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Windows and Mac have hidden features that are available to everyone

Olena RasenkoNews
Software update brings more than expected benefits

If you've been thinking about upgrading to MacOS Monterey or Windows 11, now's the time to try it. However, before you upgrade your hardware, make sure you have enough space for it.

According to Foxnews, updates don't just bring new features. They also protect your machine from security issues.

Once your device is updated, there are a few new tricks you can try.

Windows: The "Start" button

After updating your operating system, move the Start button to the left. The thing is, Windows 11 has the Start button in the center of the taskbar, which can be confusing if you've been using Windows for years. Moving it back to the left is easy:

  • Press Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
  • Select Personalization and Taskbar.
  • Select Taskbar behavior, then click Left in the Taskbar alignment section.

Mac: Copy and paste text from a photo

This feature is really useful. Let's say you have a picture with an email address. You can add it to your contact list, send an email, or even use FaceTime. This trick also works for website addresses in images.

To try the feature, open an image with text in the Viewer on your Mac.

Move your mouse over the text. Then drag it to highlight the words. You can then copy, translate, search the web, or share the text.

Windows: Quick settings

Windows 11's Notification Center includes Quick Settings that provide easy access to frequently used settings and apps. You can add or remove Quick Settings to your liking:

  • Press Win + A to open the Quick Settings.
  • Select Edit Quick Settings.
  • Click the Add button to add a quick setting, or click the pin icon on the quick setting you want to remove.
  • Confirm your changes by clicking Done.

Mac: Focus on what matters most

Constant notifications can be distracting when you're trying to get something done. With the new Mac Focus feature, you can choose which notifications are important and which can wait.

To turn it on, click the Control Center icon in the menu bar. It looks like two small parallel bars.

Click Focus and select Do Not Disturb for the desired time period.

You can also customize the settings by clicking Focus Settings. Here you can automatically turn on Focus mode at certain times and allow notifications from apps and people of your choice.

Windows: Get more organized

Do you usually have multiple windows open while working? Snap layouts are a great way to stay organized and increase productivity. Move open apps to different locations on your screen until you find the layout that works for you.

To use a snap layout, hover over the window's maximize button or press Win+Z and then select Snap Layout.

These aren't the only shortcuts new to Windows 11. Here are some other useful options:

Win + A opens Quick Settings

Win + N opens Notification Center

Win + Z opens Widget Panel

Win + C opens Microsoft Teams

Mac: Try Quick Notes

If you're using iPadOS 15, you're probably familiar with Quick Notes. It allows you to take notes no matter what you're doing. All you have to do is move your cursor to the bottom right corner of the screen. Click on the pop-up window to get started.

Here you can write down an idea, insert a link, or save a photo. You can even add tags to make them easy to find later.

All of your quick notes are stored in a special section in the large Notes app, which you can access on all of your Apple devices. You can also add mentions and view previous actions.

Windows: An easy way to get started with voice input

Voice typing lets you enter text on your PC. This saves time if you have thoughts that you need to put down on paper.

Press the Windows key + H on your keyboard to start voice input.

Say "stop listening" or click the microphone button in the voice input menu to stop voice input.

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