In 2026, Windows 11 isn't quite the system it was when it launched in 2021. Microsoft has built Copilot+ directly into the interface, "Copilot+ PC"-labelled machines get embedded AI features (visual Recall, local image generation, real-time subtitles), and updates have deeply reshuffled the privacy settings. A good reason to take stock.
This guide gathers the 15 most useful tips I recommend to every workshop customer, whether you're an everyday user or a professional.
These tips work on every version of Windows 11 (22H2 and later). For Copilot+ features, a compatible PC is required (Neural Processing Unit ≥ 40 TOPS).
Must-know keyboard shortcuts
Keyboard shortcuts are the fastest way to save time in Windows 11. Here are the ones that genuinely change daily life.
The underrated essentials
Win + V : Smart clipboard. Unlike the classic Ctrl+C/Ctrl+V, this shortcut opens a history of everything you've copied during the session. Copy 5 different items, then paste them in whatever order you want. Indispensable for writing or doing serial copy-paste.
Win + Z : Snap Layouts. Shows a grid of available layouts to organise your windows on screen. Pick an arrangement in one click. Far faster than resizing manually.
Win + W : Widgets. Opens the Widgets panel (weather, news, calendar). Handy for a quick glance without opening a browser.
Win + X : Power User menu. The equivalent of right-clicking the Start button, but quicker. Direct access to Task Manager, Power Options, Command Prompt, Device Manager.
Win + . (period) : Emoji and symbol picker. Works in every text input field.
Win + Shift + S : Partial screenshot. Select the area to capture without taking a full screenshot. The result goes to the clipboard and to the Snipping Tool.
Win + Ctrl + D : New virtual desktop. Create a separate workspace in a second. Navigate between desktops with Win + Ctrl + Left/Right arrow.
Bonus tip: hold Alt + Tab to navigate between windows. Under Windows 11, this also includes open Microsoft Edge tabs, handy or intrusive depending on your taste. To stop Edge tabs being included: Settings → System → Multitasking → Snap windows → "Open windows only".
Privacy settings to disable right away
Windows 11 collects a non-trivial amount of data by default. Here are the settings to revisit as soon as you install it or use it for the first time.
Settings → Privacy & security → General : Disable: "Show me suggested content in the Settings app", "Let me improve typing and writing by sending Microsoft information", "Let apps use my advertising ID". These three options bring nothing to the user.
Diagnostics & feedback : Switch to "Required diagnostic data" only (the mandatory minimum). Disable "Improve inking and typing". Delete the diagnostic data already collected using the dedicated button.
Recall : On Copilot+ PCs, the Recall feature takes continuous screenshots of your activity to allow later searches. Microsoft made this feature opt-in after the criticism of 2024, but check that it's properly disabled: Settings → Privacy & security → Recall & snapshots.
App permissions : Go through Location, Camera, Microphone and list the applications that have access to those resources. Revoke anything that seems excessive.
Performance optimisation
Disable unnecessary visual effects
Windows 11 is pretty but greedy. On PCs with less than 8 GB of RAM or an old processor, animations consume resources for nothing.
Go to Settings → System → About → Advanced system settings → Performance → Settings. Choose "Adjust for best performance" or manually untick the effects you want to keep ("Show thumbnails instead of icons" is worth keeping).
Lighten the startup
- 1Open Task Manager with Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
- 2Go to the 'Startup apps' tab (or 'Startup' depending on the version).
- 3Look at the 'Startup impact' column. Disable anything marked 'High' that you don't use straight away at startup: Teams, Spotify, personal OneDrive, manufacturer utilities (Lenovo Vantage, HP Support Assistant, etc.).
- 4Restart the PC and notice the difference in boot time.
Storage Sense : automatic cleanup
Settings → System → Storage → Storage Sense : Enable this feature and set it to automatically remove Recycle Bin files after 30 days, unused downloaded files, and temporary files. Stops you accumulating gigabytes of useless files without noticing.
Useful hidden features
God Mode : the ultimate control panel
Create a folder anywhere on your desktop and name it exactly as follows (copy and paste):
GodMode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}
The folder turns into a control panel icon and gives access to over 200 system options grouped by category, power management, user accounts, accessibility options, firewall, etc. It's a shortcut to dozens of menus usually scattered across the system.
Virtual desktops : organise your work
Virtual desktops let you separate work contexts: one desktop for work, one for personal browsing, one for communications. Each desktop keeps its own open windows independently.
- Win + Ctrl + D: new desktop
- Win + Ctrl + F4: close the current desktop (windows are moved to the previous desktop)
- Win + Ctrl + Arrow: navigate between desktops
- Right-click a desktop in Task View: rename, choose a different wallpaper per desktop
Snap Layouts and Snap Groups
Hover over a window's maximise button to see the available Snap Layouts. Windows 11 remembers groups of windows arranged together (Snap Groups), you can recall them from the taskbar as a single unit.
Security: the settings not to neglect
BitLocker : disk encryption
On Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise editions, BitLocker is available and often already active on recent PCs. Check its status: Control Panel → System and Security → BitLocker Drive Encryption. If the disk is not encrypted, enable it. In case of theft, no one will be able to access your data without your password.
Back up your BitLocker recovery key without fail, to your Microsoft account, a USB stick, or printed out. Without it, a hardware change (motherboard, TPM chip) can permanently lock you out of your own disk.
Windows Hello : biometric authentication
If your PC has a fingerprint reader or a compatible camera, set up Windows Hello: Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options. Face recognition or fingerprint is both faster and more secure than a typed password, which can be observed.
Automatic updates : don't disable
This is the simplest and most ignored recommendation. Windows updates fix security flaws that are actively being exploited. Don't disable them. If they bother you, schedule them during a time you're not using the PC: Settings → Windows Update → Advanced options → Active hours.
Also enable updates for other Microsoft products (Office, etc.) from the Windows Update advanced options.
A persistent Windows problem? L'Atelier de Sam in Poitiers can help on-site or remotely.
Related guides
6 min read
Slow laptop: the real causes and what actually works
Laptop dragging, slow to boot, crashing regularly? Here's a full diagnosis of the real causes — and what we can genuinely do about it.
8 min read
PC cleaning: dusting and thermal paste
PC running hot, noisy fans, performance dropping? How to clean your PC physically and with software — what works and what to avoid.
6 min read
Slow home Wi-Fi: the real causes and the fixes
Videos buffering, calls cutting out? Before you ring your ISP: the real causes of slow Wi-Fi and what you can do yourself.
In short
| Category | Key tip | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Shortcuts | Win + V | Clipboard history |
| Shortcuts | Win + Z | Instant Snap Layouts |
| Privacy | Disable Recall | Protect your privacy |
| Performance | Disable startup apps | Boot 2× faster |
| Hidden features | God Mode | 200+ options in one folder |
| Security | BitLocker + Windows Hello | Encrypted data, quick access |
Windows 11 in 2026 is a mature and capable system, provided you know where to look. These 15 tips are the ones I apply systematically during every workshop visit, even before diagnosing a hardware issue.
Frequently asked questions