Universal Media Controls permits you to create and manage a focused and efficient mindset. Microsoft has actually just recently added this quality-of-life function to Windows 11.
Image: Mark Kaelin/TechRepublic For much of us, an excellent pair of noise-canceling earphones and some background music is the best method to remain productive and concentrated on the job at hand. Since the 1990s, Windows users have actually often been required to count on third-party apps or keyboard controls to handle their media. However, a recent variation of Windows 11 has lastly included, without much fanfare, Universal Media Controls.
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The Windows 11 Universal Media Controls feature allows users to control the media playing on their PCs utilizing integrated Windows software application, which indicates third-party applications are no longer essential. Easily, Universal Media Controls are not just available from the application itself, however likewise from the taskbar and even the Windows 11 lock screen.
Utilizing the Universal Media Controls in Windows 11
The Universal Media Controls in Windows 11 need to work for any media app consisting of Spotify, Amazon Music, Microsoft Edge and Media Player. For our example, we will be using the Amazon Music streaming app.
As you can see in Figure A, the Amazon Music app shows important info about what is currently playing and presents standard essential controls like play and time out, previous tune and next tune.
Figure A
Image: Mark Kaelin/TechRepublic With the Universal Media Controls, users can now also gain access to essential features from the taskbar when the application is reduced. As displayed in Figure B, hover your mouse over the
suitable icon on the taskbar to show lessened versions of the controls. Figure B Image: Mark Kaelin/TechRepublic With these minimized media controls, you can now stop briefly or play, skip to the next track
or play the last without leaving the app you are presently focused on completing. This is a great quality-of-life, time-saving feature. On celebrations when you would like to get up and take a break from your job without shutting down your media,
you can lock your Windows 11 computer and leave the media playing while still being able to control it. For example, while media is playing, push the Windows Key +L on your keyboard to lock your PC. As you can see in Figure C, the Windows 11 lock screen now shows standard controls for the media application running in the background.
Figure C Image: Mark Kaelin/TechRepublic You can control your media application without logging in and opening your Windows 11 desktop. This can help you keep concentrated on your non-computer tasks while still enjoying your media.
Why Universal Media Controls are very important
Remaining focused and productive in a workplace that is increasingly dynamic and collaborative sometimes requires a little “do not disrupt” time. Entering an area where focus can be maintained through media is typically our finest option to get important tasks done. Windows 11 Universal Media Controls enable you to create and handle this focused area.
