Microsoft packs every version of Windows with an enormous number of features, but many of them fly completely under the radar. Some are buried in Settings menus, others require specific hardware, and a few were quietly added in updates that most users never read about. The result: powerful, time-saving tools sit unused on millions of PCs. Here are five of the most underrated—and underused—features in Windows 10 and Windows 11, from instant file sharing to one-click app killing.

Nearby Sharing: Windows’ Answer to AirDrop

If you’ve ever emailed yourself a photo just to get it from your phone to your laptop, Nearby Sharing can change your life. Introduced in Windows 10 version 1803 and carried into Windows 11, this feature works like Apple’s AirDrop: it lets you wirelessly send files and links to nearby Windows devices over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. No cables, no cloud uploads, no USB drives.

To turn it on, open Settings > System > Nearby sharing (in Windows 10) or Settings > System > Nearby sharing (in Windows 11—yes, the path is identical). You can choose to share with everyone nearby or only your own devices. Once enabled, the Share menu in apps like Photos, Edge, and File Explorer gains a “Nearby sharing” option. Select a file, click share, and choose the target PC from the list. The recipient gets a notification; accepting it triggers the transfer. Speeds are quick over Wi-Fi, and the whole process feels effortless.

Why is it underused? Many users simply don’t know it exists. The feature is off by default, and Microsoft does little to advertise it. In a world dominated by cloud sync and messaging apps, the idea of a local, peer-to-peer transfer seems almost retro. But for quick, ad-hoc transfers—like sending a screenshot to a colleague sitting across the table—Nearby Sharing is unbeatable. The only catch: both devices must run Windows 10 or 11 and have Bluetooth 4.0 or higher (for discovery) and Wi-Fi for actual data transfer. If either PC is on Ethernet without a wireless card, you’re out of luck.

Touchpad Gestures: More Than Just Scrolling

Windows precision touchpads support a rich set of multi-finger gestures that go far beyond two-finger scrolling. In both Windows 10 and Windows 11, you can customize three- and four-finger swipes and taps to launch almost anything. Venture into Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Touchpad (Windows 11) or Settings > Devices > Touchpad (Windows 10), and you’ll find options like:

  • Three-finger swipe up: open Task View (virtual desktops overview)
  • Three-finger swipe down: show the desktop
  • Three-finger tap: open search
  • Four-finger tap: open Action Center / Quick Settings

But the real power is in the customization. You can assign these gestures to play/pause media, adjust volume, switch apps, or even run a custom keyboard shortcut. For power users, this means you can switch virtual desktops with a flick, mute your mic during a call with a tap, or launch your browser with a four-finger swipe—all without touching a mouse.

The feature remains underused largely because many laptops still ship with non-precision touchpads, and even on supported hardware, few people explore the settings. Moreover, Windows doesn’t offer a tutorial when you first set up a new machine (unlike macOS, which briefly demonstrates gestures). The result: most users scroll and right-click, never realizing their touchpad can replace a dozen keyboard shortcuts.

Dynamic Lock: Your Personal Proximity Lock

Dynamic Lock is a clever security feature that automatically locks your PC when you walk away. It pairs with your smartphone via Bluetooth and monitors the signal strength. When your phone is out of range (typically a few meters), Windows locks itself after 30 seconds of no activity. It’s a digital leash—but one that respects your privacy.

To set it up, pair your phone with your PC as a Bluetooth device. Then go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options and check “Allow Windows to automatically lock your device when you’re away.” That’s it. There’s no companion app to install, no location tracking, and no cloud dependency. Windows simply notices that the Bluetooth connection dropped and locks the screen.

Why isn’t everyone using it? First, Bluetooth must be enabled on both devices, which some users disable to save battery. Second, the feature is somewhat hidden—it’s a single checkbox under Sign-in options, and the description sounds a bit technical. Third, Dynamic Lock is not instantaneous; after your phone disconnects, there’s a 30-second grace period, which can feel like an eternity if you’re worried about security. That delay also means you might come back quickly and find your PC locked unnecessarily. Despite these quirks, it’s a zero-effort way to add a layer of physical security, especially useful in open offices or coffee shops.

Windows Sandbox: A Disposable Virtual Machine

Need to test a dubious download or visit a sketchy website without risking your real system? Windows Sandbox offers a lightweight, isolated desktop environment that is destroyed the moment you close it. No trace of your activity—no files, no registry changes, no malware—survives. It’s like Incognito Mode for your entire OS.

Windows Sandbox is available only on Windows 10 and 11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions. To enable it, open Control Panel > Programs > Turn Windows features on or off, select “Windows Sandbox,” and restart. After that, you’ll find Windows Sandbox in your Start menu. Launch it, and a pristine copy of your current Windows build boots in a window in under a second, thanks to virtualization-based isolation. You can install apps, click suspicious links, and even let ransomware run—none of it touches your host machine. Close the window, and everything disappears.

The feature is underused primarily because it’s locked behind the Pro edition, and many home users are on Windows Home. Even Pro users often don’t realize their license includes this gem. Additionally, Sandbox requires virtualization capabilities (Intel VT-x or AMD-V) to be enabled in the BIOS, which can intimidate less technical users. But for developers, IT admins, and paranoid browsers, it’s a safe playground that costs nothing extra.

Taskbar End Task: One-Click App Killing

Introduced in Windows 11, this feature adds an “End task” option to the jump list that appears when you right-click an app icon on the taskbar. Normally, closing an unresponsive program requires opening Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), finding the process, and ending it. With End Task enabled, you just right-click the stuck app’s icon and choose “End task”—done.

To activate it, open Settings > System > For Developers (yes, it’s oddly placed), and turn on “End Task.” Despite being under For Developers, it’s stable and safe for everyone. From then on, any time you right-click a taskbar icon, you’ll see “End task” beneath the usual options. Click it, and Windows forcefully terminates the process.

This feature is underused because it’s hidden in a section that average users never visit. The For Developers page is typically used for enabling Device Portal or Remote Desktop, not for UI tweaks. Microsoft hasn’t promoted the change widely, so only enthusiasts who dig through build changelogs know about it. It’s a small addition, but it saves minutes of frustration every time an app hangs.

Why These Features Stay Hidden

The common thread is discoverability. Microsoft has a long-standing habit of tucking powerful tools into obscure Settings corners or targeting them at niche audiences (developers, IT pros). Unlike Apple, which often showcases features with splash screens and guided tours, Windows updates are silent. Feature announcements get buried in lengthy blog posts, and the operating system itself doesn’t nudge you to explore.

Then there’s the hardware gap. Touchpad gestures require a precision touchpad, Dynamic Lock needs Bluetooth, and Windows Sandbox demands virtualization support plus the right OS edition. Many budget laptops and older desktops miss one or more of these requirements, splintering the user experience.

Finally, misinformation plays a role. Some users avoid feature updates out of fear of bugs, leaving them on old builds that lack these tools. Others assume that Windows’ built-in options are inferior to third-party alternatives—why use Nearby Sharing when you have Slack? Why use Sandbox when VirtualBox is free? In reality, these native features are often faster, more integrated, and require zero additional software.

How to Start Using Them Today

Pick one feature that addresses a daily annoyance. If you’re always transferring files between your own devices, set up Nearby Sharing. If you worry about leaving your PC unlocked at work, pair your phone for Dynamic Lock. If you regularly battle frozen apps, flick the End Task switch. Each takes less than five minutes to configure and pays off immediately.

Microsoft could improve adoption by adding first-run prompts or moving these options into more intuitive locations. Until then, it’s up to users and tech journalists to spread the word. The next time you’re frustrated by a clunky workflow, remember that the fix might already be sitting in your Settings app, waiting to be discovered.