These Windows features are ideal for multitaskers

You don’t need to rely on a bunch of third-party apps to multitask effectively in Windows. Almost all of these Windows features are part of the operating system and will help you save time and be more productive.

1 Snap Layouts and Snap Assist

One of the standout multitasking features in Windows is Snap Layouts and Snap Assist. This tool allows you to effortlessly organize open windows on your screen.

When working with multiple documents, research materials, or applications, Snap Layouts lets you arrange them so that it’s easy to view everything at once.

To use the snap layout, hover over the maximize button in any open window. A grid will appear showing different layouts based on screen size and settings. Choose a layout and Snap Assist helps you fill each section with other open apps. This is especially useful on large screens or dual-monitor setups where more than two windows fit in the space.

2 Task view

Task View acts as a control center for multitaskers. By pressing Windows key + Tabyou can view all open apps and desktops at once. It also shows a thumbnail preview of each window, so it’s easy to find the one you need.

The most significant benefit of Task View is that it offers a visual map of your workspace. Instead of clicking through individual icons on the taskbar, you see all your windows at once. Task view also ties in well with virtual desktops, letting you see which apps are open on each desktop.

3 Virtual desktops

The Windows Virtual Desktop feature is seamlessly integrated into the task view. A virtual desktop allows you to manage multiple projects without the clutter of too many open windows. Use this feature to set up desktops for different activities. For example, you might have one desktop for work, another for personal tasks, and a third for creative projects.

You can create a virtual desktop by opening Task View and clicking New surface at the bottom of the screen. You can then smoothly switch between surfaces by holding Windows Key + Ctrl + Left/Right Arrow on your keyboard.

You can also name each virtual desktop by right-clicking on it and selecting Rename. After renaming, Windows remembers the desktop, its name and background image. This allows you to have pre-prepared virtual desktops even after restarting the computer.

4 Windows clipboard history

When working on multiple projects, you often need to copy and paste content from different sources. However, just copy and paste only allows you to copy and paste text one at a time. This is a problem when you have to copy multiple texts from different sources.

Windows Clipboard History simplifies this process by saving the most recently copied items. Unlike the traditional clipboard, which only stores the last copied item, clipboard history allows access to past entries.

You can also pin items that you use frequently so that they remain available even after restarting your computer.

To use Windows clipboard history, copy the various blocks of text you need from your source. After copying, go to the text editor and hold Windows key + V on your keyboard. A small window will open where you can access the recently copied text. You can then go through your clipboard history and copy and paste all the text, images and links into your editor.

5 Windows Quick Notes

Windows Sticky Notes brings the age-old concept of sticky notes right to your desktop, helping you keep sticky notes and reminders close at hand. Although seemingly simple, you can actually use Windows Sticky Notes as a great productivity tool.

Whether it’s a to-do list, meeting notes, or even brainstorming, Sticky Notes lets you jot things down quickly without opening a separate document.

Quick Notes appear as small, floating windows on your desktop. You can customize the color, size, position of each note, and even the sticky notes at the top of any window. You can also sync them with your Microsoft account and access your notes on multiple devices, so you’re never without important reminders.

6 Focus Assist

Constant notifications can disrupt your concentration during critical tasks. Use Windows Focus Assist to control which notifications you receive and when.

You can access it by clicking the notification area on the right side of the taskbar and selecting Focus Assist. Then you can set the time and click Concentrate to start Focus Assist.

For advanced notification settings, right-click on the notification and data area of ​​the taskbar and select Notification settings.

Just set the priority in the notification settings to allow specific apps and contacts to bypass focus. This will ensure that you don’t miss important notifications. You can also set Focus to automatically disable notifications at certain times and dates, while playing games or using an app in full-screen mode.

7 Pinned and grouped Start menu apps

If you have a lot of apps installed and you really need organization, you can simplify access to your most used programs by using pinned and grouped apps in the Windows Start menu. By pinning essential apps and organizing them into groups, you can create a customized Start menu that’s tailored to your daily workflow.

To pin apps, open Start right click on the application and select Pin to Start. You can then drag and drop the icons to arrange them. Grouping related apps, such as all work apps in one section and personal apps in another, makes navigation easier.

8 PowerToys

If you’re looking for even more advanced Windows multitasking tools, you might want to install Microsoft Power Toys. This productivity suite isn’t included with Windows like the other options I’ve highlighted here, but it’s worth downloading if you want to multitask more efficiently.

PowerToys is a set of tools that take productivity to another level. PowerToys includes tools like FancyZones that allow you to customize window snapping and create complex layouts. Workspaces allow you to save and restore multiple app layouts for specific tasks or projects.

You also get access to tools like PowerToys Run, which is a quick application launcher; Color Picker, which can instantly grab colors from any screen element; and Screen Ruler, a virtual ruler that lets you measure screen pixels for precise design and layout adjustments.

For advanced users, PowerToys also offers tools such as Host File Editor, Environmental Variables and Registry Preview for more advanced editing of workflows.

Windows is loaded with features that make multitasking easy. Whether you’re managing projects, juggling tasks, or just trying to stay organized, Windows tools like pin layouts, task views, and clipboard history make it easy to work efficiently.

Each of these features can save time and reduce the effort required to switch between tasks, making Windows an excellent platform for anyone looking to increase productivity.