Most people use Windows daily — but very few explore its hidden features that can save time, reduce clicks, and supercharge your workflow.
Whether you’re using Windows 10 or 11, here are 10 powerful but lesser-known features every user should know.
✅ 1. Clipboard History (Win + V)
Instead of copying and pasting one item at a time, turn on Clipboard History.
▶️ How to Use:
- Press
Win + V - Turn on the feature when prompted
- See your last 25 copied items (text, images, links)
✅ Super helpful for multitasking or working with repeated data.
✅ 2. Virtual Desktops (Win + Ctrl + D)
Create separate workspaces to reduce clutter and distractions.
▶️ How to Use:
Win + Ctrl + D: Create a new desktopWin + Ctrl + Left/Right: Switch between themWin + Tab: See all desktops
✅ Great for keeping work, entertainment, and personal stuff separate.
✅ 3. Snip & Sketch Tool (Win + Shift + S)
Take screenshots like a pro — with annotation and cropping.
▶️ How to Use:
- Press
Win + Shift + S - Select the part of the screen you want
- Paste (
Ctrl + V) into any app or open Snipping Tool to save/edit
✅ Better than Print Screen — and faster!
✅ 4. Focus Assist (No More Pop-Ups)
Silence notifications during meetings, gaming, or work.
▶️ How to Use:
- Go to Settings → System → Focus Assist
- Set rules (e.g., when duplicating screen or gaming)
✅ Stay distraction-free during important tasks.
✅ 5. Hidden Start Menu Right-Click (Win + X)
Get instant access to powerful tools and shortcuts.
▶️ How to Use:
- Right-click the Start Button or press
Win + X - Access Device Manager, Disk Management, PowerShell, and more
✅ Saves you from searching in Control Panel.
✅ 6. God Mode Folder
Unlock every Windows setting in a single folder.
▶️ How to Use:
- Create a new folder
- Rename it to:
mathematicaCopyEditGodMode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}
✅ Gives access to 200+ hidden system settings.
✅ 7. Shake to Minimize
Quickly clear the clutter on your screen.
▶️ How to Use:
- Click and shake a window side to side
- All other windows minimize automatically
✅ Shake again to restore!
✅ 8. Emoji Keyboard (Win + .)
Insert emojis, GIFs, and symbols anywhere.
▶️ How to Use:
- Press
Win + .(Windows + period) - Search or browse emoji, kaomoji, and symbols
✅ Works in browsers, Word, email, and even Notepad!
✅ 9. Night Light Mode
Protect your eyes during late-night screen use.
▶️ How to Use:
- Go to Settings → System → Display → Night Light
- Adjust strength or set a schedule
✅ Reduces blue light to help you sleep better.
✅ 10. Windows PowerToys (Bonus Download)
A free Microsoft utility pack that boosts your productivity.
🔧 Includes:
- FancyZones (window layouts)
- PowerRename (bulk file rename)
- Keyboard Manager (custom shortcuts)
- Quick launcher (like Mac Spotlight)
✅ Download from https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys