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Geeky Gadgets
4 days ago
- Geeky Gadgets
16 Essential Windows 11 Apps to Improve Your Workflows & Efficiency
Have you ever felt that your brand-new Windows 11 setup, with its sleek design and modern features, still leaves something to be desired? While Microsoft's latest operating system is undeniably polished, it's not uncommon to encounter moments where the experience feels incomplete or lacking in personalization. The good news? You don't have to settle for the default. With the right tools, you can bridge these gaps and unlock a more tailored, intuitive, and efficient Windows 11 experience. From boosting system performance to customizing the interface, the right apps can make your OS feel less like a one-size-fits-all product and more like a system designed just for you. In this coverage, Tech With Mobin explore 16 thoughtfully curated apps that can transform Windows 11 into a truly native-feeling powerhouse. Whether you're looking to enhance multitasking, streamline file management, or gain deeper control over system features, these tools offer solutions that go beyond what's built into the OS. You'll discover apps like Start11, which lets you reimagine the Start menu, and Microsoft PowerToys, a suite of utilities that supercharge productivity. Each app has been selected to address specific limitations or to expand functionality, making sure your Windows 11 setup is as seamless and personalized as possible. By the end, you might just wonder how you ever used Windows 11 without them. Essential Apps for Windows 11 System Performance Optimization Making sure your system remains fast and responsive is critical for a seamless computing experience. Performance optimization tools help manage resources, clean up unnecessary files, and maintain system health. Consider these options: CCleaner : This app removes temporary files, manages startup programs, and enhances overall system performance, making sure your device runs smoothly. : This app removes temporary files, manages startup programs, and enhances overall system performance, making sure your device runs smoothly. Advanced SystemCare: Provides real-time system monitoring, disk cleanup, and optimization tools to reduce lag and improve responsiveness. By incorporating these tools, you can minimize slowdowns and maximize productivity, keeping your system running at peak efficiency. Interface Customization While Windows 11 features a sleek and modern design, customization apps allow you to personalize the interface to better suit your workflow and aesthetic preferences. Here are two standout tools: Start11 : Enables you to customize the Start menu and taskbar, offering options to recreate a classic look or design something entirely unique. : Enables you to customize the Start menu and taskbar, offering options to recreate a classic look or design something entirely unique. Rainmeter: Adds interactive desktop widgets, such as system monitors, weather updates, and more, creating a functional and visually appealing workspace. These apps empower you to tailor the operating system to your liking, making it feel truly your own. 16 Useful Apps That Make Windows 11 Feel Truly Native Watch this video on YouTube. Below are more guides on Windows 11 apps from our extensive range of articles. Productivity Enhancement Boosting productivity is easier with tools designed to streamline multitasking and organization. These applications can help you stay focused and efficient: Microsoft PowerToys : A versatile suite of utilities, including FancyZones for advanced window management and PowerRename for batch file renaming, to simplify daily tasks. : A versatile suite of utilities, including FancyZones for advanced window management and PowerRename for batch file renaming, to simplify daily tasks. Obsidian or Notion: Combines note-taking, task management, and collaboration into a single platform, making it ideal for both personal and professional use. These tools are invaluable for managing projects, organizing tasks, and enhancing overall efficiency. File Management Efficient file management is essential for staying organized, especially when dealing with large amounts of data. These apps go beyond the capabilities of the native File Explorer: Directory Opus : Offers advanced file navigation, customizable layouts, and batch processing features to simplify file handling. : Offers advanced file navigation, customizable layouts, and batch processing features to simplify file handling. XYplorer: Provides powerful search capabilities, tagging options, and dual-pane navigation for more intuitive file management. With these tools, organizing and locating files becomes a faster and more streamlined process. Feature Extension While Windows 11 is robust, certain features are missing that third-party apps can provide. These tools fill those gaps and enhance functionality: EarTrumpet : Improves audio controls by allowing you to manage volume levels for individual applications with ease. : Improves audio controls by allowing you to manage volume levels for individual applications with ease. Clipboard Master: Expands clipboard functionality, allowing multi-item storage and better organization of copied content. These applications address limitations in the native operating system, offering features that enhance usability. Multitasking Improvement Managing multiple tasks and windows efficiently is a cornerstone of productivity. These apps are designed to simplify multitasking: DisplayFusion : Perfect for multi-monitor setups, this app offers advanced window snapping, taskbar management, and more. : Perfect for multi-monitor setups, this app offers advanced window snapping, taskbar management, and more. Groupy: Groups applications into tabbed interfaces, similar to a web browser, for better organization and workflow management. These tools make it easier to handle complex workflows, helping you stay focused and organized. Security and Privacy Enhancement Protecting your data and maintaining privacy are essential in today's digital environment. These apps provide robust security features to safeguard your information: Bitdefender : Delivers comprehensive antivirus protection and real-time threat detection to keep your system secure. : Delivers comprehensive antivirus protection and real-time threat detection to keep your system secure. GlassWire: Monitors network activity, alerts you to suspicious behavior, and helps you control data usage effectively. By using these tools, you can ensure a secure and private computing experience. Third-Party Service Integration Integrating third-party services can streamline your workflow and reduce the need to switch between multiple platforms. These apps are particularly useful: Franz : Consolidates messaging platforms like WhatsApp, Slack, and Messenger into a single, unified interface. : Consolidates messaging platforms like WhatsApp, Slack, and Messenger into a single, unified interface. Zapier: Automates tasks between apps, such as syncing data or triggering actions based on specific conditions, saving time and effort. These solutions simplify communication and automate repetitive tasks, making your workflow more efficient. Enhancing Your Windows 11 Experience By incorporating these 16 applications, you can transform Windows 11 into a more powerful, personalized, and efficient operating system. From optimizing performance and enhancing multitasking to improving security and integrating third-party services, these tools address key areas where the native experience can be improved. Whether you're a casual user or a power user, these apps ensure that Windows 11 feels tailored to your specific needs and preferences. Media Credit: Tech With Mobin Filed Under: Guides Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. 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The Verge
16-05-2025
- The Verge
Microsoft's Command Palette is a powerful launcher for apps, search, and more
Microsoft has quietly launched an updated Spotlight-like launcher app for Windows that provides quick access to commands, apps, and development tools. The software maker originally launched its PowerToys Run launcher for Windows 10 nearly five years ago, and the updated version — Command Palette — now includes search for apps, folders, and files, calculations, system commands, and much more. Command Palette is available for any Windows user from the PowerToys app, but it looks like Microsoft is now targeting this particular utility at power users and developers. You use Command Palette to access Windows commands or launch command prompts and shell shortcuts. Command Palette also has the ability to quickly open websites, web searches, and search through folders and files like you'd expect from a Spotlight- or -Alfred-like interface. Microsoft has also moved its previous Window Walker PowerToy into Command Palette so you can easily switch between open windows. The most interesting part about Command Palette is that Microsoft has made it fully customizable thanks to extensions support so you can add additional commands and features beyond what's available by default. The PowerToys Command Palette has been available since early April, and you can activate it using the Win+Alt+Space shortcut once it's installed. Microsoft says 'Command Palette is intended to be the successor of PowerToys Run,' but both are still available for now. Microsoft made some tweaks and changes to Command Palette this week ahead of its Build developer conference on May 19th.
