Similar to Windows 10, Windows 11 features Snap Layouts. While you can still drag windows to the sides and corners for half- and quarter-screen layouts, Windows 11 introduces a new hover menu over the Maximize button, offering various layout options.

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For instance, you can choose to have one large window on the left and two stacked on the right or opt for three windows in a row. The available choices depend on the size of your display.

To select your preferred formation, simply click and then arrange your apps accordingly. If you’d prefer, you can disable this behavior in Settings. Additionally, there are keyboard shortcuts available for quickly snapping windows. For example, pressing Windows Key-Left Arrow snaps a window to the left half of the screen.

For more information, please refer to the Snap Layouts and Snap Groups wiki page.

Virtual desktops are designed to help users organize windows and enhance multitasking, similar to how snap layouts work. Virtual desktops offer a flexible workspace where users can group related tasks or applications together, switch between different projects or workflows seamlessly, and maintain a clutter-free desktop environment. With virtual desktops, users can efficiently manage their workflow and productivity by allocating specific applications or tasks to different desktops, thereby streamlining their work and optimizing their desktop experience.

Microsoft has replaced the old Task View button with a redesigned icon on the taskbar, making it easier to create and manage multiple desktops in Windows 11. Hovering over the icon reveals any open virtual desktops or allows you to create a new one effortlessly.

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These desktops can then be rearranged as needed, and apps from one desktop can be seamlessly dragged into another. You can also toggle between multiple desktops with ease by using the shortcut Ctrl + Win + Left/Right Arrow.

In Windows 11, you also have the option to use different wallpapers for each virtual desktop. Simply right-click on the desktop, choose Personalize, then Background, and select a unique image for each desktop. It's important to note that this feature only applies to the Background choice and not to Themes. If you select a Theme, it applies to all virtual desktops; however, you can still customize the background per desktop after applying a theme. When you make this adjustment, you'll notice a smooth cross-fade effect between the two backgrounds when switching between virtual desktops.

For more information, please refer to the Virtual Desktops wiki page.

The most noticeable change in Windows 11 is the relocation of the Start button. Traditionally situated in the lower-left corner of the screen, it's now centered along with the other icons on the taskbar.

However, if you prefer the classic layout, you can easily revert it. To do so, simply right-click on the taskbar and choose Taskbar Settings. From there, select the Taskbar Behaviors drop-down menu and adjust the Taskbar Alignment to Left.

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By making this adjustment, your taskbar icons will shift to the left, and the Start button will return to its original position. Additionally, you can further personalize your taskbar by pinning and adjusting apps. For more advanced customization options, refer to the taskbar personalization settings within the Settings app. To access these settings, navigate to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar.

For additional information and guidance, please refer to the Start Menu and Taskbar wiki page.

Sticky Notes in Windows 11 serve as versatile digital reminders and note-taking companions, seamlessly integrated into your desktop experience. Accessed via the search bar or the Windows Accessories folder, Sticky Notes can provide a convenient platform to jot down quick thoughts, to-do lists, and important reminders right on your desktop. With a simple click or shortcut (Ctrl + N), you can create new notes, which can be easily customized in terms of color, size, and text formatting to suit your personal style and organizational preferences. What sets Sticky Notes apart is their seamless synchronization across devices through your Microsoft account, ensuring that your notes are always accessible whenever and wherever you need them, whether you're on your PC, tablet, or mobile device.

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Furthermore, Sticky Notes offer advanced features to enhance your productivity, such as insights and keyboard shortcuts, accessible through the settings menu. By pinning notes to your desktop or keeping them minimized in the taskbar, you can keep essential information at your fingertips without cluttering your workspace. To get to the Sticky Notes settings menu, Right-Click on the Sticky Notes app within the taskbar and then go to Settings.

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Use the snipping tool to take quick photos or screenshots (WIN+SHIFT+S).

The Snipping Tool in Windows 11 is a versatile and user-friendly tool designed to capture and annotate screenshots with ease. Accessible through the Start menu or by searching, the Snipping Tool offers various snipping modes, including rectangular, freeform, window, and full-screen, allowing you to capture exactly what you need with precision and flexibility. With its intuitive interface, you can quickly capture screenshots of specific windows, regions, or the entire screen, providing a seamless way to document and share information.

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Once captured, the Snipping Tool offers a range of annotation tools, including pens, highlighters, and text boxes, enabling you to add notes, highlights, and explanations directly onto your screenshots. Whether you're highlighting key information, circling important details, or adding context to your screenshots, the Snipping Tool empowers you to communicate effectively and efficiently. Additionally, you can save your snips in various formats, including PNG, JPEG, and GIF, or easily share them via email, messaging apps, or social media platforms, making collaboration and communication a breeze.

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Keyboard Shortcuts in Windows 11 offer numerous benefits for users:

1. Efficient Navigation: Shortcuts enable quick navigation between applications, windows, and virtual desktops.

2. Streamlined File Operations: Shortcuts make common file operations like copying, cutting, and pasting faster and more convenient.

3. Enhanced Window Management: Users can efficiently manage windows with shortcuts like snapping windows to the sides of the screen.

4. Access to System Functions: Shortcuts provide swift access to essential system functions and settings, improving overall usability.

5. Accessibility: Shortcuts can enhance accessibility for users with disabilities, enabling alternative methods for interacting with the system.

Overall, mastering Keyboard Shortcuts in Windows 11 leads to increased productivity, improved workflow efficiency, and a smoother computing experience for all users.

To view a compiled list of keyboard shortcuts, please refer to the Keyboard Shortcuts wiki page.

Amidst the constant stream of messages and video chats taking place throughout the workday, maintaining focus can be challenging. Focus Sessions in Windows 11 can provide a solution by encouraging users to allocate dedicated time for uninterrupted, deep work. Accessible through the Clock app, this feature offers a convenient method to schedule distraction-free work time. Additionally, if your session extends beyond 45 minutes, the app automatically schedules a five-minute break, strategically placed midway through the session to help maintain productivity.

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Furthermore, users have the flexibility to customize their Focus Sessions experience. Options include setting up the Do Not Disturb mode, temporarily silencing notifications, and integrating a to-do list to provide additional context for the focus session.

For additional information and guidance, please refer to the Focus Sessions wiki page.

When curating context for working with Chat AI like Microsoft Copilot, it's essential to provide ample information and feed it with references to enhance its understanding. Here's a summary of key points to effectively curate context:

• Detailed Information: Furnish Copilot with comprehensive details regarding the task, problem, or topic at hand. The more information you provide, the better Copilot can comprehend and generate relevant responses.

• Clear Objectives: Clearly outline your objectives and expectations to Copilot. Specify what you aim to achieve or the outcome you desire from its assistance. This clarity helps Copilot tailor its responses accordingly.

• Specific References: Supply Copilot with references relevant to the subject matter. These could include documents, articles, code snippets, or any other resources pertinent to the task. Referencing allows Copilot to draw upon existing knowledge and context to produce accurate and insightful outputs.

• Contextual Insights: Provide contextual insights or background information related to the task or conversation. This could include historical data, previous discussions, or any relevant context necessary for Copilot to understand the current situation better.

• Feedback Loop: Establish a feedback loop to refine Copilot's understanding and performance over time. Provide feedback on its responses, correct any misunderstandings, and offer guidance to help Copilot continuously improve its capabilities.

By following these guidelines and actively curating context, you can maximize the performance and effectiveness of Chat AI like Microsoft Copilot, enabling it to provide more accurate, relevant, and valuable assistance in various tasks and scenarios. Always keep in my mind that AI is continuously learning and should never be assumed as accurate right away.

In the next tip, we will discuss in more detail what it means to use AI as a collaborate tool rather than a standalone solution.

As mentioned in the previous tip, AI is continuously learning and should never be trusted right away. By feeding it resources and curating context creates better results you can expect. With this, AI should be considered as a collaborative tool instead of a standalone solution. Here are some key strategies for collaborating effectively with AI:

• Sequential Questioning: Engage in a dialogue with AI by asking sequential questions. This approach helps in building context gradually and allows AI to understand the problem or task more comprehensively. Each question can build upon the previous one, leading to a deeper understanding of the topic.

• Specific and Detailed Requests: When interacting with AI, provide specific and detailed requests. Clearly articulate what you need assistance with, including any relevant parameters or constraints. Specificity helps AI generate more accurate and relevant responses tailored to your requirements.

• Utilize Follow-Up Auto Suggestions: Take advantage of AI's follow-up auto suggestions feature. These suggestions can offer additional insights or alternative approaches related to your current context. Evaluating and incorporating these suggestions can enhance the quality and diversity of the generated outputs.

• Adjust Tone and Narrative: Adapt your tone and narrative to facilitate optimal communication with AI. While maintaining clarity and professionalism, consider adjusting your language to suit AI's understanding and communication style. A conversational tone can foster a more natural interaction and improve the collaborative process.

By employing these strategies when collaborating with AI, such as Microsoft Copilot, you can enhance communication, improve understanding, and effectively leverage AI capabilities to accomplish tasks more efficiently and accurately.

After establishing a curated library of context and resources for AI utilization and adopting an approach that treats AI as a collaborative tool in the tip above, you can harness its power to enhance various aspects of your workflow, thus fostering greater efficiency in your work. Here are some compelling ideas to consider when integrating AI into your workflow:

• Streamlined Communication: Utilize AI to generate emails or create email templates, facilitating more efficient and effective communication with colleagues, clients, or stakeholders.

• Project Management Support: Leverage AI to create project timelines and develop meeting agendas, aiding in better organization and coordination of tasks and discussions.

• Presentation Assistance: Utilize AI to help create PowerPoint presentation slides along with generating presentation scripts to ensure professional and engaging delivery of information.

• Data Analysis and Insights: Use AI to analyze large datasets and derive meaningful insights for informed decision making. By providing AI with the necessary data, you can collaborate within the chat box to retrieve the best insight or to provide more ideas.

By incorporating these ideas into your workflow and effectively leveraging AI capabilities, you can streamline processes, improve productivity, and ultimately achieve better outcomes in your work endeavors. Before finalizing any outputs generated by AI, remember to review them meticulously for accuracy and coherence, ensuring that the content aligns with your objectives and expectations.

For more information specifically about Microsoft Copilot, please refer to the Microsoft Copilot SPU wiki page!

Now that you have a strong understanding of how to utilize chat-based AI technologies such as Microsoft Copilot, you can further expand your knowledge of AI within the new AI Hub within the Microsoft App Store.

The AI Hub is a curated library featuring a diverse range of AI-powered applications developed by both the developer community and Microsoft's innovative teams. Its core mission is twofold: to educate users on the transformative capabilities of AI and to showcase practical applications that can revolutionize productivity and spur creativity.

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The AI Hub helps guide users through the intricacies of AI technology and demonstrates its real-world utility. Through carefully selected apps, the Hub illustrates how AI can streamline workflows, automate mundane tasks, and unlock new realms of creativity. Whether it's harnessing AI-powered photo editing tools to enhance images or leveraging intelligent assistants for seamless organization and communication, the Hub aims to empower users with the knowledge and tools they need to thrive in an increasingly AI-driven world.

In addition to its role as an educational resource, the AI Hub prioritizes user convenience and efficiency. By incorporating AI-generated review summaries, the Hub simplifies the process of app discovery and selection. Users can quickly assess the quality and relevance of applications based on concise summaries of user feedback, allowing for informed decisions without the need to sift through countless reviews manually.

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