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Windows 11 includes small tools that can make common tasks—like finding something you copied, arranging apps, or capturing a screen—less fiddly. Here are six worth trying, with the shortcuts and setup details that matter.
1. Keep more than one copied item with clipboard history
Press Windows+V to open clipboard history. The first time, choose the prompt to turn it on. Instead of replacing your last copied item each time, the panel lets you pick from recent entries and pin items you want to keep handy.
Microsoft says clipboard history is limited to 25 entries, with a 4 MB limit per item. It is cleared when you restart your PC, except for pinned items. Use the panel’s delete and clear controls when you no longer need an item, and avoid leaving passwords or other sensitive information in the history. Optional syncing across devices requires the same Microsoft or work account; you can choose automatic or manual syncing for text.
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Microsoft Support explains first-time setup and the limits in its clipboard guide.
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2. Arrange open apps with Snap layouts
When you need a document beside a browser, or a call beside your notes, Snap layouts can place windows into a structured arrangement. Hover over a window’s maximize button or press Windows+Z, choose a layout, then select which open window should fill each space. Available layouts vary with screen size.
You can also snap windows with the keyboard: press Windows+Left or Windows+Right to move a window to a side, then use Windows+Up or Windows+Down to move it into a corner or restore it, as applicable. Adjust related options under Settings > System > Multitasking. Microsoft’s multitasking and focus guidance covers Snap Assist.
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3. Set a Focus session when you need fewer interruptions
Open Settings > System > Focus to start a session. Set a duration and choose whether Windows should turn on Do Not Disturb or hide taskbar badges and flashing alerts. The built-in timer and notification controls are useful when you want a defined stretch of quieter work; they do not guarantee better productivity.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsMicrosoft also documents starting a session through Start: select Start focus session. The available controls are described in Microsoft’s focus guidance and Windows 11 tips.
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4. Dictate text with Windows+H—or use Voice Access for broader control
For hands-free text entry, press Windows+H to open voice typing, then dictate into a text field. This is dictation, not a way to control every part of Windows or every application.
Voice Access is a separate, broader feature for controlling the PC and authoring text by voice. Its availability and supported languages or devices can depend on the Windows version and configuration, so check the current Voice Access settings on your PC. Microsoft lists Windows+H in its Windows keyboard shortcuts; its 2022 Windows 11 tips article discussed Voice Access when it was a preview feature.
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5. Capture and share a screen region with Snipping Tool
Press Windows+Shift+S to select part of the screen for a capture. This is faster and clearer than photographing the whole display when you only need to show one detail—for example, an error dialog you want to send to a support contact.
The capture can be copied to the clipboard and opened in Snipping Tool for markup, saving, or sharing. Microsoft lists the shortcut in its keyboard shortcuts guide and describes screen captures in its Windows productivity tips.
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6. Bring phone activity onto your PC with Phone Link
Phone Link can surface supported phone content on a Windows PC, including notifications, messages, photos, and other features. That can be handy if you want to check a notification or access a recent photo without switching devices.
What you can do depends on your phone and how it is set up; Android and iPhone capabilities are not necessarily the same. Check Microsoft’s connected experiences documentation and the Phone Link setup on your PC and phone to confirm that the functions you want are supported. Microsoft also highlights smartphone syncing in its Windows productivity tips.
Choose the feature that fits the task
| What you want to do | Try | Start here |
|---|---|---|
| Reuse something copied earlier | Clipboard history | Windows+V |
| Keep several apps organized on screen | Snap layouts | Windows+Z or hover over maximize |
| Quiet alerts for a set period | Focus sessions | Settings > System > Focus |
| Enter text by speaking | Voice typing | Windows+H |
| Share only part of the screen | Snipping Tool capture | Windows+Shift+S |
| Check supported phone content from the PC | Phone Link | Open Phone Link and check device setup |
These tools are built into Windows or Microsoft apps, so you can try them without buying anything. Their usefulness depends on your workflow, Windows build, and—where relevant—your phone and account setup.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Quick Recap
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