Windows 11’s New Battery Colors Make Power Status Obvious At A Glance

Windows 11’s New Battery Colors Make Power Status Obvious At A Glance

Windows 11 is finally giving the tiny battery icon a big usability upgrade, with color cues that tell you exactly how worried you should be about your remaining charge. If you live on a laptop all day, this small change can save you from surprise shutdowns and constant percentage checking.

Byline: By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

January 21, 2026

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You have probably stared at that tiny battery icon in the corner of your Windows 11 taskbar, trying to guess whether you have enough juice to finish a meeting or a flight. 

The old monochrome icon did not help much. 

It was small, vague, and forced you to click just to see the percentage.

Here's a Cool Tip:  The New Battery Colors Make Power Status Obvious.

A recent Windows 11 update changes that experience with a more colorful, more informative battery indicator. Green, yellow, and red now signal your power situation at a glance, and a clearer percentage readout makes it easier to plan your next charge. 

It is a subtle change that can have a big impact on how confidently you use your laptop away from an outlet.

New Windows 11 Keyboard Shortcut for En and Em Dashes

New Windows 11 Keyboard Shortcut for En and Em Dashes

If you write emails, reports, or headlines in Windows, you have probably fought the “how do I type a proper dash” problem. Microsoft just removed that friction with two OS-level shortcuts that work anywhere you can type, no numeric keypad required. 

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

January 7, 2026

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Have you ever paused mid-sentence to copy a dash from somewhere else because Alt codes are a hassle on a laptop keyboard? 

That tiny interruption adds up, especially if you write for a living or you care about clean typography in client-facing work. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use the New Windows 11 Keyboard Shortcuts for En and Em Dashes.

Windows 11 is finally treating the en dash and em dash as first-class punctuation you can type on demand. 

5 Cool Tips for a Better New Tech Year

5 Cool Tips for a Better New Tech Year

Small, deliberate resets can dramatically improve your security, speed, and sanity across every device you use. These five practical moves take less time than you think and pay off all year long.  A new year is the perfect moment to clean up the digital clutter that quietly slows you down. 

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

January 1, 2026

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When technology starts feeling sluggish or risky, the cause is rarely a single big failure. 

It is usually dozens of small issues piling up quietly. 

Old passwords reused too often. 

Browsers bloated with cached data. 

Your overloaded inbox masks what you need to read.

The start of a new year is the rare moment when people are willing to reset habits, not just devices. 

That makes it the ideal time to fix the fundamentals that shape every workday and every login.

Most Popular Windows 11 Cool Tips of 2025

Most Popular Windows 11 Cool Tips of 2025

Windows 11 gained plenty of flashy AI headlines in 2025, but the real productivity boosts came from small, practical features. These are the underrated tricks that quietly save you time, battery, and frustration every single day.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor  

December 31, 2025

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How often do you think, “I know that file exists, but where did I put it?” 

Or stare at a spinning cursor while one misbehaving app hogs your CPU during a meeting? Meanwhile, your laptop battery drains faster than your patience.

The most popular Windows 11 Cool Tips of 2025 are not gimmicks. 

Editing file metadata for instant search, taming apps with Task Manager’s Efficiency Mode, and mastering Airplane Mode for battery and network sanity are simple habits that pay off all year long.

New Windows 11 Themes Bring Personal Style to the Microsoft Store

New Windows 11 Themes Bring Personal Style to the Microsoft Store

Windows 11 is getting more personal. Microsoft has introduced a new wave of curated themes in the Microsoft Store, making it easier to customize your PC with just a few clicks.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

December 17, 2025

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When you sit down at your PC every day, does it feel like yours or just another generic desktop?

Microsoft is betting that personalization matters more than ever, especially as work and home computing continue to blur. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use the Microsoft Store for New Windows 11 Themes.

With new Windows 11 themes now available directly in the Microsoft Store, Microsoft is reframing desktop customization as a first-class experience rather than a hidden settings tweak.

“Hey Copilot” on Windows 11: Hands-Free Help That Actually Saves Time

 “Hey Copilot” on Windows 11: Hands-Free Help That Actually Saves Time

Get quick answers, launch apps, and draft content by saying “Hey Copilot.” Here’s how to turn it on and use it well.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

December 10, 2025

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Have you ever wished you could ask your PC to do something while your hands are busy? 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Enable and Use "Hey Copilot" in Windows 11.

“Hey Copilot” brings voice wake-up to Windows 11 so you can summon Copilot without clicking. 

If you’ve been waiting for a faster way to get help, this hands-free trigger is a small feature with big productivity impact.

How to Delete Windows Clipboard Contents

How to Delete Windows Clipboard Contents

Learn how to clear your Windows clipboard contents efficiently using several methods to ensure your data remains secure and your system operates smoothly.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor 

November 26, 2025 (originally published November 27, 2024)

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Ever copied sensitive information only to worry later about it sitting in your clipboard? 

Whether it's passwords, private messages, or important data, keeping your clipboard clean is crucial for maintaining security and efficiency. 

The clipboard is a handy tool for temporarily storing information you copy or cut, but leaving sensitive data in the clipboard can pose a security risk. 

Moreover, an overloaded clipboard can slow down your system's performance. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Delete Your Clipboard Contents on a regular basis.

Snipping Tool Quick Markup: Faster Screenshots, Smarter Notes

Snipping Tool Quick Markup: Faster Screenshots, Smarter Notes

Take a screenshot, add instant markup, and share without leaving the Snipping Tool.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor 

November 19, 2025

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How many times have you captured a screenshot only to fumble with another app just to circle a detail or add a quick note? 

That extra step slows down productivity. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use Quick Markup in Windows 11 Snipping Tool.

Microsoft’s Snipping Tool now includes Quick Markup, a built-in editing layer that lets you annotate screenshots immediately. 

It’s a small change with outsized impact for business users, educators, and anyone who shares visuals daily.

Feature Explanation

Quick Markup integrates lightweight drawing and text tools directly into the Snipping Tool. 

After you capture a screenshot, you can highlight, underline, or add arrows without exporting to Paint or another editor. 

This matters because it reduces friction: fewer clicks, faster communication, and no need to juggle apps. 

What You’ll Gain

• Highlight key details in seconds.
• Add context with arrows or text.
• Share annotated screenshots instantly.
• Reduce workflow interruptions.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here's how to do it.

Windows 11 Desktop

1. Press Win + Shift + S to open Snipping Tool.
2. Click the "Quick Markup" button on the top toolbar before you make your selection.
3. Capture your desired area.
4. Use the markup tools:

• Pen and Highlighter: Draw and highlight on the screen. You can change colors and thickness.
• Eraser: Remove parts of your markup.
• Shapes: Add shapes like rectangles and arrows.
• Undo: Undo your last action.
• Capture and save: Click the "Capture" button to finish and take the snip, or continue marking up.

fig. 1 - Use the New Quick Markup Tool in Windows Snipping Tool

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Integrated workflow, no extra apps
• Lightweight tools for quick edits
• Ideal for business and classroom communication

Cons:

• Limited compared to full editors like Paint
• Rollout still in preview, not universal
• Advanced features (layers, shapes) missing

Configuration Guide

Quick Markup is enabled by default in the updated Snipping Tool. 

Feature Access

This feature is currently rolling out to all Windows 11 versions.

Score

Criterion  |  Score (0–10)  |  Justification

Value 9

Saves time and reduces app switching.

Usability 8

Simple tools, but limited compared to full editors.

Wow Factor 7

Useful, though not groundbreaking.

Total: 24/30 👍 18–24 Good 

A practical upgrade, comparable to Apple’s built-in screenshot markup but now native to Windows.

Key Takeaways

Quick Markup makes screenshots actionable without leaving Snipping Tool. 

It’s efficient, intuitive, and rolling out now. 

For everyday communication, this feature trims minutes off repetitive tasks.

Cool Tip Snapshot

• Feature Name: Quick Markup
• Platform(s): Windows 11
• Quick Benefit: Annotate screenshots instantly
• Access Type: Free, currently rolling out

Try It Yourself

Capture a screenshot today and test Quick Markup. 

Share your annotated screenshot with a colleague or friend, then subscribe to the One Cool Tip newsletter and spread the word.

READ MORE

• New “Save as Project” in Windows 11 Paint
  
• Windows 11’s Task Manager Bug Is Slowing You Down - Here’s the Fix
  
• Notepad Remembers Now

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Rodger Mansfield, a seasoned technology expert and editor of OneCoolTip.com, transforms complex tech into practical advice for everyday users. His Cool Tips empower readers to stay productive, secure, and one step ahead in the digital world.

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New “Save as Project” in Windows 11 Paint

New “Save as Project” in Windows 11 Paint

Microsoft Paint just got a big upgrade.  You can now save your artwork as editable project files, not just flat images. This means you can reopen and tweak your creations later, just like you would in Photoshop.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

November 12, 2025

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Have you ever closed Paint and realized you forgot to fix a line or change a color? 

Until now, you were out of luck. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use the New 'Save as Project' feature.

The new Save as Project feature lets you preserve layers and edits for later. 

Windows 11 users can now treat Paint like a true image editor, not just a pixel sketchpad.

Windows 11’s Task Manager Bug Is Slowing You Down - Here’s the Fix

Windows 11’s Task Manager Bug Is Slowing You Down - Here’s the Fix

A recent Windows 11 update introduced a bug that leaves Task Manager running invisibly in the background, draining memory and slowing performance. This guide shows you how to detect and fix it fast.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

November 5, 2025

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Have you ever closed Task Manager only to feel your PC dragging minutes later? 

You’re not imagining it. 

Microsoft’s October 2025 update (KB5067036) quietly broke Task Manager’s close button, leaving behind ghost processes that hog memory and slow down your system. 

If you’re a frequent Task Manager user, or just someone who never shuts down, this bug could be eating up gigabytes of RAM without you knowing.

Feature Explanation

The bug affects Windows 11 users who installed KB5067036, an optional update released on October 28, 2025. 

When you close Task Manager using the “X” button, it doesn’t actually quit. Instead, it lingers in the background. 

Reopening it spawns another instance, and so on. 

Each ghost process uses around 20MB of RAM. 

Multiply that by dozens or hundreds and you’ve got a performance bottleneck.

Sleep Better, Work Smarter: How Windows Night Light Can Save Your Eyes

Sleep Better, Work Smarter: How Windows Night Light Can Save Your Eyes

Reduce eye strain, improve sleep, and make late-night work less punishing with this built-in Windows feature.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

October 29, 2025

Have you ever finished a late-night spreadsheet session and felt like your eyeballs just ran a marathon under stadium lights? 

You're not imagining it. 

Blue light from screens messes with your sleep, strains your eyes, and leaves you feeling wired when you should be winding down. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Windows Night Light.

Windows Night Light is Microsoft’s quiet fix—and it’s probably already on your PC.

How to Show File Extensions in Windows 11

How to Show File Extensions in Windows 11

Know exactly what you're clicking. Learn how to display file extensions in Windows 11 and avoid costly mistakes.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

October 15, 2025

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Have you ever opened a file thinking it was a harmless document, only to realize it was something else entirely?

That tiny “.exe” or “.pdf” at the end of a filename isn’t just decoration. 

It’s the digital equivalent of a food label. 

And yet, Windows 11 hides these extensions by default, leaving users to guess what they’re dealing with. 

For business users, educators, and anyone juggling dozens of files a day, that’s a recipe for confusion or worse, a security risk.

Here's a Cool Tip:  Show File Extensions in Windows 11.

What Happens When Windows 10 Support Ends and What You Should Do Next

What Happens When Windows 10 Support Ends and What You Should Do Next

On October 14, 2025, Microsoft ends free updates and support for Windows 10. Here’s what that means for your computer, your security, and the steps you should take to stay protected.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

October 8, 2025

If you still rely on Windows 10, time is running short. In less than a year, Microsoft will stop issuing updates or security patches. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Explore Your Windows 10 Options.

Your system will continue to run, but the company will no longer fix newly discovered threats.

For many, this deadline feels abstract. 

Yet October 15 will arrive quietly, and millions of PCs will instantly become easier targets for hackers. 

Updates have always worked silently in the background. Their absence, however, will be loudly felt when a threat emerges.

The Clock is Back: Why Windows 11's September 2025 Update Matters

The Clock is Back: Why Windows 11's September 2025 Update Matters

The Windows 11 “2025” update (version 25H2) quietly restores something users have missed: a clock with seconds inside the Notification Center. Along with this, Microsoft has delivered several refinements and made the update easier to install. Here’s what you need to know, how to use it, and why it matters.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor 

October 1, 2025

Think about the small things that slow you down. 

Checking the time while you already have notifications open seems trivial, but those moments add up. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Download the September 2025 Windows 11 Update for the New Notification Center Clock.

With the September update, you no longer need to glance back at the taskbar just to confirm the time. 

It’s not a groundbreaking feature, yet it shows Microsoft paying attention to details that shape daily use. 

For most of us, those details are what separate a smooth workflow from a frustrating one.

How to Enable or Disable Airplane Mode on Windows 11 and Windows 10

How to Enable or Disable Airplane Mode on Windows 11 and Windows 10

Airplane Mode on Windows is more than just a travel feature. It’s a quick toggle that can save battery, fix connectivity issues, and help you control wireless radios. Learn how to use it efficiently in both Windows 11 and Windows 10.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

September 3, 2025

Have you ever tried to connect to Wi-Fi on a flight only to be told to “switch to Airplane Mode”? 

Most of us think of this setting as something we toggle once the plane door closes, but Airplane Mode has a bigger role on your laptop than you might expect. 

Whether you’re conserving battery at a coffee shop, troubleshooting a stubborn Bluetooth mouse, or just wanting quiet time without pings, this setting can be surprisingly useful.

What is Airplane Mode in Windows?

Airplane Mode instantly disables all wireless communications on your device: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular (if available). 

It’s designed to prevent interference with aircraft systems, but its utility extends far beyond airports.

When you turn it off, Windows automatically reconnects to your previously used Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices.

Can Your Browser Finish Your Sentences Better Than You Can?

Can Your Browser Finish Your Sentences Better Than You Can?

Microsoft Edge’s text prediction feature uses AI to help you write faster, smarter, and with fewer interruptions. Whether you're drafting emails, lesson plans, or reports, it anticipates your next words and completes sentences in real time, saving keystrokes and sharpening clarity. 

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

August 27, 2025

You’re halfway through a sentence, fingers flying, when your brain stalls. 

What was that word again? 

Something like “collaborative,” or maybe “cohesive”? 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Microsoft Edge's Text Prediction.

Microsoft Edge’s text prediction feature steps in like a helpful colleague who finishes your thought, without the awkwardness.

In a world where we’re all writing more than ever, emails, reports, lesson plans, blog posts, Edge’s predictive typing isn’t just a convenience. 

It’s a quiet revolution in how we interact with language.

Do You Know What Your PC Is Really Capable Of?

Do You Know What Your PC Is Really Capable Of?

Find out exactly what’s running inside your Windows 11 machine, CPU, RAM, GPU, version info quickly and clearly, even if you only have a minute and a shortcut key.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

August 20, 2025

You wouldn’t buy a car without checking the engine. 

So why run your business, teach a class, or edit a video without knowing what’s inside your PC? 

Whether you're prepping for a software install, diagnosing a slowdown, or just trying to sound smart in a meeting, knowing your system specs is one of those underrated power moves. 

And in Windows 11, it’s surprisingly easy if you know where to look.

Why This Tip Matters

Throwback: Stop Apps from Scrolling in Windows Task Manager with This Cool Tip

Stop Apps from Scrolling in Windows Task Manager with This Cool Tip

To stop the automatic scrolling of apps in the Windows Task Manager, you can hold down the Control key. This allows you to view a static list of processes, which is useful for troubleshooting.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

August 19, 2025 (Originally published August 19, 2023)

Are you tired of apps scrolling automatically in the Windows Task Manager? 

This can be a frustrating problem, especially if you're trying to troubleshoot a performance issue.

Here's a Cool Tip:  Use the Control Key.

The Windows Task Manager is a system monitor utility that allows you to manage all the processes running on your computer. 

The Hidden Lifesaver in Windows: How Emergency Restart Can Save Your Day

The Hidden Lifesaver in Windows: How Emergency Restart Can Save Your Day

When your Windows PC locks up and nothing responds, there's a little-known feature that can force a clean reboot without pulling the plug. Here's how to use Emergency Restart and why it matters.

By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

August 13, 2025

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Have you ever had your PC Freeze at the Worst Possible Moment?

You’re deep into a project. 

Then, out of nowhere, your system stops responding. 

No mouse movement.  No keyboard input.  Just a frozen screen and rising panic.

Here's a Cool Tip:  Windows Emergency Restart.

Snap Smarter: Windows 11's Update Makes Multitasking More Effortless

Snap Smarter: Windows 11's Update Makes Multitasking More Effortless

Windows 11’s Snap Assist just got a major usability boost in the June 2025 update, making it easier than ever to organize your workspace with intuitive tips, smarter layouts, and seamless snapping.

Byline: By Rodger Mansfield, Technology Editor

August 6, 2025

Have you ever dragged a window to the top of your screen and wondered what just happened? 

Snap Assist has long been one of Windows 11’s most underrated productivity tools. 

Here's a Cool Tip:  Try the New and Improved Snap Assist.

In June 2025, Microsoft quietly gave it a thoughtful upgrade that makes snapping windows feel less like a guessing game and more like second nature.

Whether you're juggling spreadsheets, video calls, or browser tabs, the new Snap Assist improvements are designed to help you work faster with fewer clicks and more clarity.