Windows 11 has a hidden menu for quick fixes
Pressing Win+X opens a Quick Link Menu that puts Task Manager, Event Viewer and other troubleshooting tools in one place, according to Engadget.
The facts
- According to Engadget, pressing Win+X opens the Quick Link Menu, also called the Windows-X Menu, on the left of the screen just above the Windows logo on the taskbar.
- It lists everyday items such as Settings, File Explorer, Search and Shutdown options. It also lists tools that are normally buried or tied to other hotkeys, including Installed Apps, Power Options, Network Connections, Event Viewer, Disk Management, Computer Management, Task Manager and Mobility Center.
- Engadget says you can customise the menu through a WinX folder reachable from File Explorer. Its three folders hold the shortcuts, which you can move, rename or add to.
- Task Manager can close unresponsive programs and disable unneeded startup items. Event Viewer can show memory diagnostic results if you suffer random crashes, file corruption or suspected hardware faults.
Case notes · Danny's take
Why it matters
Most people only meet these tools when something has already broken. A slow laptop or a random crash sends you hunting through Settings, or into a search engine. One shortcut that puts the diagnostic tools in front of you is boring, and it works. Know where your own evidence is before the problem starts.
For builders
If you build or support software for Windows users, this is a quick pointer for your help docs. Task Manager and Event Viewer are the first places to look when someone reports crashes or slowdowns.
Not financial advice. Do your own investigation.
This story was summarised with AI from Engadget's reporting and checked against our editorial policy. Danny's take reflects his views. Disclaimer.
Danny Walter
Founder of Moon Republic, Volt Terminal and Moon Republic Academy. Author of The Market Is a Crime Scene and After the Applause.