Top 10 Hidden Windows 10 & 11 Features You Should Be Using (But Probably Aren’t) -

Want to maximize the performance of your Windows computer? Both Windows 10 and the more recent version, Windows 11, are loaded with strong hidden features that the majority of users never find out about. These hidden Windows capabilities, which range from sophisticated multitasking tools to productivity enhancers, can significantly enhance your workflow and user experience. The top ten hidden features in Windows 10 and Windows 11 are unveiled in this guide, along with helpful hints and resources to help you maximize your system's capabilities. Continue reading to learn how to use your PC more effectively, quickly, and intelligently.

Windows 10 Hidden Features

1- Entering the God Mode :

A secret feature in Windows 10 (also available in Windows 7, 8, and 11) is called God Mode. It offers a centralized Control Panel with access to almost all configuration choices, settings, and administrative tools in one location. Actually, "God Mode" is a unique folder with a unique name that, when created, displays a master list of more than 200 Windows settings, such as:

Color management, backup and restore, and administrative tools, Printers and Devices, History of Files Protection and Upkeep, Tools for Windows and a lot more

How to do it :

➽ To get on your desktop, select Desktop and minimize or shut off all windows.

➽ Select  New --> Folder from the context menu by performing a right-click on the desktop.

➽ Give the new folder a new name as  GodMode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}

➽ Hit Enter.

➽ An icon resembling a control panel will replace the folder icon.

➽ Double-click on it. A wide list of administrative options and tools will be displayed to you in one location.

2- Make many Virtual Desktops :

Many users are unaware that Windows 10 has a useful feature called Virtual Desktops that lets you create numerous desktops for improved work management. You can run various sets of windows on different computers with virtual desktops. For instance: One for coding or gaming, one for browsing or leisure, and one for work programs (Word, Excel).

Because each desktop runs independently, you can stay focused and cut down on clutter.

How to do it :

➽ Press Windows key + Tab key

➽ Click  + New desktop  in task view, in the top-left corner

➽ To move between desktops press Ctrl + Windows Key + Left/Right Arrow

➽ You can close any desktop in task view by clicking the  X  .

3- Recover Clipboard History :

You can access and reuse more than just the latest copied item using Windows 10's hidden but highly helpful Clipboard History feature.
Students, writers, programmers, and multitaskers will all benefit greatly from this increase in productivity.

How to do it :

➽ Hit the Windows Key + V.

➽ The notice "Can't show history" will appear with Turn on option.

➽ Select "Turn on."

➽ You can now copy anything you like. All of the text, links, and images you copy are saved.

➽ At any time, press Windows Key + V. You'll see a list of the things you've recently copied.

➽ To preserve an item even after a reboot, hover over it and click the pin symbol.

4- Clean Storage Sense :

Windows 10's built-in Storage Sense feature automatically clears out disk space by removing unwanted data, such as temporary files, contents from the recycle bin, outdated downloads, and unused files from OneDrive (with permission).

When enabled, it keeps your computer running faster and cleaner without the need for manual cleanup, something that many people are unaware of. 

How to do it :

➽ Press Windows Key + I.

➽ Click on System

➽ In the left menu, click Storage 

➽ Find Storage Sense at the top 

➽ Toggle the switch to On .

➽ Click “Configure Storage Sense or run it now”

➽ You can customize, when it runs (e.g., every day, week, or month), what it deletes (e.g., temporary files, recycle bin contents) and how often to delete files in Downloads or OneDrive.

➽ On the same screen, scroll down and click “Clean now” to run it instantly.

5- Hidden Start Menu :

The Power User Menu, sometimes referred to as the Hidden Start Menu, is available in Windows 10. Compared to navigating the standard Start Menu, it provides you with faster access to key system tools and capabilities.

IT professionals, expert users, and anybody else who want quicker access to important settings will find it ideal.

How to do it :

➽ In the lower-left corner of the screen, right-click the Start button.  OR

➽ Simply use the Windows key + X.

➽ You will see much more windows functions there.

Windows 11 Hidden Features

6- Snap Layouts & Snap Groups :

Windows 11's Snap Layouts and Snap Groups are strong multitasking features that let you quickly and effectively arrange several app windows, much like having your own personal workspace.
You may use Snap Layouts to arrange open windows on your screen in a variety of pre-made configurations, including side-by-side, grid, column, and more.

How to do it :

➽ Move your cursor over the "Maximize" button in any window that is open.

 ➽ Options for layout will be displayed to you, such as split screen, thirds, and quarters.

➽ Select a portion of the layout.

 ➽ Your window will fit perfectly.

➽ To fill the remaining spots, Windows will recommend alternative open apps. 

➽ For snap groups, Hover your cursor on any snapped app's taskbar icon.

➽ A thumbnail of Snap Group will appear.

➽ To restore every app in that same arrangement, click it.

7- Focus Sessions in Clock :

Similar to the Pomodoro technique, Focus Sessions is a potent feature in the Clock app in Windows 11 that helps you manage your time using regular work sessions, stay focused, and cut down on distractions. It's ideal for intensive work, studying, and controlling screen time with breaks.

How to do it :

➽ Type "Clock" into the Windows Key to launch the Clock application.

➽ Select the "Focus sessions" option from the sidebar.

➽ Decide on a Focus Time or duration (e.g., 25, 45, 60 minutes).

➽ For longer sessions, the software automatically incorporates breaks.

➽ Press the "Start focus session" button.

➽ Distractions (such as notifications) will be reduced, and a timer will start.

8- Voice Typing :

Windows 11 comes with a built-in function called Voice Typing that lets you dictate text with your voice rather than using a keyboard. It rapidly turns your spoken words into written text using Microsoft's sophisticated speech recognition technology.
This is particularly useful for those with accessibility issues, for taking notes hands-free, for producing emails or documents more quickly, and for lowering typing fatigue.

How to do it :

➽ Open any application or text field like Word, Notepad, email, the search bar in a browser, etc.

➽ Hit the Windows Key + H , this brings up the toolbar for voice typing.

➽ You can either click the microphone icon or just speak.

➽ Your words will be typed down in real time as you speak naturally.

➽ To stop, hit Windows + H or click the microphone once more.

9- Widgets Panel :

Windows 11's Widgets Panel is a customizable panel that offers easy access to helpful data in one location, including weather, news, calendar, traffic, to-do lists, stocks, and more.

Its purpose is to educate you without requiring you to launch several apps or tabs in your browser.

How to do it :

➽ Hit the Windows Key + W.

➽ This opens the panel immediately.

10- Hidden Battery Report Tool :

A secret Battery Report function in Windows 11 creates a comprehensive report on the performance, health, and usage of your laptop's battery over time.

This tool is very helpful for diagnosing charging or battery drain problems, determining how long your battery lasts on average, and determining whether your battery is worn out.

How to do it :

➽ Press the Windows key and type cmd.

➽ Select "Run as administrator" from the menu when you right-click Command Prompt.

➽ Type this command  powercfg /batteryreport  and press enter.

➽ A message will appear like Battery life report stored to C:\Windows\system32\battery-report.html 

➽ Find that file and double click on it.

➽ It'll show you Battery health (full charge versus design capacity), Battery consumption (cycles of daily charging and discharging), Recent use (the times you plugged and unplugged your gadget), Estimates of battery life with time, Cycle count (the number of times the battery has been fully charged).

BONUS Feature

Malware Removal Tool (MRT) in Windows 10 & 11 : 

Microsoft created the Malicious Software Removal solution (MRT), a free integrated security solution that assists in identifying and eliminating certain, common malware from your computer.

Although MRT is not a complete antivirus program, it is updated every month and offers a fast, focused scan to identify and eliminate known threats. It is particularly helpful as a backup tool.

How to do it :

➽ Press Windows key + R

➽ Type there mrt and press Enter

➽ Select the type of scan, Quick Scan (Quickly checks for common malware hiding places) , Full Scan (This method thoroughly but slowly scans the entire system) , or a Custom Scan.

➽ To begin the scan, click Next once more.

➽ Await the completion of the scan.

➽ The system will eliminate any virus it finds and display a report.

Summary :

Windows 10 and Windows 11 come loaded with hidden features designed to simplify your tasks, boost productivity, and enhance your overall user experience. By exploring these secret tools—from God Mode to Snap Layouts and the Battery Report Tool—you can unlock powerful capabilities that many users overlook. Whether you’re a casual user or a tech enthusiast, incorporating these tips into your daily routine will help you work smarter and get the most out of your Windows PC. Don’t wait—try these features today and take control of your digital workspace like a pro.

Which one was your favorite? Tell us  in comments!