Hidden Windows 11 24H2 Features

Windows 11, particularly in its 24H2 update, is packed with hidden tricks and features that can revolutionize your PC workflow. This blog, aimed at advanced users but written in an accessible tone, will explore 10 hidden features (both native OS tools and integrated utilities like PowerToys) that significantly boost productivity. You will learn what each feature is, how to activate or use it, specific use cases, and why it helps you achieve more in less time. Get ready to discover Windows 11 24H2's secret tools that can transform your workflow!

1. Tiled Window Layout (Snap Layouts and Snap Groups)

One of Windows 11's standout innovations is its enhanced split-screen system, known as Snap Layouts. This feature lets you quickly and easily arrange multiple windows in different tiled configurations. For instance, you can split the screen into halves, thirds, or quarters to fit 2, 3, or 4 applications simultaneously. Simply hover your mouse over the maximize button of a window (or press Win + Z) and choose from the available layouts. Windows 11 24H2 even remembers window groups (Snap Groups), allowing you to restore the entire set with a single click on the taskbar if you minimize or switch tasks.

How to use it

Just hover your cursor over the maximize button of a window and choose a tiled layout. Then, select which window goes in each region. You can also use keyboard shortcuts (Win + ←/→ to snap windows to one side, or Win + ↑/↓ for quadrants) for faster positioning. Windows 11 actively suggests other open windows to fill gaps, streamlining the process.

Why it boosts productivity

Working with multiple apps side-by-side saves you from constantly switching between maximized windows. For example, you can write a report in Word while referencing data in Excel and a browser simultaneously without overlaps. This reduces distractions and time spent rearranging windows. Moreover, Snap Groups allow you to restore your window setup instantly after switching tasks, preserving your working context. In short, Snap Layouts enable efficient multitasking, a crucial Windows 11 trick for advanced users.

2. Virtual Desktops and Multitasking Organization

Windows 11 significantly enhances virtual desktops, a powerful yet often overlooked feature. Virtual desktops let you create multiple independent workspaces on the same PC, ideal for separating contexts (e.g., one desktop for work, another for leisure). Access the virtual desktop view by pressing Win + Tab. Existing desktops appear at the top or bottom, with options to create new ones or delete existing ones. You can rename them (e.g., "Work," "Personal," "Project X") and, from Windows 11, even assign different wallpapers to each desktop for easy distinction.

How to use them

To create a virtual desktop, open the task view (Win + Tab) and click on "New Desktop". You can drag windows from one screen to another in this view or use shortcuts (Win + Ctrl + ←/→) to switch desktops quickly and Win + Ctrl + D to create a new one instantly. Each desktop can have its own open windows without affecting others. For instance, "Desktop 1" could have your email and Word, while "Desktop 2" has your browser and social media, keeping contexts separated.

Productive use cases

Imagine programming: one desktop has your IDE and technical documentation, another a virtual machine or design tools. Switch between them quickly without losing focus. Or separate a full-screen video call from your notes and reports on different desktops. This desktop organization helps compartmentalize tasks and reduce window clutter. Microsoft's idea is that each desktop hosts distinct applications separating your professional and personal environments, bringing order and focus. In short, virtual desktops are an ideal Windows 11 trick for organized multitasking and better concentration.

3. Clipboard History: Multiple Copy and Paste

Copy-pasting is a daily activity, but by default, you can only paste the last copied item. Did you know Windows 11 includes a hidden clipboard history? It lets you access and paste multiple previously copied items, not just the latest one. This feature significantly enhances productivity by allowing you to collect several text snippets, links, or images in the clipboard and insert them as needed.

How to Configure It

Go to Settings > System > Focus (or Focus Assist). There, you can set automatic rules: for example, enabling Do Not Disturb during specific hours (ideal for deep work periods) or when duplicating your screens (perfect for presentations). You can also manually activate it from the Notification Center (click the date and time icon): one click on “Do Not Disturb” and Windows will hide notifications until you disable it. You can choose whether during this period you allow only high-priority notifications or alarms, or block everything except the truly critical. Additionally, when you start a Focus Session (from the Clock app or the Notification Center in Windows 11 22H2+), notifications will automatically be muted for the session duration. These sessions allow you to set a timer (e.g., 30 minutes) during which you'll work uninterrupted, with optional scheduled breaks.

Why It Enhances Productivity

Constant pop-ups from emails, chats, or other apps can disrupt your focus. With Focus Assist, you prevent this bombardment during times when full attention is required. You can schedule it to activate during your key work hours or manually activate it when starting a complex task. At the end, Windows provides a summary of missed notifications, ensuring nothing important slips by. Focus Sessions, meanwhile, utilize the Pomodoro technique: working intensively on a single task for a defined period, then taking a short break. This helps overcome procrastination and encourages healthy work habits. Combined, Focus allows you to work without distractions and better manage your time, directly improving productivity and the quality of your output.

4. Focus Assist and Focus Sessions

Productivity isn't just about doing more at once, but also about avoiding distractions to concentrate on important tasks. Windows 11 includes Focus Assist (called Do Not Disturb in recent versions), which is essentially a customizable “do not disturb” mode. This feature lets you mute notifications at key moments or under specific conditions, showing only high-priority alerts—or none at all. Alongside this, Windows 11 offers Focus Sessions, built into the Clock app: a Pomodoro-style tool that combines a timer, notification blocking, and even integrates with Microsoft To Do and Spotify to help you work in focused intervals.

How to Set It Up

Go to Settings > System > Focus (or Focus Assist). There, you can define automatic rules—for example, enabling Do Not Disturb at specific times (like during deep work hours) or when duplicating screens (ideal for presentations). You can also activate it manually from the Notification Center (click on the date and time icon): a single click on “Do Not Disturb” and Windows will hide notifications until you turn it off. You can choose whether to allow only high-priority notifications or alarms during that time, or block everything except the most critical alerts. Additionally, starting a Focus Session (via the Clock app or Notification Center in Windows 11 22H2+) will automatically silence notifications for the duration of the session. These sessions allow you to set a timer (e.g., 30 minutes) to work uninterrupted, with optional scheduled breaks.

Why It Improves Productivity

Constant pop-ups from emails, chats, or apps can break your focus. With Focus Assist, you can prevent this disruption during moments requiring full attention. You can schedule it for your key work hours or activate it manually before tackling a complex task. Once finished, Windows shows a summary of missed notifications so you don't miss anything important. Meanwhile, Focus Sessions implement the Pomodoro technique: working intensively on a single task for a set period, followed by a short break. This helps combat procrastination and encourages healthy work habits. Together, Focus helps you work without distractions and manage your time better, directly translating into higher productivity and improved quality in your results.

5. Enhanced File Explorer: Tabs and Integrated Compression

The Windows 11 File Explorer has received enhancements in 24H2 that many users overlook but are extremely useful. One of these is the introduction of tabs in File Explorer, similar to a web browser, allowing multiple locations open within a single window. This was introduced in previous versions (22H2), but 24H2 refined it with options such as duplicating tabs (opening a new tab in the same path with a single click). Another hidden 24H2 feature is the native compression support for additional formats: Windows now natively supports files like *.7z, *.rar, .tar, etc., in addition to the classic ZIP. In other words, you can compress and decompress these formats directly from File Explorer without third-party software.

How to Utilize These Features

To use tabs, simply press Ctrl + T within File Explorer to open a new tab or click the “+” button in the tab bar. You can also drag a tab out to create a new window or rearrange them to your liking. The duplicate tab option appears by right-clicking an existing tab and selecting "Duplicate tab": you get another tab in the same current folder, very useful if you want to view two subfolders of the same directory side by side. Regarding compression, when selecting files and choosing Send to > Compressed (zip) folder, you will now see options for other formats. Windows 11 24H2 allows easy creation of .7Z or .TAR files and even customizes compression levels and encryption. Similarly, double-clicking or right-clicking > Extract on a .rar or .7z file will be handled directly by Windows.

Why It Boosts Productivity

Having tabs in File Explorer means you no longer need multiple windows to work with several folders. You can copy files from one tab to another without cluttering your taskbar, quickly switching between locations. For example, you can keep one tab open for your projects folder, another for Downloads, and another for a network drive, all within the same window, streamlining your file organization. The capability to compress/decompress popular formats without external utilities saves time and additional steps, integrating this task seamlessly into your regular workflow. If a colleague sends you a .RAR file, simply open it and extract files as you would with a zip file, without searching for extra software. In short, these improvements make Windows 11's Explorer a more powerful and convenient tool: fewer cluttered windows and more native actions available, allowing you to manage files quicker and more comfortably.

6. PowerToys FancyZones: Advanced Window Organization

FancyZones lets you create user-defined custom window layouts (as illustrated above with numbered zones), facilitating placing each app in its predefined zone to improve workflow with multiple windows.

Microsoft PowerToys is a suite of free tools for advanced Windows users, and FancyZones is one of its productivity gems. FancyZones is essentially an advanced window manager that helps you work more efficiently with multiple windows simultaneously. While Windows already has Snap Layouts, FancyZones takes this concept further by allowing you to define completely custom window layouts and easily assign windows to these zones.

What It Is and How to Use It

With FancyZones, you can create and save your own screen layout schemes. For instance, you could have a layout with three uneven columns, or one large zone at the top and two smaller ones at the bottom, tailored precisely to your needs. To configure it, install PowerToys and go to the FancyZones section, then click on "Launch layout editor". From there, you can use predefined templates or create a custom layout by drawing zones. Each zone acts as a container where windows can snap into place. Once activated, drag a window while holding down the Shift key (by default) and you'll see your zones overlayed; drop the window into a zone to dock it exactly in that size and position. You can also assign windows to zones using keyboard shortcuts or combinations (FancyZones even allows a window to span multiple combined zones if configured).

Specific Use Cases

FancyZones particularly excels with large or multiple monitor setups. For example, if you have an ultra-wide monitor, you can define 4 or 5 vertical zones to maximize screen real estate, comfortably placing several apps side by side without overlapping. Or, if you're coding, you might have one zone for your editor, another for debugging windows, and another for documentation, precisely sized to your preferences. Unlike the fixed native layouts, FancyZones allows you to decide the size and position of each area. This enhances workflow efficiency by eliminating the time spent manually adjusting windows: with FancyZones, simply drag and drop, and the window neatly snaps into its predefined spot. According to SoftZone, this tool allows users to work more effectively and improve workflow when handling multiple windows simultaneously, especially if a second monitor isn't available. Simply put, FancyZones is the definitive Windows 11/PowerToys trick for organized multitasking enthusiasts, giving you total control over your screen arrangement, saving clicks, and enhancing comfort by placing everything in its optimal location.

7. PowerToys Run: The Quick Launcher Windows Needs

Windows 11 has built-in search and a Start menu for launching apps, but power users often desire something quicker. PowerToys Run is Microsoft's solution (inspired by macOS Spotlight) for this need: a universal launcher for applications, files, and actions that instantly appears and finds what you need as you type. Instead of navigating menus or using the slower Start search, PowerToys Run lets you invoke a floating search box in the screen's center and launch any program, document, or even execute commands within seconds.

How to Open and Use It

After installing PowerToys, the default shortcut for PowerToys Run is Alt + Space. Pressing it brings up a minimalist search bar. Start typing the name of what you want to open. It can be the name of an installed application ("Word", "Visual Studio"), a system setting ("Bluetooth", "Firewall"), a file name, or even quick mathematical calculations directly within it. Results appear instantly as you type. Navigate with arrows if necessary, then press Enter to open the selected item. PowerToys Run is modular and customizable: you can enable or disable various search plug-ins (e.g., showing web results, indexing files via Windows Search, executing shell commands, translations, etc., according to your preferences).

Why It Enhances Productivity

Speed is key. Instead of moving your hands off the keyboard to find an icon or browsing through folders to locate a document, simply invoke Run and type it out. With a few keystrokes, you'll be opening exactly what you need. It's particularly useful when you have dozens of apps installed or scattered files: you don't need to remember their location, only their name. For example, to quickly open a spreadsheet, rather than opening Excel first and then searching for it, with Run you type part of the file name, and it appears ready to open. Many advanced users consider PowerToys Run the best program launcher for Windows due to its speed and flexibility. If you're looking for Windows 11 productivity tricks, this is undoubtedly at the top: it accelerates human-computer interactions, reduces mouse dependency, and turns launching any resource into a matter of seconds. Once you get used to Alt + Space, you'll hardly imagine working without this tool!

8. Power Automate Desktop: Automation of Repetitive Tasks

Among the hidden features of Windows 11 24H2 is the (free) integration of Power Automate Desktop. This is Microsoft's Robotic Process Automation (RPA) solution, now available to individual users at no extra cost. In simple terms, Power Automate Desktop lets you create automated flows to perform tasks on your PC automatically, like a macro but much more powerful: it can interact with applications, clicks, keyboard inputs, files, databases, websites, etc., without requiring programming knowledge. For advanced users, it's like having a "robot" that can save you heavy or repetitive work.

How to Use It

Search for "Power Automate" in the Start menu (Windows 11 typically comes pre-installed or you can download it from the Microsoft Store). When opened, you'll see an environment for designing flows. You can record your actions (e.g., opening an app, typing something, copying results to Excel) using the recording feature: the tool logs clicks and keystrokes to replay later. You can also build flows using predefined blocks (examples: "Open web browser", "Click interface", "Read CSV file", "Send email"). Microsoft provides numerous connectors for common apps, along with logical actions (conditions, loops) to create intelligent sequences. A practical example: you could automate daily data retrieval from a web page and save it to Excel — done with just a couple of clicks once the flow is designed, instead of manually each day.

Productive Use Cases

The possibilities are enormous. If you convert files daily from one format to another, or rename hundreds of files following a pattern, Power Automate can do it in seconds. If you need to extract data from an old system and paste it into another, you can create a flow to do it overnight. Advanced users have automated everything from periodic reports (opening software, gathering data, generating reports) to small tasks like automatically moving downloaded files into sorted folders by type. Imagine the time saved when a manual process that used to take 30 minutes now happens in 1 minute without human intervention. Additionally, eliminating manual intervention in repetitive tasks reduces human error. In short, Power Automate Desktop is the tool to take your productivity to the next level: turn your PC into your assistant. Any routine and tedious task is a candidate for automation with this feature integrated into Windows 11 — leaving you more time to focus on the work that truly matters.

9. Windows Terminal and Linux (WSL): An Enhanced Command-Line Environment

Advanced users often interact with the command line, and Windows 11 brings two significant improvements in this area. The first is Windows Terminal, the new unified console replacing the old Command Prompt and PowerShell with a modern experience featuring tabs, split panes, and extensive customization. The second is WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux), which allows running a full Linux system within Windows, integrating Linux commands and tools into your Windows workflow. Combined, these hidden features provide a powerful development and administration environment directly within Windows 11.

Windows Terminal (Multiterminal)

With this application (installed by default in Windows 11), you can open multiple console sessions in a single window. For example, have one tab with PowerShell, another with Command Prompt (CMD), and another running Ubuntu (via WSL) simultaneously. You can even split the window into panes to view two terminals side by side. Opening new tabs is as easy as in a browser (Ctrl + Shift + T), and you can switch or rearrange them freely. Terminal also supports themes, transparency, custom fonts, and more. You no longer have to deal with separate basic console windows: here, you have "one terminal to rule them all" with enhanced functionality.

WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux)

Windows 11 allows you to install Linux distributions (Ubuntu, Debian, etc.) from the Microsoft Store. Once installed, you can launch your Linux distro within Windows Terminal or from a shortcut. You get an authentic bash shell to run Linux tools and scripts, access the file system, install Linux software, all without leaving Windows or using heavy virtual machines. It's even possible to launch Linux GUI applications on Windows 11 (WSLg). For instance, if you're a developer or data scientist, you could run a Jupyter Notebook on Linux and open the window in Windows.

Productivity Benefits

For system administrators and developers, having multiple terminals in tabs saves a significant amount of time. You can monitor logs in one tab, run commands in another, and connect via SSH in a third, all within the same organized window. This eliminates the friction of constant alt-tab between console windows. Additionally, the ability to directly open different environments (PowerShell, CMD, Azure Cloud Shell, Linux) from Terminal's dropdown menu gives you the right tools in seconds. Regarding WSL, it opens a world of possibilities: if you come from a Linux background or need tools from that ecosystem (grep, awk, sed, scripting languages, Docker, etc.), you can use them natively in your Windows workflow. For example, you can compile code with GCC within WSL while simultaneously editing files with Visual Studio in Windows, sharing the file system seamlessly. Everything happens integrally, saving you from maintaining a separate Linux machine or starting cumbersome virtual machines. In short, Windows Terminal + WSL turn Windows 11 into an ideal hybrid environment for advanced users, blending the best of both worlds. This translates into greater efficiency: development, scripting, and administration tasks become quicker and smoother when you have all command-line tools at your fingertips.

10. God Mode: Full Access to Hidden Settings

We close the list with a classic Windows secret: God Mode. Despite its dramatic name, it is actually a hidden feature that has existed for years, offering centralized access to hundreds of advanced system settings. Essentially, it activates a hidden control panel listing all Windows configuration tools in one place, including those usually buried deep in menus or only accessible via the classic Control Panel.

How to Activate It

You won't find a "God Mode" button; you must manually enable it, but it's straightforward. Create a new folder anywhere (e.g., on the Desktop) and rename it exactly:

ModoDios.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}

(You can replace "ModoDios" with any name; the important part is the dot and the GUID). When renamed, the folder icon changes to a Control Panel icon. Double-clicking opens a window similar to File Explorer with a categorized list of over 200 system functions and settings. Categories such as "System," "Devices," "Network," etc., are visible, each with multiple entries.

What It Offers and Why It's Useful

In this hidden Windows menu, you'll find shortcuts to practically every available setting: from common options (power management, uninstall programs) to highly specific advanced settings (environment variables, local group policies, administrative tools, etc.). The great advantage is that everything is alphabetically ordered by categories, and you can search within that specific window. For advanced users, this is a much quicker way to access certain configurations without remembering their location in the modern Settings app or the traditional Control Panel. For example, to access advanced system settings (like virtual memory or startup and recovery), you'd normally navigate several screens; with God Mode, just open this folder, and the shortcut is right there.

Conclusion

Windows 11 24H2 is much more than just a refreshed interface and obvious features; as we've seen, it hides a wealth of advanced tools and capabilities that, when properly used, can take your productivity to the next level. From better window management with Snap Layouts or PowerToys FancyZones, to tricks that streamline daily tasks like clipboard history or the PowerToys Run launcher, all the way to professional-grade features such as automation with Power Automate or the integration of a Linux environment, the operating system offers a wide range of possibilities to work smarter. Many of these hidden Windows features are not enabled by default or are little known, but now you have the knowledge to activate and take advantage of them.

At the end of the day, knowing and using these native functions and built-in tools (like PowerToys) will save time, reduce unnecessary steps, and minimize distractions. Whether you manage multiple projects, are a developer, content creator, or simply someone looking to optimize their workflow, these 10 features will help you get the most out of Windows 11 24H2. Remember, productivity isn't just about working more—it's about working smarter and more efficiently. Equip yourself with these Windows 11 tricks, customize your environment to your needs and preferences, and you’ll see how small improvements lead to big gains in efficiency. Don’t hesitate to explore the system and uncover even more hidden gems to continue improving your Windows 11 experience and performance!

In summary: the true power of Windows 11 lies in knowing it deeply. With these now-revealed hidden features, you hold the keys to unlocking its full potential and significantly boosting your daily productivity. Let’s get to it!