Windows 11 is an improvement over Windows 10, but by default, you won’t find the desktop good for productivity. So, to improve its efficiency, I use alternatives to default desktop settings, use customization utilities, and disable annoyances that hinder my workflow. The crucial things that matter most are file management, accessing apps, and utilities that boost my efficiency. I have learned quite a few things about making the best productivity-focused desktop environment possible.
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File management matters
Use a dual-pane File Explorer alternative
File Explorer is the default file manager on Windows 11. It has been improved with the tabs feature that helps with management. However, it could be better, and I’ve outgrown it. I use the dual-pane Explorer alternative called XYplorer, which helps me manage my files more efficiently. It provides a dual-pane view to move files between locations and has tabs and other features that make it a pleasure to use. It doesn’t take over the existing explorer but provides a supplemental method of moving files. It’s also a free and open-source tool that allows for more productivity.
Other File Explorer alternatives include File Pilot, the utility simply called Files, and Total Commander, which is also a dual-pane alternative. Regardless of the one you choose, be aware that there are free alternatives out there that will allow for easier file management.
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Since the Start menu is centered on Windows 11, one of the first things I do is move it to the left. As a long-time Windows user, I have muscle memory to move my pointer to the left. However, on larger monitors (25” or more), I am getting used to the centered Start menu. Still, I work on a smaller screen more often. But that’s not all. The menu’s appearance and functionality could be better. Customizing its look and feel can help with productivity and make it more efficient for searching and finding items. Luckily, there are customization apps like StartAllBack, Start11, and Windhawk that can improve both.
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Pin apps to the taskbar
Frequently used apps must be easily accessible
While having a better Start menu layout improves my productivity, it’s not as convenient for opening the apps I need most. Also, when app icons are on the desktop, they are often covered by windows that you are working in. Right-click the apps you use the most and pin them to the taskbar for efficient access. In addition to opening apps quickly, the taskbar has the advantage of jump lists. For instance, I can right-click Word, see my recently created documents, and open them. While I’m at it, I remove icons I don’t need, so I can pin other apps as I need them.
I disable the News widget so it’s not in my way
The News & Interests widget is the most annoying thing Microsoft has ever added to Windows. It’s the button on the left-hand side of the taskbar. By default, when you hover over the icon, it displays a massive Widgets panel, which shows news, weather, and other information from MSN. While you can stop the display on hover setting, I find it annoying in general and puts a damper on my workflow. I just disabled it so it isn’t in my way.
You can turn it off by heading to Settings -> Personalization-> Taskbar items and toggling the Widget switch. It also turns off other widgets, but I have no use for any of them, so I’m cool with that.
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Remove Copilot
I don’t need it because it’s no good
If you want to use AI to obtain information or generate images, there are many better choices than Microsoft’s AI attempt. Another problem is that the company is integrating it into many default apps, such as Notepad, Mail, Office, and Microsoft Edge. When I set up a new PC, I completely removed Copilot from all the apps it’s crept into on my Windows 11 PC. I also disable Copilot on Windows from the system, so it’s out of my way. You can make the case that Copilot is helpful in Excel for complex spreadsheets, but I still get it out.
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Desktop mods and customizations
Improve the appearance and efficiency of your system
Windows 11 includes basic personalization and customization options, but they are limited. So, instead, I started looking for something that would customize the desktop to be more efficient and improve my workflow. I added the Windows 25 mod with some of my own customization settings, and am happy with it for now.
This mod took some time and required changing system files and installing customization software like StartAllBack and Windhawk. These two customization apps can work independently to create a more beautiful and efficient system. That’s similar to what other software like Rainmeter can do to customize your desktop to improve efficiency.
The cool thing about mods and other desktop and system modifications is that you can always change them at will. If needed, I create a restore point to return to my previous mod or the original setup. Other customization tools, like PowerToys’ FancyZones, can improve desktop functionality to make it more efficient. Stardock has many tools, like Fences to boost productivity, ObjectDock, and Multiplicity, for creating desktop and system notifications.
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Install PowerToys
I wish this utility were installed by default since it has over 20 tools to improve desktop productivity. There is so much available directly from your desktop. In addition to the FancyZones utility referenced earlier, it includes much more. There are many PowerToys that can improve productivity. For instance, the PowerToys Run utility is a productivity booster because it allows you to do many things from its runline without opening apps like Calculator, settings search, browsers, or the Registry Editor. Other notable apps include PowerRename, Image Resizer, and Mouse Without Boarders, all of which improve productivity.
Configuring your desktop for ultimate productivity
There are a ton of ways to improve your Windows desktop productivity. Customizing it for file management or moving items around for easier access can make things more efficient. Even customizing the look and feel can help. A new GUI look can make Windows a pleasure to use. Even if you don’t care about customizing the look and feel of Windows, PowerToys alone is essential when I am creating the best productivity-focused desktop. I wish I had learned its importance years ago.
