Windows 10: Windows 11 Has 4 Powerful Features Most Users Never Turn On (But Should)

Microsoft includes several built-in Windows 11 features that improve usability and system management, but some of the most practical tools remain disabled by default. Enabling a handful of system settings can make Windows clearer, more efficient, and easier to manage without installing third-party software.
The following four features are available in Windows 11 and can be enabled in seconds through Settings or File Explorer.

1. Clipboard History Expands Windows 11 Copy and Paste


By default, Windows only stores one copied item at a time. Enabling Clipboard History allows the system to retain multiple copied items, including text snippets and screenshots.

Once activated, pressing Win + V opens a panel showing recently copied content. Users can select any item in the list to paste it. The feature supports pinning frequently used entries and can sync clipboard data across multiple Windows devices if cloud sync is enabled.

To enable Clipboard History:

1. Open Settings.
2. Navigate to System > Clipboard.
3. Toggle on Clipboard history.

Optional clipboard sync can be enabled in the same menu for users who work across multiple Windows PCs.

2. Snap Layouts Improve Window Management


Snap Layouts help organize multiple apps on screen using predefined window arrangements. While basic snapping works by dragging windows to screen edges, Windows also includes structured layout presets.

Hovering over the maximize button or pressing Win + Z displays layout options such as side-by-side splits, column arrangements, or grid layouts. Selecting a layout automatically positions windows without manual resizing.

Snap Layouts are enabled by default in Windows 11, but users should verify the setting if the feature does not appear:

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to System > Multitasking.
3. Ensure Snap windows is turned on.

For single-monitor users or those working on laptops, Snap Layouts reduce the need for manual window adjustment and improve multitasking efficiency.

3. Show File Extensions for Safer Downloads


Windows hides file extensions by default. This means users may see a file labeled “document” instead of “document.docx” or “installer” instead of “installer.exe.”

Displaying file extensions provides clarity about file types and can help identify suspicious downloads that disguise executable files.

To enable file extensions:

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Select View from the top menu.
3. Choose Show.
4. Click File name extensions.

Once enabled, Windows will display the full file name, including its extension.

4. Storage Sense Automates Disk Cleanup


Storage Sense automatically removes temporary files, clears Recycle Bin contents on a schedule, and can manage older downloaded files if configured.

Without Storage Sense enabled, temporary files and system leftovers can accumulate over time, potentially leading to storage warnings.

To enable Storage Sense:

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to System > Storage.
3. Toggle on Storage Sense.
4. Adjust cleanup schedules as needed.

The feature allows users to define how often cleanup runs and what types of files are eligible for automatic removal.

Optional: "God Mode" Centralizes System Tools


Windows includes an advanced configuration shortcut commonly referred to as “God Mode.” This feature creates a folder that lists dozens of administrative tools and configuration settings in one location.

To enable it:

1. Create a new folder on the desktop.
2. Rename the folder exactly as follows:

GodMode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}

The folder icon will change, and opening it will display a categorized list of system tools and settings.

This feature does not unlock hidden capabilities but provides faster access to existing Windows configuration options.

These tools are built into Windows and require no additional software. Availability and menu placement may vary slightly depending on Windows version and update level.

Thank you for being a Ghacks reader. The post Windows 11 Has 4 Powerful Features Most Users Never Turn On (But Should) appeared first on gHacks.

read more...

 

Problem updating Windows Surface Pro 4 with Windows 10 feature updates

Hi,

I have manage to install image for Microsoft Surface Pro 4 by going to https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/...erecoveryimage and download a recovery image for Microsoft Surface Pro 4.

What I did to reset your Surface from a USB recovery drive was:
Step 1: Make sure your Surface is turned off and plugged in (hold down the power
button for 30 seconds).
Step 2: Insert the USB recovery drive into the USB port on your Surface.
Step 3: Press and hold the volume-down button while you press and release the
power button on your Surface.
Step 4: When the Surface logo appears, release the volume button.
Step 5: When prompted, select the language and keyboard layout you want.
Step 6: Select Troubleshoot > Reset your PC.
If prompted for a recovery key, select Skip this drive at the bottom of the
screen.
Step 7: Select the target operating system you wish to reset. This
refers to the current operating system installed on your Surface.
Step 8: Select Yes, repartition the drives, and on the next page, select Next.
Step 9: Choose Just remove my files.
Step 10: Select Reset.
Surface restarts and the Surface logo displays while the reset process continues
(this can take a while).

This always fails and I have to do the below which continues installation.
Windows 10 Installation Media:

1. Insert the Media (DVD/USB) in your PC and restart.
2. Boot from the media.
3. Select Repair Your Computer.

Select Troubleshoot.

1. Choose Command Prompt from the menu:

Type in the command:
Diskpart
Type in the command:
List disk (Note which disk is your Boot drive number mine is 0)
Type in the command:
Sel disk 0
Type in the command:
List vol (Note which volume is the EFI partition mine is 4)
Type in the command:
Sel vol 4
Type in the command:
assign letter=V:
Type in the command:
Exit
Type in the command:
V:
After you have assigned a drive letter Using Diskpart You can format the EFI partition:
Example: if you assigned a letter V to the partition the command would be:
format V: /FS:FAT32
Type in the command:
bcdboot C:\windows /s V: /f UEFI


Now I have an issue that I cannot install Feature Updates. They keep failing to install.
Any ideas how to resolve issue?

 

In Windows 11 power-saving mode, clicking the Windows Focus prompt on the lock screen will cause a system crash.

Problem description: As the title suggests.

Steps to reproduce:

1. Enter Windows 11 power-saving mode.
   
2. Click the Windows Focus prompt on the lock screen.
   

Expected result: The login screen should appear and after logging in, the browser should automatically open to view content.

Actual result: The system crashes.

Device information:

• Windows 11 version: 22H2 (22621.1413)
  
• Device: Lenovo Xiaoxin 14 Pro 2021
  
• CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5800H
  

Other information:

• When plugged in, the system automatically turns off power-saving mode and cannot be turned on manually. The function works normally.
  
• When unplugged, turn off power-saving mode and the function works normally.
  
• When unplugged, turn on power-saving mode and the system crashes.
  

 

I don't have any bluetooth devices but windows turned it on!!


Then if they are still on, try some of these steps listed below, Not all of these steps may not apply, but, step #2 and #4 should help. I have all 4 steps on myself.

1 Go to Device manager and DISABLE Bluetooth, Do Not remove!
2 Turn USB suspend off
3 Set Hard Drive or SSD to Never
4 Turn Link State Power Management off
Settings 2 thur 4 can be found in your Power Management Settings.
Then click on "Change settings that are currently unavailable"
Then Reboot your Computer. This does work, may come back if you shut OFF your computer,then turn it back on, if it does, just a reboot will turn it off again.