LAVIE <LAVIE N15> Fall/Winter 2021 model Tips 20 that can immediately use "Windows 11" installed as standard

Fall/Winter 2021 model with Windows 11 installed on the OS

　From NEC Personal Computer, the 2021 fall/winter model of the 15.6-inch standard notebook PC series has appeared. It is a series that follows the spring 2021 model, but one of the points of interest is that it comes standard with the new OS "Windows 11", which has been renewed for the first time in about six years since Windows 10. While maintaining the high specs of the previous model, it is a perfect model for those who want to get a stable unit that can use the latest OS immediately and use it for a long time.

However, since it's been a long time since the OS version has been updated, there may be people who are confused about how to use it and are worried that it will affect their work. So, this time, let's introduce 20 Windows 11 tips that you can use as soon as you buy .

　The test machine this time is the top model of the series . AMD Ryzen™ 7 5800U mobile processor is used as the CPU, and it is equipped with a 15.6-inch wide Super Shine View LED IPS liquid crystal capable of full HD display, 16GB of memory, and about 1TB of SSD (PCIe) for storage. . Other main specifications are as follows.

The spacious screen comes to life Tips

　Windows 11 has functions for extending the screen and displaying windows efficiently. On the other hand, uses a 15.6-inch large screen display, which is very compatible with Windows 11, which allows you to freely manipulate information on the screen. Without further ado, let me introduce seven tips for making full use of the convenient functions that come with the large screen.

Tips 1: Always display the latest information on the desktop Tips 2: Customize widget information to your liking Tips 3: List multiple windows neatly More convenient Tips 5: Display the taskbar on the sub-display Tips 6: Align the taskbar icons to the left from the center Tips 7: Start virtual desktops for different purposes

●Tips 1: Always display the latest information on the desktop

On Windows 11, the "widget" icon is now displayed on the taskbar by default. With a function similar to Windows 10's "News and Interests", when you start it, the weather and news that the user is interested in are displayed, allowing you to quickly input the latest information. The 15.6-inch screen is wide, so information is easy to read, and there will be more opportunities to open it.

When you click "Widgets" on the taskbar, a window will appear on the left side with information such as weather and the latest news.

Personal information such as calendars and TODOs can also be arranged in widgets.

One of the widgets, "TODO", is a function that allows you to easily write down what you need to do and create a checklist.

●Tips 2: Customize widget information to your liking

　The widget is also useful in that it learns the user's preferences and displays the most suitable information for them. It is also possible to manually select a topic of interest, such as "Entertainment" or "Sports," and display related information. You can quickly access your favorite information, so let's set it up if you're interested.

Start Edge by clicking "Personalize Interests" from the person icon in the upper right corner of the widget

If you select a topic that interests you, such as "Sports" or "Science," related information will be displayed on the widget.

It is also possible to directly select an article to increase or decrease similar information.

●Tips 3: List multiple windows neatly

　The "snap" function that allows you to arrange windows neatly according to the display has also become more convenient in Windows 11. With multiple windows open, move the mouse cursor over the "Maximize" button of the app to display a list of snap layout formats. If you choose the layout format you like, the windows will be rearranged automatically, making it easy to work with multiple screens open at the same time, such as planning a trip while looking at a map or updating documents while displaying a browser. .

Move the mouse cursor to "maximize" displayed in the upper right of the window to display the layout.

If you select the layout format you want to display, it will automatically expand to the full width of the selected layout and rearrange the windows.

If you select a layout format with the snap function, it is also convenient to be able to see a list of currently open windows.

By using the snap function, you can feel the benefits of 's wide 15.6-inch display more. With such a display size, there is a large amount of information that can be viewed even if the window is split, making it easy to work. When using it at home, you can connect an external display, but this size is also convenient when you carry it outside and use it alone.

●Tips 4: Use the external display to make the snap function more convenient

　Of course, if you use an external display, the screen will be wider and more comfortable. The snap function works the same on the extended screen. By displaying the information to be referenced on the external display in an orderly manner and performing the main work on the , it is efficient and saves the trouble of switching screens each time it is referenced.

The snap function can also be used with windows extended on an external display (lower half is , upper half is the sub-screen of the external display)

If you collect the necessary information on the sub-display and use the snap function, you can concentrate on the main work on the screen

●Tips 5: Display the taskbar on the sub-display

On Windows 11, the taskbar can also be displayed on the extended display sub-display. It is convenient to smoothly open windows such as browsers and explorers without having to move the mouse cursor to the main screen each time. Go to Settings -> Personalization -> Taskbar and check "Show taskbar on all displays".

If you display the taskbar on the full screen, when you want to open a window on the sub-display, you can save the trouble of opening it on the main display and then moving the window (lower half of the , upper half of the external display sub screen)

●Tips 6: Align the icons on the taskbar to the left from the center

　The first thing that catches your eye after starting Windows 11 is the layout position of the taskbar. In Windows 10, the Start menu that was displayed at the bottom left of the screen has moved to near the center. The search window also has only a magnifying glass icon, and the other icons are all located in the center of the taskbar. If you've been using Windows 10 for many years, it may take some getting used to, but you can change it back to the original left alignment. If you feel uncomfortable, change the settings.

As with Tips 10, if you open the "Settings" app, go to "Personalization" → "Taskbar", and set "Taskbar Alignment" to "Left Align", the layout becomes familiar with Windows 10.

●Tips 7: Launch and use virtual desktops for different purposes

　Virtual desktop is a function that has become more convenient with the advent of Windows 11. You can launch multiple desktops and display windows for different purposes. Actually, it could be used on Windows 10, but the convenience has improved and it has become easier to use.

You can add new desktops or switch between them by clicking the Task View icon that appears by default in the taskbar.

　When the virtual desktop is easy to use, multitasking will greatly improve. By launching a desktop for each work project or task and grouping related windows together, it becomes less complicated and easier to manage.

In a multitasking work environment, the high performance of equipped with AMD Ryzen™ 7 5800U mobile processor with 8 cores and 16 threads is very useful. You can comfortably work while switching between multiple windows. Furthermore, since the memory is also 16GB, it does not become heavy even if many windows are launched. While launching the online meeting application, you can also do the work of sharing and updating materials with plenty of time.

The operation is light even if you launch multiple desktops and windows

A collection of shortcuts that can be used with the N15 keyboard, which is easy to press.

The keyboard of the standard notebook PC is also easy to type. The key pitch is 19mm and there is plenty of room, and the key stroke is 1.7mm. The feeling of type remains firmly, and it feels good to hit. Please remember the shortcut keys so that you can work more comfortably. If you are not used to using it, it may take time at first, but once you learn it, your work efficiency will definitely increase.

Key pitch is 19mm. With a numeric keypad, it is nice for people who have many opportunities to enter numbers in Excel etc.

Keystroke is 1.7mm. You can type comfortably with a strong feeling of pushing

The keyboard rises when the display is opened, making it easy to type with an angle on the wrist

Tips 8: Quickly open Explorer (Windows + E) Tips 9: Quickly switch between many open windows (Alt + Tab) Tips 10: List multiple open tabs and virtual desktops (Windows + Tab) Tips 11 : Paste from copy history (Windows key + V) Tips 12: Record the screen (Windows key + G) Tips 13: Create screenshots (Windows key + PrtSc)

●Tips 8: Quickly open Explorer (Windows + E)

You can launch Explorer by pressing the "E" key together with the "Windows" key. It is convenient for people who often open multiple Explorers to move files or browse files while switching between them. If you don't use shortcuts, when you open the first explorer, you just need to click the icon on the taskbar, but when you open the second one, you have to right-click and select explorer. .

Press Windows key + E to open explorer

●Tips 9: Quickly switch between many open windows (Alt+Tab)

When you press the "Tab" key together with the "Alt" key, the open windows are displayed in a list. Furthermore, by pressing the "Tab" key, you can select the window to be displayed in front and switch quickly. This is useful when multiple windows appear on the desktop and overlap.

"Alt" key + "Tab" key allows you to list windows and switch quickly

●Tips 10: List multiple open tabs and virtual desktops (Windows + Tab)

By pressing the "Tab" key together with the "Windows" key, you can list the virtual desktops along with the currently open windows. You can also switch between windows and desktops by clicking on them. As mentioned above, Windows 11 has made virtual desktops and snap functions more convenient. People who often operate across multiple desktops will have many opportunities to use it.

Windows key + Tab key shows open windows and virtual desktops, click to switch between them

●Tips 11: Paste from copy history (Windows + V)

By pressing the "Tab" key together with the "Windows" key, you can list and paste the history that has been copied so far. This is a feature that people who repeatedly paste information that they have copied in the past should remember.

Press the "Windows" key + "Tab" key to display the clipboard containing the information copied in the past.

When I clicked "Settings", it was pasted into the search window of the start menu and the results were displayed.

●Tips 12: Record the screen (Windows key + G)

If you press the "G" key together with the "Windows" key, the screen capture function will be displayed and you can record the displayed screen. This is a convenient function when you want to create a video production or create a screen operation manual.

Press the "Windows" key + "G" key to bring up the recording menu. Press the "Start Recording" button to start recording

The recorded video is saved in Explorer's "PC" → "Video" → "Capture" folder.

●Tips 13: Create a screenshot (Windows key + PrtSc)

Let's remember the screenshot function along with the recording function. There are multiple ways to take screenshots. You can take a screenshot of the entire display by pressing the "PrtSc" key together with the "Windows" key. Press Ctrl + Alt + PrtSc at the same time to take a single shot of the selected window. Let's use properly according to the purpose.

"Windows" key + "PrtSc" key allows you to capture the entire display. The captured file is saved in "PC" → "Pictures" → "Screenshots"

With the , voice calls are easy to hear!

With Windows 11, a new Teams-based "Chat" function has been released, making it possible to smoothly conduct chats and online meetings. If you have more opportunities to chat or hold online meetings due to the corona crisis, this is a feature you should definitely keep in mind.

Tips 14: How to contact the person you want to contact immediately Tip 15: Voice settings that can be adjusted more easily

●Tips 14: How to contact the person you want to contact immediately

　The "Chat" icon is displayed on the Windows 11 taskbar by default. When you click it, a menu of online meetings and chats will be displayed, and you will be happy to communicate smoothly.

From "Chat" displayed on the taskbar, online meetings and chats can be performed smoothly

●Tips 15: Sound settings that can be adjusted more easily

　When holding an online meeting, the "Yamaha AudioEngine™" and "meeting function", which adjusts the sound quality to the optimum according to the content, are equipped with and come in handy. The meeting function" is convenient because you can adjust the settings so that the other party's voice can be heard easily according to the environment and number of people in the meeting. For example, in "Personal" mode, where one person participates, the other person's voice can be heard clearly in front of the computer, and in "Multi-user" mode, where multiple people participate, people sitting next to or opposite the computer can hear the other person's voice clearly. It will be easier for your voice to reach you.

is equipped with Yamaha stereo speakers, and it is possible to set the sound according to the environment and usage scene.

Speaker settings can be changed according to the environment for online meetings. This is not a function of Windows 11, but an original function of the series

You can select the optimal sound settings depending on the content you watch, such as movies and sports broadcasts.

　With Windows 11, it is now possible to change the audio settings more easily than before. Clicking on the volume icon on the far right of the taskbar brings up a quick settings menu where you can easily change network, audio output, and battery settings. In the quick setting menu, you can only change the volume, but if you want to change more detailed settings, you can click "Other volume settings" at the bottom to open the sound properties of the "Settings" app directly. .

In Windows 10, independent settings were opened, but in Windows 11, the network, audio output, and battery settings have been changed to a quick setting menu that can be set in one window.

Move to the screen to select the speaker to be adjusted from "Select sound output" on the right side of the volume bar

You can move from "Other volume settings" to the sound properties of the Settings app. It's more intuitive and easier to understand than launching the settings app from the start menu

Other convenient Windows 11 tricks that can be used immediately

Finally, we will introduce other convenient functions that can be used immediately and are highly convenient. I want you to try out the features that interest you.

Tips 16: Customize the start menu to make it easier to use Tips 17: Automatically open apps at startup Tips 18: Shut out low-priority contacts in focus mode Tips 19: Use gestures Master Tip #20: Organize your browser tabs by purpose

●Tips 16: Customize the start menu to make it easier to use

When you click the start menu, a list of icons is displayed at the top, but you can rearrange them in any position you like. Placing the frequently used apps in an easy-to-use location will make it easier to access them. If you want to change the position of the application displayed in the list, you can move it to the desired position by dragging and dropping while pressing and holding the icon. You can also right-click the app icon and select "move to top".

I opened the start menu and moved the "OneNote" app by dragging and dropping it.

You can also move it by right-clicking and selecting "Move to top"

If you select "All apps" in the start menu, the apps will be displayed in alphabetical order. You can also right-click and pin it to the start menu.

●Tips 17: Automatically open the app at startup

　It is convenient to have the applications that you always use when using your computer automatically open when you start them. To set, first right-click the icon in the start menu and select "Specify file name and run". If you enter "shell:startup" in the opened window, Explorer will be displayed, so you can put the shortcut of the application there. Delete the folder when you no longer need it. Be careful not to add too much, as it will slow down the startup speed.

Right-click the Start menu icon and select Run

Enter "shell:startup" in the window

The startup folder will open, paste the app shortcut

The app I pasted was automatically displayed at the moment I restarted and logged in.

●Tips 18: Shut out low-priority contacts in focus mode

　When you want to work on the task at hand without being disturbed by low-priority contacts, it is convenient to set the "focus mode". By opening "System" → "Concentration mode" from the "Settings" app, you can customize the content to be notified when the concentration mode is on and the time period to turn it on.

From "Concentration mode", you can set the content to be notified with priority and the work that automatically turns on the notification mode. Use it when you don't want to be disturbed by emails or notifications

You can set the time zone and interval to turn on the notification mode according to your work and life style.

●Tips 19: Mastering Gesture Operations

　Since it is equipped with a convenient function for gesture operation by tracing the touch pad with your finger, I definitely want you to remember it. For example, you can switch between virtual desktops by swiping four fingers left or right on the touchpad. The content of gesture operations can also be changed to frequently used functions from the settings. When you open the setting screen, the operation when you trace the touch pad up, down, left, or right with 3 or 4 fingers is assigned, so right-click to switch to your favorite operation.

has a wide touchpad and can easily input gestures with 4 fingers

If you open "Bluetooth and devices" → "Touchpad" in the "Settings" app, you can assign any operation according to the number and direction of the fingers you trace.

●Tips 20: Organize browser tabs by purpose

　If you often work with multiple tabs open in your browser, it's convenient to organize them by purpose. I want to use the "tab group" function there. It is convenient not only to save multiple tabs in one group, but also to open it immediately even if it is closed once. Even if you stop working and resume the next day, you can display them all at once, so you don't have to reopen them one by one from your favorites. has more opportunities to use virtual desktops, so if you create desktops for different purposes such as work and private use and open browsers for each tab group, management will not be complicated.

Right click on the browser tab and select "Add tab to new group"

You can assign any name to the tab group and group multiple tabs.

Tabs opened later can also be added to the created tab group.

The created tab group can be opened at any time from "Collection". It is convenient to create a group for each purpose.

Full use of convenient new functions on a high-spec machine

　As we have seen so far, Windows 11 has changed its design and is equipped with various new functions. What you intuitively feel when using Windows 11 is the convenience of multitasking. In particular, the virtual desktop and snap functions that were introduced have made the conventional operations such as displaying and switching multiple windows more comfortable, and it is a function that has been actively used when using Windows 11.

　However, if the machine itself is not powerful enough to display or switch between displays, or if the movement is sluggish, instead of increasing productivity, stress will build up, and the attractiveness of the machine will be halved. On the other hand, the has high performance and a large screen, is compatible with Windows 11, and will be able to make full use of its convenient functions. If you are looking at this article and want to use Windows 11 carefully, why not consider changing the PC that is the foundation.

(Provided by NEC Personal Computer)

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