Hidden Developer Features in Windows 11: A Guide for Coders and Tinkerers

Windows eleven, Microsoft's cutting-edge operating gadget, brings a sleek design and productiveness upgrades. However, underneath its polished floor lie hidden developer capabilities that can considerably increase coding performance and tinkering ability. In this guide, we’ll discover some lesser-regarded equipment and settings tailored for developers who need to make the maximum of Windows 11.

1. Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) 2: Streamlined Development

The Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) has been a recreation-changer for builders wanting Linux capability within Windows. WSL 2 in Windows 11 offers overall performance upgrades, running a full Linux kernel to offer higher compatibility and quicker performance.

To allow WSL:

• Open PowerShell as Administrator.
• Run wsl --set up to put in the default Linux distribution.

Windows 11 integrates WSL with the Windows Terminal, offering seamless switching among Linux and Windows environments. Additionally, it now supports GUI Linux apps, making it simpler to test packages in a Linux-native environment.

2. Dev Home and Widgets for Developers

Windows eleven introduces customizable widgets and a "Dev Home" setup experience for developers. Dev Home consolidates tools like GitHub repositories, Azure integrations, and task managers in a single dashboard.

To get the right of entry to Dev Home:

• Install it via the Microsoft Store or Windows Package Manager (winget).
• Configure GitHub and other tools for actual-time updates.

The integration of widgets in Windows 11 permits developers to display the gadget's overall performance, tune coding obligations, or view information feeds related to their initiatives, properly from the laptop.

3. Developer Mode: Direct App Deployment

Windows 11 keeps and complements the Developer Mode, which allows sideloading apps and enabling advanced debugging. This characteristic is particularly useful for app developers trying out UWP (Universal Windows Platform) programs.

To activate Developer Mode:

• Navigate to Settings > Privacy & Security > For Developers.
• Toggle Developer Mode on.
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With this mode active, developers can deploy apps directly from Visual Studio and access debugging tools like Device Portal for remote app testing.

4. Windows Terminal: A Command Line Revolution

The remodeled Windows Terminal is a productivity powerhouse, combining PowerShell, Command Prompt, and WSL tabs in a single interface. Windows Terminal supports subject matters, custom profiles, and keyboard shortcuts tailor-made to individual workflows.

Customization tip:

• Open the Settings.Json file in Windows Terminal to define shades, font patterns, and startup actions.
• Create break-up panes using Alt Shift D for multitasking throughout one-of-a-kind environments.

5. Hyper-V: Virtual Machines Made Easy

Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise variants include Hyper-V, a hypervisor for developing digital machines. This function is precious for checking out software programs across special running structures or simulating server environments.

To allow Hyper-V:

• Go to Control Panel > Programs > Turn Windows Features On or Off.
• Check Hyper-V and restart the machine.
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Combine Hyper-V with Visual Studio for sturdy software checking out.

6. FancyZones in PowerToys: A Coding Efficiency Booster

Microsoft PowerToys includes FancyZones, a window control application that helps you to create custom layouts for multitasking. Developers can set up a couple of IDEs, browser tabs, and terminals on-display screen concurrently, enhancing workflow.

To get began:

• Download PowerToys from the GitHub repository.
• Launch FancyZones and configure layouts to fit your coding desires.

7. Enhanced Clipboard and Emoji Picker

Windows 11’s updated clipboard Win +  V helps to pin regularly used code snippets. The Emoji Picker Win +. now consists of Kaomoji and Symbols, useful for adding laugh remarks or specific characters to codebases.

Conclusion

Windows 11 is greater than a visually subtle OS; it’s a sturdy platform for builders and tinkerers. Features like WSL 2, Dev Home, and Hyper-V offer a facet, whilst tools like FancyZones streamline productivity. By unlocking these hidden gemstones, builders can rework Windows eleven into a powerhouse for coding and experimentation.

Whether you’re a seasoned programmer or an enthusiastic tinkerer, the tools hidden within Windows eleven are ready to raise your craft.