cleanup tool. | Run command cleanmgr. |
| 52 | Disable Search Indexing on SSDs | Improves lifespan and speed. | Services.msc → Windows Search → Manual. |
| 53 | Adjust Visual Effects | Optimize for performance. | sysdm.cpl → Performance → Adjust for best performance. |
| 54 | Ultimate Performance Mode | Unlock maximum power profile. | powercfg -duplicatescheme e9a42b02-d5df-448d-aa00-03f14749eb61 |
| 55 | Memory Compression Control | Manage RAM compression manually. | Disable-MMAgent -mc (PowerShell). |
| 56 | Game Mode & Auto HDR | Optimize resources for gaming. | Settings → Gaming → Game Mode. |
| 57 | DirectStorage (24H2) | Reduces game loading times drastically. | Requires NVMe SSD + DX12 GPU. |
| 58 | Defragment HDDs | Regularly optimize hard drives. | “Defragment and Optimize Drives” app. |
🔒 Security & Privacy
| # | Tip / Feature | Description | How to Use / Path |
|---|---|---|---|
| 59 | Windows Hello for Business | Biometric or PIN authentication. | Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options. |
| 60 | BitLocker Encryption | Protect drives from unauthorized access. | Control Panel → BitLocker Drive Encryption. |
| 61 | Smart App Control | Blocks unsigned or malicious apps. | Settings → Privacy & Security → Smart App Control. |
| 62 | Ransomware Protection | Protect folders from unauthorized changes. | Windows Security → Virus & Threat Protection → Ransomware Protection. |
| 63 | Dynamic Lock | Locks PC when your phone disconnects. | Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options. |
| 64 | Defender Offline Scan | Detect deep threats outside OS. | Windows Security → Scan options → Offline scan. |
| 65 | Phishing Protection (25H2) | Alerts on credential theft attempts. | Built into Microsoft Defender SmartScreen. |
| 66 | TPM & Secure Boot Check | Verify modern security compliance. | Run tpm.msc or msinfo32. |
| 67 | Firewall Advanced Rules | Custom inbound/outbound policies. | wf.msc (Windows Firewall console). |
| 68 | Defender Application Control (WDAC) | Restrict executable sources. | Deploy via Intune Endpoint Security policies. |
🌐 Networking & Internet
| # | Tip / Feature | Description | How to Use / Path |
|---|---|---|---|
| 69 | Wi-Fi QR Sharing | Share Wi-Fi credentials quickly. | Settings → Network → Wi-Fi → QR code. |
| 70 | DNS over HTTPS (DoH) | Encrypts DNS queries for privacy. | Settings → Network → Advanced network settings. |
| 71 | VPN Auto-Connect | Keep VPN alive on Wi-Fi switch. | Settings → Network → VPN → Auto connect. |
| 72 | Reset Network Stack | Fix adapter or DNS issues. | netsh winsock reset + reboot. |
| 73 | Metered Connection | Save bandwidth for updates. | Network → Properties → Metered connection. |
| 74 | Hotspot Sharing | Share Ethernet connection via Wi-Fi. | Settings → Network → Mobile Hotspot. |
| 75 | Proxy Setup | Configure system-wide proxy. | Settings → Network → Proxy. |
| 76 | Wi-Fi 7 Support (25H2) | Higher speeds on new adapters. | Auto-enabled on supported devices. |
| 77 | Network Troubleshooter (cmd) | Diagnose connectivity issues. | msdt.exe -id NetworkDiagnosticsNetworkAdapter. |
☁️ Intune & Enterprise Management
| # | Tip / Feature | Description | How to Use / Path |
|---|---|---|---|
| 78 | Enroll via Company Portal | Register device with Azure AD + Intune. | Download Company Portal → Sign in. |
| 79 | Group Policy Analytics | Convert GPOs to Intune policies. | Intune Admin Center → Devices → Group Policy Analytics. |
| 80 | Endpoint Security Policies | Manage Defender, BitLocker, and Firewall from Intune. | Endpoint Security blade in Intune. |
| 81 | Proactive Remediations | Detect and auto-fix issues. | Intune → Reports → Scripts → Remediations. |
| 82 | Windows Update Rings | Control patch and feature update rollout. | Intune → Devices → Update rings. |
| 83 | Feature Update Policies | Pin devices to a specific Windows build. | Intune → Windows Update for Business → Feature Updates. |
| 84 | Windows Autopilot Deployment | Pre-provision and enroll new devices. | Intune → Devices → Windows Autopilot. |
| 85 | Windows 365 Cloud PC Management | Provision and manage Cloud PCs. | Intune → Devices → Windows 365. |
| 86 | Remote Help Integration | Secure remote support with RBAC. | Install Remote Help app → Configure via Intune. |
| 87 | Policy Sets | Bundle apps, compliance, and configuration policies. | Intune → Tenant Administration → Policy Sets. |
🧏 Accessibility & Ease of Use
| # | Tip / Feature | Description | How to Use / Path |
|---|---|---|---|
| 88 | Live Captions (Win + Ctrl + L) | On-screen captions for all media. | Settings → Accessibility → Captions. |
| 89 | Voice Access | Full PC control using voice. | Settings → Accessibility → Speech. |
| 90 | Magnifier (Win + +) | Zoom into UI elements. | Shortcut or search “Magnifier.” |
| 91 | Color Filters | Filter colors for vision accessibility. | Settings → Accessibility → Color filters. |
| 92 | Narrator Natural Voices (24H2) | New, more human-like voices. | Settings → Accessibility → Narrator. |
🤖 AI and Smart Features
| # | Tip / Feature | Description | How to Use / Path |
|---|---|---|---|
| 93 | Windows Copilot (24H2) | ChatGPT-powered assistant for settings, summaries, and tasks. | Win + C or taskbar icon. |
| 94 | AI File Actions | Summarize, rename, or classify files using AI. | File Explorer → Right-click file → Copilot Actions. |
| 95 | Recall (25H2) | Search past activity, screenshots, and context. | Win + J → Recall dashboard. |
| 96 | AI Text Predictions | Suggests words while typing in all apps. | Enabled in Keyboard settings. |
| 97 | AI Live Translation in Teams | Translates live meeting captions. | Teams → Captions → Enable live translation. |
⚡ Hidden & Advanced Tools
| # | Tip / Feature | Description | How to Use / Path |
|---|---|---|---|
| 98 | God Mode Folder | One folder to access all settings. | Create new folder named {ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}. |
| 99 | Battery Health Report | Generates detailed power report. | Run powercfg /batteryreport. |
| 100 | Reliability Monitor | Track crashes and hardware issues. | Search “Reliability Monitor.” |
🏁 Summary
These 100 Windows 11 tips blend new AI-powered features, modern management tools, and classic power-user tricks. Whether you’re a casual user, system admin, or Intune manager, these techniques help you fully optimize the Windows 11 experience.
