Windows 11: What's New and Where to Find It

bit.ly/scoewindows11

Welcome to the new and refreshed Windows 11. We all know that change can be hard at times, but you will like the new additions, and it won't be that difficult to adapt to. Our training will cover several new and improved changes to the OS, plus some oldies, but goodies that you may not have known about in Windows. We will cover some of the main changes to Windows 11, but please feel free to add some of the new things you have found to share with your fellow SCOE employees by adding them to the Padlet below. Simply double-click anywhere on the Padlet and type something that you appreciate about Windows 11.

#1 - New and Improved Start menu

To save a recommended or highly-used app to your start menu, simply right-click on the app and select "Pin to Start."

The Start menu can be launched by clicking on the Windows icon in the Taskbar. The newly designed menu includes some default apps as well as recommended apps. It is quite a bit cleaner compared to Windows 10.

SHORTCUT: Ctrl + Esc to launch Start Menu (or just the Windows key)

The Start menu also allows the user to select their login name/picture and from there the options to "Switch user," "Sign out," "Lock," or "Change account settings" are available.

SHORTCUT: Windows + L to lock computer

#2 - New Settings interface/layout

Within the Settings app, you will see a beautifully redone settings menu, fluent user interface, improved icons, and an improved layout across the board. Feel free to poke around in some new areas, but I will focus on a few of my favorites.

SHORTCUT: Windows key + I to launch the Settings menu

Accessibility > Magnifier settings in Windows 11

Personalization

Many of the personalization options in Windows 11 build upon features from Windows 10, but there are several new and enhanced features:

New and Enhanced Features in Windows 11 Personalization

Themes: While themes were available in Windows 10, Windows 11 offers more integrated customization, allowing you to change wallpapers, color schemes, sounds, and more in a more streamlined way.
Start Menu Customization: The ability to customize the Start menu, including showing recently added apps, most used apps, and recently opened items, is more refined in Windows 11.
Taskbar Customization: Windows 11 introduces new taskbar behaviors and alignment options, which were not as flexible in Windows 10.
Touch Keyboard Customization: The touch keyboard in Windows 11 offers more customization options, including themes and key sizes.
Device Usage: This is a new feature in Windows 11 that allows you to manage personalized tips and recommendations based on how you use your device.

These enhancements make Windows 11 more customizable and user-friendly compared to its predecessor.

Accessibility

Windows 11 has introduced several new features in the Accessibility settings to make the operating system more inclusive and user-friendly. Here are some of the main highlights:

Vision

Narrator: This built-in screen reader now offers a more natural, human-sounding voice and improved navigation.
Color Filters: These help users with color blindness distinguish between subtle color changes.
Magnifier: Allows users to zoom in on parts of the screen, making text and images easier to see.

Hearing

Live Captions: Automatically transcribes spoken content from any audio, including in-person conversations.
Mono Audio: Combines the left and right stereo audio channels into a single channel to ensure no audio information is missed.

Mobility

Voice Access: Enables users to control their PC using voice commands, including opening apps, browsing the web, and more.
Eye Control: Allows users to navigate their PC and apps using eye-tracking technology.

Neurodiversity and Learning

Immersive Reader: Enhances reading fluency and comprehension by removing visual clutter and customizing text spacing, color, and zoom.
Focus Sessions: Helps users build healthy digital habits by turning on Do Not Disturb, turning off taskbar badges, and integrating with a timer to remind users to take breaks.

These features are designed to make Windows 11 more accessible and easier to use for everyone.

#3 - Windows Snapping

Snapping windows is a great feature in Windows 11 that allows the user to group their windows into SIX different arrangements on their screens. This option is very helpful when you are working on a larger display. It is a snap!

See the example below.

Three window snap. Half screen on the left and two smaller windows on the right.

#4 - Snap Groups

Snap groups are related to window snapping in terms of Windows 11 will remember a group that you have snapped together. For instance, when all windows are minimized, the snapped group orientation will be remembered when brought back up it will fall back into the desired layout.
* See GIF below

#5 - Multiple Desktops (featured in 10, updates in 11)

Multiple desktops are a great way to separate different tasks or purposes for what you are using your computer for. For instance, one desktop could be for "Personal" and the other could be for "Work."

Use three fingers on your trackpad to show your multiple desktops or to create a new one. You can also click the multiple desktops icon in your taskbar.

Feel free to rename your different desktops by clicking on that respective desktop and selecting "Rename."

*See GIF to the right

#6 - Copilot

Microsoft Copilot is now integrated into Windows 11, providing users with AI-powered assistance directly within the operating system. This integration enhances productivity by offering features like contextual suggestions, task automation, and seamless interaction across various apps and services.

SHORTCUT: Windows key + C to launch Copilot

#7 - Windows 10 vs Windows 11 Appearance Differences with Icons

#8 - NEW Windows 11 Shortcuts and Cheatsheet

Windows 11 introduces several new keyboard shortcuts to enhance productivity and streamline navigation. Here are some of the key additions:

Windows key + A: Opens the Quick Settings flyout, where you can adjust settings like volume, brightness, and wireless connections.
Windows key + N: Opens the Notification Center, displaying your notifications and a full-month calendar view.
Windows key + W: Opens the Widgets interface, providing quick access to news, weather, sports, and other personalized information (not accessible for SCOE employees at this time)
Windows key + Z: Opens the Snap layouts menu, allowing you to quickly arrange open windows into different layouts.
Windows key + C: Launches the Copilot chatbot to get some AI assistance based on what you type in the prompt field.

These shortcuts are designed to make it easier to access and manage various features of Windows 11.

Below is a cheat sheet of classic Windows shortcuts that have been around for a while. Click the image and that will link you to a PDF that you can download and print if you so choose.

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