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Library Technology Services: Windows 11 Guide

Resources from Library Technology Services, for library employees

Welcome to Windows 11, the latest operating system from Microsoft, designed to enhance your computing experience with a fresh and modern interface. Windows 11 introduces a host of new features, including a redesigned Start menu, improved performance, and enhanced multitasking capabilities with Snap Layouts.This guide is here to assist with your transition to Windows 11 and answer many frequently asked questions.

WHATS NEW IN WINDOWS 11

Start Menu Position:
The Start Menu is centered on the screen by default in Windows 11, however, we have moved the Start menu to the traditional left position for familiarity and an easier transition.

Simplified Design:

The Start Menu has a more streamlined and minimalist design. It eliminates Live Tiles and instead features static app icons.  There we have pinned the frequently used Office 365 suite. The new menu provides a cleaner and less cluttered interface. The "All Apps" feature will display all applications installed on your device.


 

Search Integration: 

The search bar is no longer part of the Start Menu but is integrated into the taskbar. When you open the Start Menu, you can still begin typing to search, but the experience is more streamlined.

Sign out and Power Options:
To log out of your computer, click on your name at the bottom left of the Start menu and choose "Sign Out". Please remember to log off at the end of each day. Power options are available on right hand side of the start menu.

 

Redesigned System Tray:

The system tray has been streamlined with a more modern look, featuring updated icons and a new way to access Quick Settings, notifications, and other controls.

New Quick Settings and Notification Center:

Quick Settings are accessible by clicking on the network, volume, or battery icons, bringing up a panel with toggles for common settings like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and display brightness. Notifications have been moved to a separate panel, accessible by clicking on the date and time.


 

Focus Feature:
The new Focus feature found in the notification center helps users minimize distractions by temporarily silencing notifications and setting a timer for focused work sessions. It integrates with the Clock app, allowing you to manage breaks and productivity intervals, making it easier to concentrate on tasks and manage your time effectively.

Co-Pilot :

Co-Pilot is an AI-powered assistant integrated into Windows 11, offering context-aware help directly from the taskbar and within apps like Edge and Office. It streamlines tasks by providing relevant suggestions, answering questions, and assisting with content creation, all aimed at enhancing productivity without disrupting your workflow. You can find a shortcut to it on your taskbar 

Redesigned layout:

With W11, the new "Home" file explorer page has been redesigned with "Recommended," "Favorites," and "Recent" sections available. A "Details" pane on the left shows more information about a file, folder, or drive. The headers have also had minor changes with the relocation or order of various buttons.

Snap Layouts:
When you hover over the maximize button of any window, Windows 11 shows several layout options for arranging multiple
windows on your screen. You can choose from various grid patterns (like side-by-side, three-window layouts, or four quadrants).

Windows 11 also remembers these groupings, so you can easily switch back to a specific set of apps you arranged together.

You can also press Windows + Z to bring up the Snap Layouts menu.

After selecting a layout, the windows will automatically snap into place according to the pattern you chose. This makes it easy to organize and view multiple apps at once, improving your multitasking capabilities.

Cut, Copy and Paste:

Windows 11 makes it easy to Cut, Copy, and Paste items. The cut copy and paste commands are available on the right-click menu as symbols and also by using the traditional Ctrl+X, Ctrl+C, and Ctrl+V  keystrokes.  However when within the File Explorer, these options are now icons! The scissors being "cut" and so on. Refer to the image below as guidance!

Clipboard:

To get to your clipboard history, press Windows logo key + V. From the clipboard history, you can paste and pin frequently used items by choosing an individual item from your clipboard menu.

TIPS AND TRICKS

1. How to map a drive in W11

  1. Open File Explorer
  2. Select "This PC" from the left pane
  3. On the File Explorer top ribbon, select "..." then "Map network drive"

           Screenshot of the "This PC" window with the "Map network drive" option highlighted in a dropdown menu.

2. Virtual Desktops for Organized Workspaces:

  • Use Virtual Desktops to keep your work and personal apps separate. Click  on your task bar or press
    Windows + Tab to open the Task View and create, manage, or switch between different desktops.
  • Each desktop can have its own set of open apps, and you can customize each with different backgrounds.

            

3. Keyboard Shortcuts for Efficiency:

  • Take advantage of new and existing keyboard shortcuts in Windows 11:
    • Windows + A opens Quick Settings.
    • Windows + N opens the Notification Center.
    • Windows + C opens the Microsoft Copilot.
    • Windows + I opens the Settings app.
    • Windows + H activates voice typing.

4. Take Advantage of Dark Mode:

  • Reduce eye strain by enabling Dark Mode, which applies a dark theme to system elements and supported apps. Go to Settings > Personalization > Colors and choose "Dark" under "Choose your mode."

           

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