10 little-known Windows features that will blow your mind

These quick tips will help you save time and get organized.

- MICHAEL CRIDER

Even if you’ve been using Windows for decades, it’s big and complex enough that there might be features that can still surprise you. We’ve tracked down ten little-known Windows tools and tips that might just improve your efficiency, your comfort, or possibly even your fun while using your PC.

Here they are, in no particular order. All of them should work on both Windows 10 and 11. If you’re looking to go even further down this rabbit hole, check out our roundup of 10 truly helpful Windows tools you might not know about (fave. co/3ydj8lD) and how to tune Windows for laser-focused productivity (fave.co/3ObQCGD).

1. CURSOR HOVER WINDOW ACTIVATION

Whenever I use a new PC, this is the very first feature I enable. Technically it’s part of the accessibility tools, but many users might find it useful no matter what their level of mobility. This setting allows you to activate a window by moving your cursor over it, instead of requiring an extra click before interacting with the program. It’s a tiny change but makes a big difference, especially on a laptop trackpad.

To change this setting, go to Control Panel, then click the Ease of Access Center. Click “Make the mouse easier to use.” Under “Make it easier to manage windows,” select “Activate a window by hovering over it with the mouse.” Click Okay to enable the setting.

2. EASY WINDOW ARRANGEMENT