Getting to Know Windows 11
If your company IT team or your Managed Service Provider upgraded you to Windows 11 this year, you are not alone. With Windows 10 End-of-Support here in October 2025, most users will be transitioning soon if they have not already. The good news is that Windows 11 is not a radical overhaul. In this blog we’ll demystify the subtle changes in the interface to help you get the most out of Windows 11.
Key Interface Changes
The most noticeable differences between Windows 10 and Windows 11 are cosmetic changes to the taskbar and the way windows appear and are managed. While your desktop may look new, most functions remain the same.
1. The Centered Taskbar and Start Menu
The Change: By default, the Start Menu and taskbar icons are now centered instead of being anchored to the left. The Start Menu has a cleaner look with a pane featuring Pinned Apps and a section for Recommended Files (recent documents, often cloud-synced).
MTSi Tip: If you want your taskbar back on the left of your screen:
- Right-click an empty space on the Taskbar → Taskbar settings → Taskbar behaviors → Change Taskbar alignment from “Center” to “Left.”
2. Snap Layouts and Snap Groups
The Change: In Windows 10, you could drag a window to the side of the screen to snap it to a half-screen view. Windows 11 gives you more choices and at first this seems very confusing. If you hover your mouse over a window’s Maximize button (the square icon at top right), Snap Layouts will give you 9 screen layout options to choose from. These are muti-column, quadrant view or a mix of both.
Once you choose a layout, Windows will display your open windows in any pane that does not have an assigned application. Click on an application and that window takes over the pane. If you have more empty panes, Windows will show your applications in the next free pane and so on. In just a few clicks, you have the windows you want arranged in your preferred format.
MTSi Tip: Snap Groups are a time-saver on projects. When you organize application windows using a Snap Layout, Windows 11 remembers that exact arrangement as a Snap Group. To minimize a snap group (find any member icon on the taskbar – right click – select minimize). Now you can restore all the windows to their precise arrangement by simply hovering over one of the app’s taskbar icons and selecting the thumbnail that shows the group. This eliminates constant window resizing and minimizes screen clutter.
3. Context Menu (Right-Click)
The Change: When you right-click on a file or folder, a simplified menu appears with frequently used actions showing as icons compressed along the top row. You can find Cut, Copy, Paste, Rename, and Delete right on top.
MTSi Tip: The new design is a time-saver, but if you miss the old menu, simply select the last option “Show more options” to show the Windows 10 version. Most users soon prefer the new version because it is significantly easier to use.
Productivity Preferences
Windows 11 has new features designed to help you stay focused and manage complex workflows. We recommend you investigate these to see how much they can simplify your workday.
1. Leverage Virtual Desktops for Workflow Isolation
Windows 11 makes the Virtual Desktop feature more powerful and intuitive. Instead of having a single desktop, you can create separate, dedicated workspaces for different projects or clients.
How to Set the Preference:
- Click the Task View button (two overlapping squares next to the Start Menu) or press Win + Tab.
- Select New desktop at the bottom.
- Right-click on the desktop’s thumbnail and Rename it (e.g., “Q4 Report,” “Client X Project,” “Daily Admin”).
- Use it: Move open application windows to the appropriate desktop. Use the shortcut Ctrl + Win + Left/Right Arrow to instantly switch between focused work environments.
MTSi Tip: If you are frequently switching between tasks that require different applications or window arrangements, Windows Virtual Desktop allows you to keep desktops optimized for each task and quickly and easily switch back and forth.
2. Implement Focus Sessions (Do Not Disturb)
Distraction is the enemy of productivity. Windows 11 integrates Focus Sessions directly with the Clock app, which is a significant upgrade from the basic Quiet Hours in Windows 10.
How to Set the Preference:
- Search for and open the Clock app.
- Navigate to the Focus tab.
- Set a dedicated time (e.g., 30 or 45 minutes) for deep work.
- When you start the session, Windows 11 automatically activates Focus Assist, silences all non-essential notifications, and can even integrate with Spotify to play white noise.
MTSi Tip: If you need focused time for deep work, the Focus feature allows you to block notifications that distract you from the task at hand until your focused work time is complete.
3. Optimize the Taskbar and Start Menu for Speed
The default Windows 11 taskbar may include icons your business doesn’t use, such as Widgets or Chat (Microsoft Teams). Hiding these cleans the workspace and improves clarity.
How to Set the Preference:
- Right-click an empty space on the Taskbar → Taskbar settings.
- Under Taskbar items, toggle off non-essential icons like Widgets and Chat to reduce visual noise.
- Customize the Start Menu: Pin your most-used business applications (e.g., Excel, specific line-of-business software) to the main area of the Start Menu. You can also drag one pinned app onto another to create a Folder, keeping your main app list clean and organized by project or function.
4. Master the New File Explorer
The File Explorer has been redesigned with a simplified ribbon that contains new, modern icons for common actions. Once you get used to using these icons, you’ll find it is faster to find the function you are looking for.
MTSi Tip: Many familiar functions, like “Properties” or “Map Network Drive,” are still available by clicking the three-dot menu (…) in the toolbar. For quick access to common folders, simply drag and drop them to the Quick Access list on the left pane.
The Future is Secure and Efficient
The transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11 will help your organization be more secure and productive. Every change requires some adjustment, but we hope you will embrace new features like Snap Layouts for multitasking and Virtual Desktops to help you focus. If you’d like to learn more about the move to Windows 11, reach out to our sales team.
