Introduction

Windows 11 Pro is full of modern tools and smart features. However, many of its best tools stay hidden. These tools can boost your work, save time, and protect your system. You just need to know where to look at.

In this guide, we explore hidden features in Windows 11 Pro. They are useful for business users, students, and home users alike. Once you learn them, you’ll wonder how you lived without them.

Let’s explore the most useful hidden features.

Clipboard History

Using copy-paste is easy. With Windows 11 Pro, however, Clipboard History goes one step further.

How It Works

Clipboard History saves everything you copy. You can paste older items anytime. This helps when you copy many things.

How to Use It

Go to Settings > System > Clipboard.
Turn on Clipboard history.
Press Win + V to open it.

You can pin favorite items. They stay in history even after a restart.

This feature makes copying and pasting fast and easy.

Snap Layouts and Snap Groups

Do you work with many windows at once? Snap Layouts can help.

Use Snap Layouts

Hover over the maximize icon.
Choose a layout.
Place your windows in each section.

Snap Groups remember your layout. Switch between groups without moving windows.

This is great for multitasking. It keeps your desktop neat and organized.

Hidden Features in Windows 11 Pro

Virtual Desktops

. Focus Assist can stop them when you need quiet time.

Turn It On

Go to Settings > System > Storage.
Enable Storage Sense.
Set cleanup schedules.

It removes temp files and cleans your Recycle Bin.

Nearby Sharing

Share files with other devices quickly.

Use It

Turn on Nearby Sharing in Settings > System.
Right-click a file and click Share.

Send files without email or USBs. Great for home or office.

Efficiency Mode in Task Manager

Efficiency Mode reduces app power use.

Use It

Open Task Manager.
Right-click an app.
Click Efficiency mode.

Your PC runs smoother. It’s helpful when apps slow things down.

Auto HDR

Auto HDR makes games look better.

Turn It On

Go to Settings > Display > HDR.
Enable Auto HDR.

If your monitor supports HDR, colors will pop. Games look sharp.

PowerToys

powerToys is a toolkit from Microsoft.

Hidden Features in Windows 11 Pro

Best Tools

FancyZones: custom window layouts
PowerRename: batch renaming files
Color Picker: find screen colors
Shortcut Guide: see keyboard tips

Download from GitHub. It’s great for advanced users.

Clipboard Sync

Clipboard Sync lets you copy across devices.

Hidden Features in Windows 11 Pro

Set It Up

Go to Settings > System > Clipboard.
Turn on Sync across devices.

Copy on one device. Paste on another. Easy and smart.

Windows Terminal

Windows Terminal is for advanced users.

Why Use It?

Open tabs for PowerShell and Command Prompt
Customize colors and layout
Fast and flexible

Right-click the Start button and open Terminal. It’s modern and fast.

App Background Control

Stop apps from using resources in the background.

Hidden Features in Windows 11 Pro

Control Apps

Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
Click Advanced Options.
Change Background apps permissions.

Block unneeded apps to save power.

Battery Usage Report

Track battery use over time.

Hidden Features in Windows 11 Pro

View It

Go to Settings > Power & Battery.
Click Battery usage.

See which apps drain power. Adjust your habits to save battery.

Advanced App Control

Block apps from installing outside the Microsoft Store. Go to Settings > Apps > Advanced app settings and select The Microsoft Store only. Wake on Touchpad

Wake your laptop by touching the touchpad. Enable it from Device Manager > Human Interface Devices.

Storage Pooling

Combine drives into a storage pool. Go to Control Panel > Storage Spaces. Protect your data with redundancy.

Slide to Shutdown

Use a cool way to turn off your PC. Create a shortcut with the command: SlideToShutDown.exe.

Device Performance & Health

Check PC health from Hidden Features in Windows 11 Pro Windows Security > Device performance & health.

Hidden Features in Windows 11 Pro

Night Light Scheduling

Reduce eye strain. Go to Settings > System > Display and set a schedule under Night light.

Compact OS Mode

Free up space using Compact OS. Run compact.exe /compactos:always in Command Prompt (Admin).

Mouse Pointer Speed

Fine-tune pointer speed at Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Mouse.

Hidden Features in Windows 11 Pro

Hide System Tray Icons

Declutter your taskbar. Right-click taskbar > Taskbar settings > Customize System tray icons.

File History Backup

Back up files automatically. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Backup and set up File History.

These extra features can improve your Windows 11 Pro experience even more. Try them out!

Hidden Clipboard History

Enable clipboard history (Windows + V) to store multiple copied items. This is a game-changer for multitasking and content creation workflows.

Virtual Desktops Customization

Windows 11 Pro allows you to create and personalize virtual desktops — name them, use different wallpapers, and manage tasks with ease.

Focus Sessions in Clock App

Built-in Focus Sessions (found in the Clock app) help you maintain productivity with timers, Spotify integration, and goal setting — ideal for remote workers and students.

Windows Sandbox (Pro Feature)

A hidden gem exclusive to Windows 11 Pro. Windows Sandbox lets you safely run untrusted apps in an isolated environment without affecting your main system.

Snap Layouts with Keyboard Shortcu

Snap Layouts aren’t just for mouse users. Press Windows + Z to activate Snap Assist instantly and organize your windows faster.Hidden Features in Windows 11 Pro

Dynamic Refresh Rate (DRR)

DRR automatically adjusts your screen refresh rate to balance performance and battery life — great for users with 120Hz+ displays.

Hidden Emoji and Symbol Picker

Press Windows + . (period) to open the emoji/symbol panel, including kaomoji and special characters — a helpful tool for social media and content creators.Hidden Features in Windows 11 Pro

File Explorer Tabs

Windows 11 Pro quietly added tab support in File Explorer, letting you manage multiple folders within a single window — similar to browser tabs.Hidden Features in Windows 11 Pro

Voice Typing with Auto-Punctuation

Press Windows + H to activate Voice Typing. It now includes auto-punctuation, making it a useful tool for emails, documents, and hands-free notes.Hidden Features in Windows 11 Pro

Conclusion

Windows 11 Pro has many hidden features. They save time, boost speed, and improve security. Whether you work or play, these features help you do more.

Try them today. You’ll get more out of your PC. And you’ll enjoy the smart tools built into Windows 11 Pro.

Keep exploring. Microsoft keeps adding features. Stay ahead by using every tool you have.