I Was Unaware Of My Potential Productivity With Windows 11.

The primary factor that undermines my productive sessions is distraction. It is not the type where an individual enters your room, however. Rather, it is the incessant notifications from applications, emails, and texts that divert your focus from work. Consequently, I began to utilize Windows 11's integrated capabilities to eliminate distractions.

Focus Sessions is a feature within the Windows Clock application that implements the Pomodoro technique, segmenting work into concentrated intervals interspersed with brief pauses. This method provides a definitive endpoint for your cognitive efforts and conditions you to maintain focus.

To begin, click the Start button, enter Clock, and select the application from the search results. Navigate to the Focus sessions tab to specify the duration of each session. The default duration is 30 minutes; however, I prefer to extend it to 60 minutes for more intensive work. You may extend your duration to 240 minutes, incorporating up to 8 breaks throughout.

Upon readiness, select Start focus session. This activates a countdown on your display that monitors your remaining work duration and automatically engages Do Not Disturb, obstructing superfluous notifications to maintain your concentration until your subsequent break.

It is not necessary to access the Clock app to initiate a Focus Session. Press Win + N to access the notification panel, then select Focus at the bottom to initiate a session immediately. This will, by default, initiate a 30-minute focus session followed by a five-minute intermission.

2. Silence Notifications Using Do Not Disturb

The Do Not Disturb feature in Windows 11 is a very beneficial yet frequently underutilized productivity tool. Although you may already utilize it on your phone throughout meetings or at night, it is also proficient at silencing computer notifications and enhancing concentration during work sessions.

Windows 11 features a specific Do Not Disturb setting for immediate access. To activate Do Not Disturb on Windows 11, click the clock on the taskbar or press Win + N to access the notification panel, then select the bell icon in the upper-right corner to enable Do Not Disturb. A brief notification will indicate when Do Not Disturb is enabled.

Upon activation, Windows ceases to display pop-up notifications to facilitate concentration. You will not overlook any significant information, as all notifications are archived in the notification panel for your review at your convenience.

Priority notifications can be customized to permit alerts from designated applications, calls, or reminders, even while Do Not Disturb is activated. To configure this, navigate to Start > Settings > System > Notifications and select Set priority notifications. Select "Add apps" to designate which applications are permitted to bypass the quiet, including calls and reminders from essential communication applications.

One drawback is that Windows does not permit the establishment of an automated end time for Do Not Disturb, necessitating manual deactivation. You can configure Do Not Disturb to activate automatically during designated periods, such as work hours, eliminating the need for daily manual activation and deactivation.

1. Enhance Power Configurations for Performance or Battery Longevity

Productivity diminishes when your laptop has a slowdown or depletes its battery during a task. This is a consideration frequently overlooked, hence it is essential to select an appropriate power plan according to your location and work habits.

Windows 11 provides three integrated power modes: Best Performance, Balanced, and Best Power Efficiency. By default, it employs a Balanced mode to provide sufficient power while minimizing energy use. Contrary to common perception, the Balanced mode is, in fact, quite dynamic. It autonomously calibrates your computer's performance according to your activities. It can enhance your CPU performance during intensive tasks and conserve energy during less demanding activities.

However, if you want to operate without access to a charger, it is prudent to activate Best Power Efficiency to optimize battery longevity. To modify the power mode, navigate to Settings > System > Power & battery, and then pick Best Power Efficiency from the Power mode drop-down menu under On battery.

Additionally, remember to utilize Energy Saver during low-battery situations. To activate it, click the network, volume, and battery icons on the taskbar, then turn Energy Saver on or off in the Quick Settings panel (scroll if necessary).

The straightforward features in Windows 11 have significantly enhanced my job efficiency. When you maintain concentration throughout work hours, you complete tasks more swiftly and allocate additional time for essential activities: engaging with family, attending to your health, or simply unwinding without the burden of unresolved responsibilities.