Windows 11 continues to enhance user experience with its latest keyboard shortcut feature, Shift+CTRL, which allows users to open selected applications with administrative privileges effortlessly. While traditional methods require right-clicking on an app and selecting “Open as administrator,” the new shortcut streamlines this process, enabling users to access specific items within the jump list directly as an admin.
Previously, the Shift+CTRL combination was limited to app icons, but Microsoft is now testing an upgrade that extends this functionality to tasks within the jump list. This means that users can right-click apps in the Start menu or Taskbar, hold down the Shift and CTRL keys, and select an option from the jump list to launch it with elevated permissions. For instance, by using this shortcut while selecting PowerShell from the Windows Terminal jump list, users can directly open PowerShell as an administrator.
This seemingly minor adjustment is particularly beneficial for those who frequently utilize keyboard shortcuts for administrative tasks. While it may appear redundant at first glance, this feature is designed with the needs of power users in mind. The ability to open specific tasks—such as “Private Project” or “Admin Environment”—as an administrator can significantly enhance workflow efficiency, especially for applications with multiple configurations or profiles.
Small Icons for Your Taskbar
In addition to the keyboard shortcut enhancements, Microsoft is reportedly exploring the introduction of smaller taskbar icons for Windows 11. References to this feature were discovered in a recent update, suggesting that users may soon have the option to enjoy a more compact taskbar reminiscent of the one found in Windows 10. However, as the feature is still in its early development stages, the taskbar container currently does not adjust to accommodate these smaller icons.
Moreover, users will soon benefit from a new functionality that allows them to drag items from the Start menu directly to the taskbar for pinning. Previously, attempting to pin an icon would result in a block symbol, but now a new Link option appears when dragging from the Start menu or Windows Search results. While these improvements signify progress for the taskbar, the absence of options to reposition it to the top, right, or left remains a point of contention. Microsoft has previously addressed this limitation, citing the complexities involved in adapting the Start menu and taskbar functionalities to support such changes.
As Windows 11 evolves, these enhancements reflect Microsoft’s commitment to refining user experience and catering to the needs of its diverse user base.
