Windows tip: how to change and use quick settings

The quick settings in Windows 11 are kind of like the ones for smartphones: if you want to disable Bluetooth, switch on airplane mode or project your screen, this is where you go. In Windows, you access them by left-clicking on the right-hand side of the taskbar with the Wi-Fi, sound and battery icons. Or by using the Windows key + A shortcut.

If it’s the first time you’re using the newly designed quick settings (Windows 11 24H2), I recommend changing the order of the options to your liking:

As you can see, this can now be done using drag and drop. Unfortunately, you can’t hide individual points. At least not any more. A setting to change the energy status is also missing.

At least you can click on the battery symbol at the bottom left of the quick settings to go directly to Settings > System > Power & battery. There you can adjust the energy status (best battery life, best performance, or a balance between the two) for either battery or mains operation.

You can do the following directly in the quick settings:

• Activate/deactivate Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, mobile hotspot, airplane mode, energy-saving mode, live captions, night mode, nearby sharing, playback, projecting
• Manage Wi-Fi connections and Bluetooth devices
• Use the accessibility submenu to activate/deactivate the magnifier, colour filter, narrator, mono audio, snap assist and (a second time) live captions
• Set studio effects for the camera
• Use the brightness and volume controls and select the sound output device and surround sound mode
• Open the Windows settings by clicking on the gear icon at the bottom right

Need more Windows tips? In the following article, you’ll find an overview of all previous instalments of this series.