Welcome to My Geek Notes, where I explore Windows 11 features that can help you feel more confident and in control of your computing experience. As a computer tech, I've been uncovering tools that boost productivity and make your daily tasks easier and more enjoyable.

Whether you're aiming to streamline your workflows or want to feel more accomplished in your tasks, Windows 11 offers tools that can help. Join me as I share tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your Windows 11 experience and feel more efficient every day!

Use your mouse wheel to adjust volume

One of the simplest yet most useful features of Windows 11 is the ability to adjust volume from the taskbar quickly. Hovering your cursor over the speaker icon and scrolling the mouse wheel instantly changes the volume, which is especially helpful during media playback or video calls and helps you stay focused on your tasks without navigating menus.

This feature is especially beneficial during video conferences or while consuming media since it provides immediate access to volume control. The quick adjustment means you can focus on your work rather than getting bogged down by cumbersome settings.

To adjust the volume with the mouse scroll wheel:

Place your cursor over the speaker icon next to the clock on the right side of the Taskbar and scroll the wheel up or down to increase or decrease the volume.

Clipboard History

Windows 11's enhanced Clipboard feature lets you access recently copied items with a simple keyboard shortcut, saving time when working with multiple snippets. This makes pasting and reusing content faster, especially when editing documents or transferring data between apps, boosting your efficiency.

This time-saving feature is handy when working on documents that require extensive text modifications or when transferring data between multiple applications. The ability to store numerous items on the clipboard means less time spent navigating back and forth when referencing previous excerpts, boosting overall efficiency.

To access the Clipboard History:

Press the Windows logo key + V.

Snap Layouts

Multitasking is vital in today’s fast-paced work, and Windows 11's Snap Layouts make organizing open applications easier. Hovering over the maximize button reveals layout options that let you arrange windows side by side or in grids, helping you manage multiple tasks more efficiently.

For example, you can choose to have two windows side by side or create a grid of four applications in your desktop environment. This intuitive approach to window management allows users to monitor emails while drafting reports or maintain focus on a video call while researching online. With Snap Layouts, juggling multiple tasks becomes effortless.

To access Snap Layouts:

You can either hover your cursor over the maximize button on any program or press the Windows logo key + Z.

Quick Settings panel

The Quick Settings panel is designed to help you feel better prepared and more confident in managing your device. By clicking the network, volume, or battery icons, you can quickly access essential settings, helping you stay in control of your workspace effortlessly.

The consolidated menu means you can tweak common settings with just two clicks, eliminating the need to delve deep into the settings menu. Coupled with its customizable options, Quick Settings empowers users to tailor their workspace according to their preferences, thus creating a more personalized and efficient working environment.

To access the Quick Settings panel:

Press the Windows logo key + A.

System-wide spell checking

For anyone who frequently composes emails or documents, the new system-wide spell-checking feature in Windows 11 is a powerful tool. Even if the application you’re using doesn’t have built-in spell check capabilities, Windows 11 can automatically highlight spelling errors across most text fields.

This ensures that your communications are polished and professional, regardless of the platform or software you are utilizing. As a productivity booster, this feature minimizes the risk of making simple spelling errors that could detract from the quality of your work. It allows you to focus on your message rather than getting distracted by typos, enhancing the flow and clarity of your written communication.

To access the spell-checking capabilities:

1. Left-click on the Start button to bring up the Start menu.
2. In the list of pinned apps on the Start menu, left-click on Settings (gear icon).
3. In the left-hand column, left-click on Time & language.
4. In the right-hand column, left-click on Typing.

Here you can enable highlighting and autocorrecting misspelled words. You can also enable text suggestions when you are using a physical keyboard. Helpful if you write a lot in browsers or chat apps.

As we wrap up this edition of My Geek Notes, it's clear that the little features can make a big difference in our daily computing experience. By mastering functionalities like adjusting volume with your mouse wheel, harnessing the power of Clipboard History, utilizing Snap Layouts for multitasking, accessing Quick Settings for efficiency, and enabling system-wide spell checking for flawless writing, you can enhance productivity and simplify your workflow. We hope these tips empower you to navigate your tech environment with greater ease and confidence. Stay tuned for more insights in our next installments, where we'll continue to explore the tools and tricks that make technology work for you.

In today's digital world, email has become one of the primary methods of communication, both for personal interactions and business transactions. With the volume of emails that an average person receives daily, managing them can often feel overwhelming. This is where Mailwasher Pro 8 comes into play, a powerful tool designed to help users regain control over their inboxes.

Mailwasher Pro 8 is email management software that lets users preview and interact with their emails before they reach their primary inbox. This means you can screen your email, delete unwanted messages, and protect yourself against spam and phishing attacks without downloading them to your email client. The user-friendly interface of Mailwasher Pro makes it accessible for everyone, from casual users to those who rely heavily on their email for work.

On a personal note, I have been using Mailwasher Pro for over twenty years, and I am delighted with it. With over a dozen active email addresses, maintaining them without Mailwasher Pro would be extremely hard. The one thing you have to remember is that Mailwasher Pro is not an email client; it is only meant to manage your email before you download it into your email program, like Microsoft Outlook or Mozilla Thunderbird.

Key features of Mailwasher Pro 8

1. Email previewing: One of the standout features of Mailwasher Pro 8 is its ability to preview emails. This feature lets you see the subject line, sender, and email content, giving you insight into which emails to keep and which to discard. You can also quickly switch between viewing mail in plain text, HTML with or without images, and just the source code. You can quickly delete spam or harmful emails before they clutter your inbox.
2. Spam and Phishing protection: The software integrates advanced spam-detection algorithms to identify and filter unwanted emails. Mailwasher Pro connects to a database of known spam senders to help keep your inbox clean. Additionally, it provides warnings for potential phishing attacks, ensuring your sensitive information remains safe. And if you have your antivirus program actively monitoring Mailwasher Pro, it can also protect you from malicious emails.
3. Customization options: Mailwasher Pro 8 lets users customize their settings to suit their preferences. You can set rules to automatically filter emails from specific addresses, or create blacklists and friend lists to manage your contacts effectively. This level of customization empowers users to create an email management system that works for them.
4. Multiple account management: Many individuals and organizations juggle numerous email accounts. Mailwasher Pro 8 simplifies this process by allowing you to manage all your email accounts from a single interface. You can switch between accounts seamlessly, making it easier to keep track of conversations across platforms such as Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, AOL, Hotmail, and more.
5. User-friendly interface: Mailwasher Pro's layout is intuitive and aesthetically pleasing. The simple dashboard provides a quick overview of your emails, allowing you to act on them swiftly. Whether you are a tech-savvy user or someone who prefers a straightforward approach, Mailwasher Pro caters to all levels of expertise.
6. Integration with email clients: Mailwasher Pro 8 easily integrates with popular email clients such as Microsoft Outlook, Mozilla Thunderbird, and others. This feature adds another layer of convenience, as you can filter your emails in Mailwasher Pro before they reach your email application.

Benefits of using Mailwasher Pro 8

• Time-Saving: Inboxes can quickly fill up with promotional emails, newsletters, and spam, making it challenging to find important messages. Mailwasher Pro saves you time by letting you delete unwanted emails before they reach your inbox, helping you focus on what matters most.
• Enhanced Security: With the rise of cyber threats, having an effective means to screen emails is crucial. Mailwasher Pro 8's robust spam and phishing protection features provide an essential layer of security, giving you peace of mind when clicking on emails from unknown sources.
• Stress Reduction: An overflowing inbox can lead to stress and anxiety. By effectively managing your emails with Mailwasher Pro, you can maintain a cleaner inbox, resulting in a more organized and less stressful email experience.
• Improved Productivity: By spending less time sifting through unwanted emails, you can boost your productivity. Mailwasher Pro lets you prioritize important emails and respond promptly, improving your time management and task effectiveness.

Mailwasher Pro 8 is an excellent solution for anyone looking to take control of their email. Whether you receive hundreds of emails daily or want a more organized inbox, this software can enhance your email management experience. Its features make it particularly suitable for professionals who rely on email for communication and for individuals who wish to reduce digital clutter.

Mailwasher also comes in a free version, but is limited to one (1) email address, has no recycle bin, a limited preview pane, and no technical support. For more information on Mailwasher Pro or Mailwasher Free, follow the links below.

Mailwasher Pro

Mailwasher Free

Switching between languages on your computer can be extremely beneficial, particularly for bilingual individuals, travelers, and anyone who wants to expand their language skills. Adding and switching languages in Windows 11 is straightforward. Here is how to add a second language in Windows 11.

Windows 11 offers an easy way to manage multiple languages, making it simple to add and switch between different languages. To add or manage language settings, open the Language & region section in the Settings app.

Open Language & region in Settings

1. Left-click on the Start button to bring up the Start menu.
2. In the list of pinned apps on the Start menu, left-click on Settings (gear icon).
3. In the left-hand column, left-click on Time & language.
4. In the right-hand column, left-click on Language & region.

This section allows you to view your current language settings and make adjustments as needed. Here, you’ll see your primary language listed, along with options to manage languages for menus, apps, and websites.

Add a second language

To add a second language, locate the Preferred languages section and click on the Add a language button. A new window will open, showing a list of available languages for installation. You can either scroll through the list or use the search bar at the top to find the specific language you want to add.

Select and install your language

Once you’ve found the desired language, click on it, and then click the Next button. You might see a list of optional language features such as language packs, text-to-speech, enhanced speech recognition, and handwriting. Select any additional features you wish to install alongside your new language.

On the Install language features window, make sure the box is checked in front of Language pack if you want the full language experience, including translated menus and settings.

After selecting the desired options, click Install. Windows 11 will begin downloading and installing the language pack, which may take a few moments depending on the package size and your internet connection speed.

Set your language preferences

Once the installation completes, the new language will appear in your Preferred languages list. If you want to set the second language as your display language, select it from the Windows display language pull-down menu. If you want to change the order of preference, click on the three (3) horizontal dots next to the newly added language and select Move up.

If your second language requires a different keyboard layout, you can set this up easily. In the Language & region settings, click on the three (3) horizontal dots next to the newly added language and select Language options. Under Keyboards, click on Add a keyboard and select the appropriate keyboard layout that corresponds to the language. You can add as many keyboard layouts as needed for the language you’ve chosen.

Switching between languages

After adding your second language, the next step is to familiarize yourself with switching between the languages. Windows 11 allows you to switch between input languages quickly using keyboard shortcuts. You can press the Windows logo key + Spacebar to toggle between your installed languages. Alternatively, if you’ve added multiple keyboard layouts for the same language, you can switch by pressing Alt + Shift.

Also, Windows 11 lets you set specific regional formats for dates, times, and currency that align with your second language. Still within Language & region settings, look for the Regional format section to choose how data is presented based on the language preference.

Adding a second language in Windows 11 is a straightforward process that can significantly enhance your computing experience. Whether it’s for work, travel, or personal enrichment, being able to navigate your computer in multiple languages opens up a world of opportunities. By following the above steps, you can not only broaden your skill set but also enjoy the benefits of multilingual capabilities directly on your device.

Do you use the paid version of Outlook and do not want the new Outlook app on your Windows 11 computer? You are not alone. Plenty of people are getting confused trying to find the correct version of Outlook. In this article, I am going to show you how to temporarily or permanently uninstall the new Outlook in Windows 11.

If you are a Windows 11 user who appreciates the full functionality of the paid version of Outlook, you might have encountered the new free version that Microsoft recently released. While this new version offers some appealing features, it may not meet everyone's needs, especially if you're accustomed to the more robust capabilities of the paid version. Fortunately, you can temporarily or permanently uninstall this new version. This article will guide you through the process, ensuring you can manage your Outlook experience as you see fit.

Before diving into the steps, it’s essential to understand the differences between the paid and free versions of Outlook. The paid version offers a plethora of features not found in the free version, such as enhanced calendaring, advanced email organization tools, and better integration with other Microsoft Office applications. Recognizing this, if the new free version is impacting your productivity or causing confusion, uninstalling it might be the best course of action.

Temporarily uninstall the new Outlook

Microsoft started including the new Outlook app, also known as Outlook for Windows, in Windows 11 23H2, and there is currently no way to block its installation. You can uninstall it, but there is no guarantee it won't get reinstalled in a future update. If you're unsure about permanently removing the new Outlook, consider temporarily uninstalling it. This allows you to re-evaluate whether you want it back without a significant commitment. Here's how to do it:

1. Left-click on the Start button to bring up the Start menu.
2. In the list of pinned apps on the Start menu, left-click on Settings (gear icon).
3. In the left-hand column, left-click on Apps.
4. In the right-hand column, left-click on Installed apps.
5. In the right-hand column, scroll down until you find Outlook (new).
6. Left-click on the three (3) horizontal dots (...) on the right, and select Uninstall.
7. A pop-up window will ask for confirmation. Select Uninstall to proceed.

This process removes the new Outlook version, allowing you to use your paid version without any interference. You can always reinstall the new version later if you change your mind. It is available for download from the Microsoft Store.

Permanently uninstall the new Outlook

The new Outlook is a UWP (Universal Windows Platform) app. The only way to permanently remove it and prevent reinstallation is to uninstall the app package in Windows 11. You will need to use an Administrative PowerShell to do it. You can run PowerShell inside of Windows Terminal (PowerShell is the default command-line tool) or by itself.

To start an Administrative PowerShell via Windows Terminal:

1. Right-click on the Start button to bring up the Power User menu.
2. Left-click on Terminal (Admin). If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

To start an Administrative PowerShell:

1. Left-click on the Start button to bring up the Start menu.
2. In the upper right-hand corner of the Start menu, left-click on All.
3. Scroll down the list of programs and left-click on Windows Tools.
4. Right-click on Windows PowerShell.
5. On the context menu that appears, left-click on Run as administrator. If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

Once you have an Admin PowerShell window open, type or copy and paste the following into the command line, then press Enter.

Remove-AppxProvisionedPackage -AllUsers -Online -PackageName (Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.OutlookForWindows).PackageFullName

After you uninstall the new Outlook, you might want to consider pinning the paid Outlook version to your taskbar for easy access. Managing your software and ensuring that you are using the tools that best suit your needs is crucial, especially when it comes to productivity applications like Outlook. Whether you choose to temporarily or permanently uninstall the new Outlook in Windows 11, the steps provided above will guide you through the process seamlessly.

Have you ever found yourself struggling to juggle multiple applications on your screen? With the split screen feature in Windows 11, you can maximize your workspace and streamline your workflow. Here is how to use the split screen feature in Windows 11.

Windows 11 introduces various features designed to enhance productivity, and one of the standout functionalities is the split screen feature. This feature enables users to multitask effectively by running multiple applications side by side, making it easier to keep track of different tasks without constantly switching between windows. To use this feature efficiently, follow this guide for a step-by-step process.

Understanding split screen

The split screen feature helps users to view and use two or more applications simultaneously. For instance, you could have your email open on one side of the screen while you work on a document or browse the web on the other. This kind of multitasking can significantly boost your efficiency and streamline your workflow.

Getting started with split screen in Windows 11

To begin using the split screen feature, you first need to ensure that your Windows 11 system is set up correctly. Here are the steps to enable and use split screen:

1. Open multiple windows: Start by opening the applications or windows you want to use. For example, you might want to open File Explorer and your web browser.
2. Using Snap Assist: In Windows 11, Microsoft has enhanced the Snap feature, which makes it easier than ever to snap windows into place.
   - Drag and snap: Click and hold the title bar of the first window you want to use, then drag it to the left or right side of your screen. As you do this, you’ll see an outline indicating where the window will snap. Release the mouse button to snap the window into that position.
   - Keyboard shortcut: Select the window you want to snap and press Windows logo key + Left Arrow or Windows logo key + Right Arrow to move the window to the respective side of the screen.
3. Select the second window: Once you have one window snapped into position, the Snap Assist feature will display the other available windows on the opposite side of the screen. Click on the window you would like to use next, and it will snap into place adjacent to your first window.
4. Adjusting the size: You can change the size of the snapped windows by dragging the divider line between them. Move the line to the left or right to make one window larger and the other smaller according to your needs.

Using Snap Layouts

One of the exciting features introduced in Windows 11 is Snap Layouts. This feature provides predefined layouts that allow you to organize your windows into different configurations. Here’s how to use Snap Layouts:

1. Hover over the maximize button: For any open window, hover your cursor over the maximize button (the square icon) at the top right of the window. This action will display a small grid of layout options.
2. Choose your layout: From the grid, you can select how you want to arrange your window. You can choose to fill one half of the screen or even divide it into quarters for up to four windows.
3. Snap other windows: After selecting a layout, you can continue using Snap Assist to fill the remaining spaces with other open windows.

Keyboard shortcuts for efficient multitasking

Using keyboard shortcuts can dramatically improve your efficiency when working with split screens. Here are some useful shortcuts:

• Windows logo key + Left Arrow: Snap the current window to the left half of the screen.
• Windows logo key + Right Arrow: Snap the current window to the right half of the screen.
• Windows logo key + Up Arrow: Maximize the current window.
• Windows logo key + Down Arrow: Minimize or restore the current window.
• Windows logo key + Z: Open the Snap Layouts grid for quick layout options.

Tips for effective use

• Prioritize your applications: Consider the applications you use frequently together and organize your workflow to switch between them as smoothly as possible. For instance, if you're always looking up information while you write, consider keeping your browser and word processor open side by side.
• Use multiple monitors: If you have more than one monitor, you can further enhance your productivity by using split screens across multiple displays. Windows 11 supports multiple monitors, allowing you to extend your workspace.
• Stay organized: Label your windows in an organized manner (especially if you’re working with many at once). This act can help you quickly identify the applications you need without wasting time searching.

The split screen feature in Windows 11 is a powerful tool for enhancing productivity and making multitasking much smoother. By utilizing Snap Assist and Snap Layouts along with keyboard shortcuts, users can easily manage their workflow and keep their desktop organized. Whether you're a student juggling assignments, a professional managing reports, or anyone who uses multiple applications, mastering the split screen feature can streamline your tasks and make your computing experience more efficient.