5 Secret Windows 11 Features Everyone Should Be Using By Now

Windows 11, whether you’re using the Home or Pro version, offers a suite of features designed to streamline tasks, boost productivity, and enrich your user experience. Among these features are tools that allow for efficient photo editing, advanced calculations, text extraction from screenshots, timezone management, and enhanced text formatting in Notepad.

Remove objects and background from photos in the Photos app

When it comes to editing images, many users instinctively reach for Photoshop. However, Windows 11 provides a compelling alternative through its Photos app, which includes basic editing capabilities powered by AI. This allows users to effortlessly erase objects and backgrounds without the need for costly software. To utilize this feature, follow these steps:

1. Open your desired image in the Photos app.
2. Click the Edit button located in the upper left corner.
3. To remove an object:
   1. Select the Erase option.
   2. Adjust the brush size according to the object’s dimensions.
   3. Brush over the object; the app will automatically erase it upon release.
   4. Wait for the process to complete.
   5. If necessary, repeat the brushing for a cleaner result.
4. To remove the background:
   1. Choose the Background option at the top.
   2. Click Remove on the right panel.
   3. Use the Background brush tool to refine your selection.

Once satisfied with your edits, simply save the photo.

Switch to a different Calculator mode

The Windows Calculator is often underestimated, primarily used for basic arithmetic. Yet, it boasts a variety of modes that cater to more complex calculations. Users can switch between modes such as:

• Standard: Basic math operations.
• Scientific: Advanced functions including trigonometry.
• Graphing: Visual representation of equations.
• Programmer: Binary calculations.
• Date calculation: Determine date differences and manipulate days.
• Converter options: Convert various units including currency and temperature.

Access these modes by clicking the hamburger icon in the upper left corner of the Calculator app. Additionally, users can keep the Calculator window on top of other applications for easy access while multitasking.

Copy text from screenshots with the Snipping Tool

Copying text is typically straightforward, but certain situations—like capturing text from error messages or images—can complicate matters. Instead of manually typing or relying on third-party OCR software, Windows 11’s Snipping Tool offers a built-in solution. To extract text from screenshots, follow these steps:

1. Press Win + Shift + S to take a screenshot.
2. Click the popup that appears to open the Snipping Tool editor.
3. Select the Text actions icon in the top menu.
4. Highlight the desired text, right-click, and choose Copy text.
5. For all text, click Copy all text at the top.

This feature allows for seamless text extraction, making it easier to incorporate information from various sources.

Add new timezones in the Notification Center

For those coordinating with international teams or friends, checking time zones can become tedious. Windows 11 simplifies this by allowing users to add multiple time zones directly in the Notification Center. To set this up:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Select Time & language from the left panel.
3. Navigate to Date & time.
4. Expand the “Show time and date in the System tray” option.
5. Click Change next to Additional clock 1.
6. Select your desired time zone and name it accordingly.
7. Repeat for Additional clock 2 if needed.
8. Enable “Show time in Notification Center” for easy access.

This feature allows for quick reference to local times, enhancing communication across different regions.

Format your text in Notepad

Traditionally, Windows Notepad has been a simple tool for quick notes. However, with Windows 11, it has received a refreshing update that includes basic text formatting options. To enable and use these features:

1. Open Notepad.
2. Access Settings and toggle on Formatting under Text Formatting.
3. Begin typing your text.
4. Adjust text size, create lists, or apply bold and italic styles using the icons in the menu.
5. To save your formatted text, use Ctrl + S and select Save as Markdown file.

This enhancement transforms Notepad into a more versatile tool for users who require a bit more from their note-taking applications.