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Getting to know Windows 11

The new interface of Windows 11 was redesigned for productivity, creativity, and ease of use.

A screenshot of the Windows 11 Enterprise desktop showing the default Windows (dark) theme.

A modernized interface with a familiar feel. 

Windows 11 has a new Interface. It uses a modern interaction model that’s simple and unobstructive. But it also feels familiar, with a minimal learning curve so you can instantly get to work.


New Right-Click Menu

A screenshot of a computerAI-generated content may be incorrect.

Windows 11 has a new right-click menu interface that can simplify how you interact with files. Some of the options previously in Windows 10 have now been replaced with icons that correspond to their function.


Cut (ctrl+x) 

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Copy (ctrl+c)


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 Paste (ctrl+v) 


Rename (F2)

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Share (Share through OneDrive)

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Delete (Del)

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The most relevant items are listed in the menu at first, but some options are hidden and can be shown by selecting "Show more options" or by Shift + Right-clicking to display all available options. 


Customize your taskbar

Use the taskbar for more than seeing your apps.

The taskbar allows you to quickly access your favorite apps and more.

The search functionality on the taskbar enables you to find files, people, settings and more.

To customize your taskbar, begin by right-clicking any empty space on the taskbar, and then select Taskbar Settings.

If you prefer the way that Windows 10 left-aligned the taskbar icons, you can change the Taskbar alignment setting to "Left" under the Taskbar Behavior section within Taskbar Settings to return to that behavior.

Learn more.


Customize the Windows 11 Start layout your way

Easily pin files or drives that make sense to you to your Start menu.

Pinned section – Work your way by customizing the Windows 11 Start layout. Quickly access your favorite applications without navigating through the full list of installed apps.

Pinning Apps:

    1. Open the Start menu.
    2. Search for the app you want to pin.
    3. Right-click on the app.
    4. Select the Pin to Start option.
    5. The app will now appear in your Pinned (apps) section on the Start menu.


Adding apps to folders:

    1. Open the Start menu.
    2. Click and hold on the first app you want to add to a folder.
    3. Drag the app icon to the second app you want to add to the folder and drop it on top.
    4. The folder will be created automatically, with both apps inside.
    5. To edit the name of the folder, click the folder to open it in the Start menu.
    6. Click on the Edit Name filed and enter the folder name.


Finding all your apps:

Most apps can be found by searching for their name in the search bar after you click the windows icon:

If you prefer, you can view a list of all of your installed apps by clicking "All" next to your Pinned Apps:



Focus

Stay on track with focus.

Focus is a new feature in Windows 11 that helps you minimize distractions. It integrates with the Clock app with features like a focus timer and music integration. Additionally:

  • Focus stops apps in the taskbar from flashing.
  • Focus removes all badge notifications counting the numbers of unread messages.


Initiate your focus session from the notification center:

  1. Click on the notification center in the taskbar.
  2. Focus Choose a duration for your focus session.
  3. Select Focus to start the session.

Learn more.

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Do Not Disturb

Like Focus in Windows 11, Do Not Disturb also helps you stay on track by allowing you to temporarily prevent Windows notifications from being displayed. Toggle this on for however long you wish and then toggle it off when you are ready to resume Windows notifications. Toggle Do Not Disturb by clicking on the time in your taskbar and then clicking the bell icon at the top-right of the notification dialog.



File Explorer

Organize your content with Windows 11 File Explorer.

Just like opening tabs in a web browser, Windows 11 File Explorer lets you open or add new tabs. Easily switch between File Explorer tabs, re-arrange opened tabs, and scroll the tab list. You can even copy files and folders between tabs.

Organize content with File Explorer tabs to quickly switch between projects, add files to favorites and view them on the File Explorer home screen, and easily find files and share with the right contacts in File Explorer.

Learn more. 

A screenshot demonstrating how to organize content with Windows 11 Enterprise File Explorer tabs. In this example, three tabs are shown in File Explorer, including Home, a Contoso folder, and the Music folder. The Home tab is selected, and AI-powered file recommendations are displayed.


Snapping your windows

The Snap feature allows you to quickly resize and position windows on your screen by dragging them to the edges or corners.

This helps you work more efficiently by arranging multiple windows to maximize your screen space.

In addition to dragging, you can also use predefined layouts to organize your windows seamlessly.

This flexibility ensures that you can easily manage your workspace, whether you're working with two windows side by side or arranging multiple windows in a grid.

Learn more here: Snap Your Windows - Microsoft Support



Snipping Tool

The snipping tool in Windows 11 is new and provides more functionality than the snipping tool from Windows 10. The snipping tool provides a quick and easy way to share screenshots and recordings with the people you work with.

Learn more here: Use Snipping Tool to capture screenshots - Microsoft Support


Windows 11 Action Center

The action center has been slightly updated for Windows 11. Clicking your the icons next to your system time at the right side of the taskbar will open the action center. Here you can connect to WiFi, change your volume, and view your battery life if you are on a laptop.


Enhanced Clipboard

Copy/Paste/Pin and more with the enhanced Clipboard.

The new Clipboard is far from simple Cut & Paste. Not only can you paste from your clipboard history, but you can also pin the items you find yourself using all the time. 

Clipboard history can be found by typing the Windows + V keyboard shortcut.

Clipboard settings can be accessed from Settings / System / Clipboard.

Learn more.

 


Accessibility

Windows 11 accessibility features cater to the diverse needs of all workers.

Simplify your navigation, listen to image descriptions with a natural, human sounding voice with Narrator, Windows built-in screen reader.

Adjust for light and color sensitivity with Windows 11 Dark and Contrast themes. Never sacrifice aesthetics or quality with Color control.

Tailor your screen experience with Windows 11 display and vision settings. Personalize cursor, text size, color, and more. Then zoom in on words and images with Magnifier.

For more information about Windows 11 accessibility features go to:

How to find and enjoy your Windows 11 accessibility features.

Narrator 


A screenshot displaying the accessibility Narrator menu displaying a list of natural voice option to install."Microsoft Guy (Natural) - English (United States)" is selected and below that are Preview, Install, and Cancel buttons.

 

 

 Display and Vision



A screenshot displaying the accessibility display and vision size control slider. In this example, the user is setting this value at 185%, and there is an Apply button next to the control slider.

 

Color control

 A screenshot displaying the Windows 11 Quick Settings menu, showing that there is a color contrast theme enabled for accessibility.


 

For additional information about Windows 11, please see the link below.

Upgrade to Windows 11 FAQ