Preview builds and leaks of the Windows 11 OS are around for a short time. While the OS remains in active development, it’s clear already that it’ll include several changes and new features compared to Windows 10.
The next version of Windows features a redesigned centered start menu, Windows widgets, which look almost like Windows 10’s news and interests feature, new snap functionality for windows, an improved Microsoft Store, the choice to put in Android apps from Amazon’s App Store (and sideload others), and any smaller changes like the display of your time it takes to use an update.
Microsoft has added three new keyboard shortcuts to its Windows 11 OS so far. Several of those activate new features, others existing functionality to form it more accessible.
Keyboard shortcuts might not be employed by all users, especially if they do not highlight them to the user. However, those who use them may prefer them due to the faster execution time or the ability to stay all ten fingers on the keyboard.
The following keyboard shortcuts are new in Windows 11 (thus far):
- Windows-W opens the new Windows Widgets menu (the upgraded News and Interests feed that displays weather and news information, among other things).
- Windows-Z opens the new Snap layout options of windows. A layout pane is displayed in the top right corner of the active window or application when the shortcut is invoked.
- Windows-N opens the Notification Center of the OS within the usual position on the screen.
Some sites reported that Windows-A is new also. Windows-A opens the fast Settings. This works similarly to clicking on the quantity or network icons within the System Tray area. Quick Settings enable you to quickly toggle features like Bluetooth, Wifi, flight mode, and other features without going into the Settings.
The keyboard shortcut isn’t new because it is supported on Windows 10, but it displays notifications and quick settings when used. In Windows 11, Windows-A will display the fast Settings only, while Windows-N will display the notification center.
Windows-W is that the only shortcut of the three that’s used on Windows 10 also. It powers the Windows Ink workspace on Windows 10. However, windows 10 users who use it got to find differently to open the workspace because the shortcut has been remapped to open Windows Widgets.
