Many small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) depend on their Windows 11 PCs for nearly everything, from email and accounting to sales and customer support. However, many of the operating system’s most useful features go unnoticed. To help you unlock your PC’s full potential, try out these seven Windows 11 tools.
Snap Layouts for better multitasking
If your employees constantly switch between multiple apps or browsers, Snap Layouts can make a huge difference. Snap Layouts eliminates the need to manually resize windows. Instead, users can hover over a window’s maximize button or press Windows key + Z to choose from a selection of preset layouts.
Snap Layouts streamlines common tasks such as comparing invoices, referencing notes while drafting emails, monitoring a live dashboard, or keeping a video meeting open while working on a document.
PowerToys for power users without the extra cost
PowerToys is one of the most valuable, free add-ons for Windows. Microsoft offers this set of open-source tools to help users customize their Windows experience and boost productivity. Some tools that are particularly useful for SMBs include bulk file renaming, image resizing, advanced window layouts, keyboard remapping, and quick launching. While these features may seem minor, they offer time savings for employees who manage product images, generate reports, organize shared folders, or handle repetitive administrative tasks.
Phone Link for calls, texts, and notifications
Juggling tasks between a PC and a smartphone is a common challenge for many SMB employees. Windows 11’s Phone Link app bridges this gap by seamlessly connecting an Android or iPhone to a Windows PC, bringing phone features, such as texts, recent photos, calls, and notifications, directly to the user’s computer screen.
This integration is especially useful for sales teams, field staff, and business owners who frequently handle customer calls and texts while working on their laptops. Instead of constantly switching between devices, users can manage all mobile communications from their PC, creating a more streamlined and efficient workflow.
Passkeys for safer sign-ins
While passwords remain common, they are often reused, forgotten, or stolen. Passkeys offer a more secure way to log in to supported websites and apps. They are unique to each website or application and resistant to phishing attacks.
Windows 11 takes this security a step further by allowing users to save passkeys locally through Windows Hello. This feature enables employees to sign in with a face scan, fingerprint, or PIN instead of typing a traditional password. For SMBs without a large IT department, passkeys are an effective step toward stronger account security.
Focus Sessions and Do Not Disturb
Notifications are useful until they become constant interruptions. Windows 11’s Focus Sessions help employees carve out at least 30 minutes of uninterrupted time for deep work. When a focus session starts, Windows automatically enables Do Not Disturb, silencing all notifications.
Focus Sessions is helpful for tasks that demand high concentration, such as bookkeeping, proposal writing, design, reporting, or scheduling. Employees can still review missed notifications later, but they get a protected block of time to focus on important tasks.
File Explorer tabs for cleaner file management
Much like browser tabs, File Explorer tabs allow users to open multiple folders within a single window instead of juggling several windows at once. That makes it easier to move between client folders, project files, downloads, shared drives, and document archives. By consolidating windows, File Explorer tabs reduce desktop clutter and help employees stay organized when managing files from various clients, vendors, or departments.
Windows Backup for easier PC moves
Setting up PCs can be a headache, especially for SMBs without dedicated IT staff. Windows Backup alleviates this pain by saving your files, settings, apps, and credentials, allowing them to be easily restored on a new Windows PC. While not a substitute for a comprehensive business backup strategy, this feature provides a valuable safety net. It smooths out device transitions, whether you’re upgrading hardware, replacing a faulty laptop, or onboarding a new employee.
Need help getting more out of Windows 11? Turn to our IT experts for Windows support, security, productivity tools, and all your business technology needs.