Windows 11 includes handy tools that are easy to overlook: clipboard history, window layouts, File Explorer visibility controls, Focus sessions and accessibility features. Most are built in; clipboard history starts off, while PowerToys is a separate optional download.
At a glance: what to try first
| Feature | Where to find it | What it helps with | Built in or optional |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clipboard history | Windows+V; Settings > System > Clipboard | Revisit copied items | Built in; history is off by default |
| Snap layouts | Hover over a window’s maximize button or press Windows+Z | Arrange windows on screen | Built in |
| File Explorer visibility controls | View > Show | Reveal file extensions and hidden items | Built in |
| Focus | Settings > System > Focus | Set a focused work session | Built in |
| Accessibility features | Settings > Accessibility | Use captions, voice control and other access options | Built in; availability and behavior can vary |
| PowerToys utilities | Install PowerToys separately | Add tools such as custom layouts and bulk renaming | Optional download |
Bring back something you copied with Clipboard history
Windows normally keeps the latest copied item available to paste. Clipboard history lets you revisit earlier copied items, but it is disabled by default. Press Windows+V; if prompted, choose to enable it. You can also turn it on at Settings > System > Clipboard > Clipboard history. Microsoft documents this activation in its Windows clipboard guide.
After you enable it, press Windows+V again to open the history panel and select an item to paste. Because copied material can include sensitive text, consider what you put on the clipboard when using a history feature; Microsoft’s activation guidance does not establish a security guarantee.
Arrange open windows with Snap layouts
To see available arrangements, hover over a window’s maximize button or press Windows+Z. Choose a layout and a position for the current window. Snap Assist can then suggest other open windows to fill the remaining spaces. Microsoft explains these options, including settings under Settings > System > Multitasking, in its Snap windows guide.
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If you prefer the keyboard, use Windows+Left/Right to snap toward a side, and Windows+Up/Down to move or resize a snapped window. These shortcuts are useful when you want a quick arrangement without opening the layout menu.
Show file extensions and hidden items in File Explorer
File Explorer can hide details that help identify or find files. Open File Explorer, then select View > Show > File name extensions to display suffixes such as .pdf and .jpg. To display files and folders marked hidden, select View > Show > Hidden items. Microsoft documents these controls in its File Explorer guide.
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For commands that are not visible in the streamlined context menu, right-click a file or folder and choose Show more options. Microsoft notes that not all Windows 10 menu extensions appear in the streamlined menu; the expanded menu exposes additional commands. To keep a frequently used folder close at hand, right-click it and pin it to Quick access.
Make Focus sessions fit the way you work
Go to Settings > System > Focus and select Start focus session. Set a duration, then choose which related behaviors suit you: show a timer in the Clock app, turn on Do not disturb, or hide taskbar badges and flashing. These controls are options to tune, not settings every user needs to enable. Microsoft describes the session and related controls in its Focus guide.
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Explore accessibility tools beyond the defaults
Accessibility features can be useful for different needs and situations, not only for people who identify as disabled. Microsoft’s Windows accessibility directory links to current information about Live captions, Voice access, screen readers, hearing and vision support, mobility tools, and focus resources.
Exact behavior and availability can depend on the feature, Windows version, language, device, and rollout. For example, Microsoft’s October 2022 Windows tips article described Live captions capturing microphone audio and Voice access providing a command guide. Because that guidance is dated, use the current feature-specific support page linked from Microsoft’s accessibility directory to check applicable language, device, and setup requirements before relying on a particular capability.
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Optional: add PowerToys for more specialized tools
PowerToys is not part of the built-in Windows features above; it is a separate, free, open-source Microsoft utility suite. Microsoft’s PowerToys documentation lists tools such as:
- FancyZones: create custom window layouts beyond the built-in Snap arrangements.
- Peek: preview files without opening them in their usual app.
- PowerRename: rename groups of files in bulk.
Install it only if its extra controls address a task you actually have. It is an add-on, not a prerequisite for using Windows 11’s built-in window snapping, File Explorer, or Focus tools.
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