Four lesser-known Windows features that can help improve productivity, multitasking, and everyday laptop use.
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Take a look at some lesser-known Windows features that can improve productivity and everyday laptop usage.
It explains how to use PowerToys features like Text Extractor, Always On Top, and FancyZones for common tasks.
It also covers Windows Sandbox and Steps Recorder, along with their setup process and practical use cases.
There are several for Windows laptop tips available online, such as Win + V, Snap Layouts, and virtual desktops that are quite useful for users, but most users are already familiar with them.
However, Windows includes several lesser-known features that don't get the same attention despite being far more useful in everyday use. Whether it's extracting text from anywhere on your screen, keeping an important app always on top, creating custom window layouts for multitasking, or restoring the classic Windows 10-style right-click menu, these tools can save time and make your laptop easier to use.
The best part is that you don't need to pay for any of them. Most are already available in Windows, while the rest can be downloaded free from Microsoft.
PowerToys is one of its most useful tools is Text Extractor, which allows users to copy text from almost anything displayed on the screen, including images, PDFs, videos, error messages, and applications where text cannot be selected.
Instead of manually typing the content, users can simply select the required area, and the recognised text is automatically copied to the clipboard.
How to use it:
Install Microsoft PowerToys from the Microsoft Store or GitHub.
Open PowerToys Settings and enable Text Extractor.
Press Windows + Shift + T.
Drag the cursor over the text that needs to be copied.
Paste the copied text anywhere using Ctrl + V.
Best for: This feature can be particularly useful for users who regularly work with screenshots, scanned documents, images, or videos containing text.
Windows does not offer an inbuilt option to keep an application window above all other open windows. However, Microsoft PowerToys includes an Always On Top feature that allows users to pin any window so it remains visible until it is manually unpinned.
The feature can be useful while referring to notes, using a calculator, attending a video meeting, or viewing a reference document while working across multiple applications.
How to use it:
Install Microsoft PowerToys if it is not already available.
Open PowerToys Settings and enable Always On Top.
Select the window that needs to remain visible.
Press Windows + Ctrl + T.
A coloured border will appear around the selected window, indicating that it has been pinned. Press the same keyboard shortcut again to unpin the window whenever required.
Best for: The feature can make multitasking more convenient, especially for users who frequently work with multiple applications simultaneously.
Windows includes Snap Layouts for multitasking, but users looking for better control over window placement can use FancyZones, another free utility available in Microsoft PowerToys. It allows users to create custom window layouts based on their workflow instead of relying on the default layouts available in Windows.
With this, users can create multiple layouts, such as three vertical columns, a large primary window with smaller windows alongside it, or any other arrangement that suits their requirements. The feature also supports different layouts for multiple monitors.
How to use it:
Open PowerToys Settings and enable FancyZones.
Click Launch Layout Editor.
Create a new layout or customise an existing one by adjusting the number of zones, spacing, and arrangement.
Once the layout is ready, hold the Shift key while dragging a window and drop it into the preferred zone.
Best for: FancyZones can be useful for users who regularly work with multiple applications at the same time and prefer a customised multitasking layout.
Windows Sandbox is an inbuilt Windows feature that provides a temporary desktop environment for testing applications and files without affecting the main operating system. Since it runs in isolation, any changes made inside the Sandbox remain confined to that environment.
Users can use Windows Sandbox to open unknown applications, test software, or access files without making permanent changes to the primary Windows installation. Once the Sandbox window is closed, all data created inside it is automatically deleted.
How to enable it:
Search for Turn Windows features on or off.
Enable Windows Sandbox.
Click OK and restart the laptop if prompted.
After restarting, search for Windows Sandbox from the Start menu to launch it. The feature is currently available on Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions.
Best for: Windows Sandbox can be useful for users who occasionally need to test applications or files in an isolated environment, without installing third-party virtual machine software.
How can users copy text from an image, PDF, or screenshot on a Windows laptop?
Users can copy text from images, PDFs, screenshots, videos, and other on-screen content using Text Extractor in Microsoft PowerToys. After enabling the feature, press Windows + Shift + T, select the text, and paste it anywhere using Ctrl + V.
How can users keep an application window always on top in Windows 11?
Windows 11 users can keep any application window above all other open windows by enabling the Always On Top feature in Microsoft PowerToys. Once enabled, select the required window and press Windows + Ctrl + T to pin or unpin it.
What is Microsoft PowerToys, and which Windows features does it add?
Microsoft PowerToys is a free utility Windows productivity features. It includes tools such as Text Extractor, Always On Top, and FancyZones, helping users improve multitasking and everyday workflow.
What is Windows Sandbox, and who should use it?
Windows Sandbox is an inbuilt Windows feature that creates a temporary, isolated desktop environment for testing applications and files without affecting the main operating system. It is suitable for users who want to test software or open unknown files safely.
How can users create custom window layouts on a Windows laptop?
Users can create custom window layouts with FancyZones, a feature included in Microsoft PowerToys. It allows applications to be arranged in personalised layouts, making multitasking more organised than the default Windows Snap Layouts.
Explore these Windows features one by one and enable the ones that best match your workflow. They can help improve multitasking, simplify everyday tasks, and make better use of your Windows laptop.
If you are looking for more Windows and laptop tips, you can check out our guides on 5 Windows Security Settings You Should Turn Off on Laptop, Best Free Antivirus & Security Settings for Laptop Users, Best Free Tools to Check Laptop Battery Health, How to Extend Laptop Lifespan by 2 to 3 Years, and more.
Additionally, you can also read our guides on choosing the right laptop bag and cleaning and maintaining your laptop bag. Along with that, there are easy to understand guides on when to repair or replace a laptop, how to extend your laptop's lifespan, set up a new laptop correctly, and improve your device's security with free antivirus tools and essential security tips.
And if you're thinking about replacing your current device, don't miss our picks for the ARM Copilot+ PC vs Ryzen AI PC, best convertible, business, gaming, creator, and travel-friendly laptops, along with our MacBook Air vs Windows ultrabooks comparison.
Disclaimer: Feature availability may vary depending on the Windows version, edition, and Microsoft PowerToys version installed on the laptop. Some features may require additional setup or administrative permissions.
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