Windows 11 comes with a range of features designed to improve productivity and enhance user experience. While many of its settings are well-known, there are several lesser-known options that can significantly optimize your system. Here’s a roundup of some hidden gems in Windows 11 settings that you might not be aware of.

Auto HDR for Non-Gaming Apps
Auto HDR, a feature initially designed for gamers, can now enhance the visual quality of non-gaming applications as well. To enable Auto HDR for all apps, go to Settings > System > Display > HDR. Toggle on Auto HDR. This will enhance the color and brightness of applications and videos that do not natively support HDR.

Live Captions for Accessibility
Windows 11 includes a feature called Live Captions, which provides real-time subtitles for any audio playing on your device. This is especially useful for those who are deaf or hard of hearing. To activate it, go to Settings > Accessibility > Hearing > Live Captions, and toggle it on.

Clipboard History and Syncing
Clipboard history is a powerful feature that allows you to access items you’ve copied recently. To enable it, go to Settings > System > Clipboard and toggle on Clipboard history. You can also sync clipboard data across multiple devices by turning on Sync across devices in the same menu.

Focus Assist Customization
Focus Assist helps you stay focused by minimizing distractions. You can customize its settings beyond the default options. Go to Settings > System > Focus Assist and select Custom to create specific rules for notifications during your focus periods, such as allowing calls from certain contacts or setting different priority levels for apps.

Snap Layouts and Snap Groups
Snap Layouts and Snap Groups allow for efficient multitasking by arranging windows on your screen. For advanced customization, hover over the maximize button of any window to see available Snap Layouts. To use Snap Groups, click the Task View button (or press Win + Tab) to view your open windows as groups and quickly switch between them.

Dynamic Refresh Rate
If you have a high refresh rate monitor, Windows 11 can automatically adjust the refresh rate to save battery life or reduce power consumption. To enable this, go to Settings > System > Display > Advanced display and turn on Dynamic refresh rate.

Storage Sense for Automatic Cleanup
Storage Sense helps manage disk space by automatically cleaning up temporary files and old downloads. To configure it, go to Settings > System > Storage > Storage Sense. You can set it to run automatically and configure what files to clean up and how often.

Virtual Desktops Customization
Virtual Desktops allow you to organize your workspace by creating multiple desktops for different tasks. You can customize each virtual desktop with its own background and settings. Click on the Task View button, then click New desktop. You can then right-click on the desktop thumbnail to Rename or Change background for each desktop.

Power & Battery Settings Customization
Windows 11 provides detailed insights into your power usage. Go to Settings > System > Power & battery to view battery usage by app, set power-saving preferences, and manage battery health.

Hidden App Folders in the Start Menu
You can organize your Start Menu by creating app folders. Drag one app icon onto another to create a folder. You can then name the folder and drag additional apps into it for a more organized Start Menu.