There are just a few essential choices that it is best to examine and configure accurately within the settings with a view to run Windows 11 successfully. Here are some useful ideas for added Windows 11 options that ought to stay completely energetic in on a regular basis use — or be intentionally deactivated to keep away from pointless knowledge assortment, efficiency slowdowns, and distractions.
Remove suggestions and account notifications from the Start menu
By default, Windows 11 shows just lately used information, app suggestions and account-related notifications within the Start menu. This content material creates distraction and requires extra utilization knowledge. Open the settings with Windows key + I, swap to Personalization after which to Start.
Deactivate “Show recently added apps”, “Show most used apps” and all switches within the “Recommended” space. In Windows 11, it’s also possible to choose the “Show most used apps” format to fully suppress the advice space.
Sam Singleton
Control system-wide notifications and app pop-ups
Notifications are one of many greatest distractions. Open Settings, go to System and Notifications. First, disable the worldwide “Notifications” possibility.
If you need particular person functions to proceed sending messages, activate “Do Not Disturb” as an alternative and configure particular person apps particularly below this feature. In the identical menu, scroll right down to “Additional settings” and deactivate “Receive tips and suggestions when using Windows”.
This will completely take away setup pop-ups and promoting notices. Microsoft usually expands this space and generally modifications the names of the menu gadgets. However, this doesn’t change the truth that it’s price having a look right here.
Sam Singleton
Protect your lock display screen from knowledge leaks
Notifications on the lock display screen can show content material in plain textual content. Open Settings, go to System and Notifications and deactivate “Show notifications on the lock screen”. This will maintain content material hidden so long as the gadget is locked.
Sam Singleton
Disable promoting ID, language record and app monitoring
By default, Windows creates utilization profiles for customized promoting and app statistics. Open Settings, go to Privacy and safety and General. Disable “Let apps show me personalized ads by using my advertising ID”, “Let websites show me locally relevant content by accessing my language list” and “Let Windows improve Start and search results by tracking app launches”.
The system will proceed to perform as earlier than, however won’t create profiles. Microsoft additionally modifications the names of the settings at common intervals.
Sam Singleton
Keep Inking & typing personalization native
The “Inking & typing personalization” perform analyzes keyboard and pen inputs. Open Settings, go to Privacy and safety and Inking & typing personalization. Deactivate the “Custom inking and typing dictionary”. Input stays totally usable with out textual content entries being evaluated.
Strictly restrict diagnostic knowledge and switch off suggestions
Open Settings, go to Privacy and safety and Diagnostics & suggestions. Leave solely “Send required diagnostic data” enabled.
Deactivate “Send optional diagnostic data”. Expand all different areas and set “Feedback frequency” to “Never”. Use “Delete diagnostic data” to take away any info that has already been saved.
Sam Singleton
Disable or limit location providers
Open Settings, go to Privacy and Security and Location. Disable location entry fully or limit it to particular person functions. Weather apps will proceed to work with a manually set location.
Under Privacy and safety, you will discover the areas “Camera”, “Microphone”, “Contacts” and different sensors. Open every class and revoke entry for functions if it’s not completely essential. It is essential to examine apps from the Microsoft Store, which frequently request extra permissions than essential.
Limit background actions of apps
Many functions proceed to run within the background. Open Settings, go to Apps and Installed apps. Open the Advanced choices for particular person packages and set “Background app permissions” to “Never”. This noticeably reduces reminiscence and CPU load. However, these choices will not be obtainable for all apps.
Sam Singleton
Restrict app set up to verified sources
For methods utilized by much less skilled customers, it’s advisable to limit app sources. Open Settings, go to Apps and Advanced app settings. Under “Choose where to get apps from”, set the choice to “Microsoft Store only”. This will enable solely verified functions to be put in.
Consistently clear up autostart
Right-click on the taskbar and open the Task Manager. Go to Startup apps and disable all packages that aren’t completely essential for system startup. Manufacturer instruments and replace utilities specifically decelerate the startup course of.
Thomas Joos
Open Settings, go to Apps and Installed apps. Go by way of the whole record and uninstall any software program that isn’t used. This reduces background providers, autostart entries and safety dangers.
Permanently show file extensions
To instantly acknowledge harmful file sorts, open File Explorer, click on on the three dots and choose Options. Go to View and deactivate “Hide extensions for known file types”. Confirm with “Apply”.
Restrict supply optimization for updates
By default, Windows additionally distributes updates to different computer systems. Open Settings, go to Windows Update, then to Advanced choices and Delivery optimization. Disable “Allow downloads from other devices” or limit the perform to the native community.
Consciously management replace restarts
Under “Windows Update” and “Advanced options”, you possibly can specify whether or not Windows mechanically restarts after updates. Enabling automated restarts will increase safety, however can interrupt ongoing work. Set the conduct to fit your personal working type.
Optimize energy settings
Open the Control Panel, go to System and Power and battery. Click on “Lid, on/off, and standby mode button controls” and modify the settings to your necessities.
Here, Windows additionally reveals the ability consumption of particular person functions intimately. Identify conspicuous apps and restrict their background exercise. On notebooks, this considerably extends the runtime.
Configure person account management sensibly
Enter “User Account Control” within the search area and open Change User Account Control settings. Select a stage that permits queries for app installations however not for inner Windows actions. This reduces queries with out fully eradicating safety mechanisms.
Disable sport background recording
Open Settings, go to Gaming and Captures. Disable background recording. This reduces GPU and CPU load, even when no video games are actively getting used.
Use night time mode completely
Open Settings, go to System and Display and allow “Night light”. Configure the schedule in order that the mode is activated mechanically. Alternatively, it may be switched on immediately by way of Windows key + A.
Enable superior clipboard
Open Settings, go to System and Clipboard. Activate “Clipboard history”. You can then paste a number of copied gadgets utilizing Windows key + V.