While Windows 11 supplies a ok out of the field expertise—atrocious new taskbar apart—it handles so significantly better after tweaking only a handful of settings to make it really feel extra just like the Windows of yesteryear.
No, I’m not speaking about making Windows 11 look like Windows 10 via an in depth overhaul (although when you’re a Windows veteran that’s price doing). I’m speaking about quick, simple adjustments that enhance the texture of the working system, flip off annoying advertisements, scale back the info you ship to Microsoft, and extra. Better but, you are able to do all of them in underneath 5 minutes—one thing I did mere weeks in the past after I wanted to pick up a Windows 11 laptop for some journey.
Here are 5 Windows 11 settings price altering instantly, with an added bonus on the finish.
1. Move the Start button to the left nook
What can I say, I’m a traditionalist. I perceive Microsoft’s need to revamp Windows 10’s interface to extra carefully mirror the fashion of Macs and Chromebooks—legions of youngsters get schooled on these, in spite of everything—however Windows 11’s shifting taskbar icons drive me batty. (They do assist out loads on ultrawide monitors, although.) I would like mousing over to the Start menu to be muscle reminiscence in a set location, not yet one more job I’ve to take a look at and mentally course of.
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Fortunately, Microsoft makes it simple to maneuver the Start menu again to the left-hand nook. Simply open the Start menu and head to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors. You’ll see a area labeled Taskbar alignment with a drop-down menu. Change the drop-dox menu from Center to Left.
Boom! Onto the following.
2. Turn off annoying notifications
Next, it’s time to show off these annoying pop-up notifications. Windows 11 itself spawns some, however the worst offenders are third-party apps, particularly in case your laptop computer or desktop got here preloaded with bloatware. Making the distractions cease is straightforward.
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Head to Start > System > Notifications. You can flip notifications off universally when you need. I desire to work via the checklist manually, leaving notifications on for crucial instruments like Slack, Discord, and my antivirus software. (If my AV scanner needs to shout about one thing, I need to hear it!) Either manner, this menu cures many complications.
3. Turn off Microsoft advertisements
That segues neatly into the following tip. Keep scrolling down past the underside of the checklist of apps that may ship you notifications. There, you’ll see a few extra packing containers that relate to Windows 11 itself offering “tips and suggestions” on how you can use your PC. If you realize your manner round effectively sufficient, deselect the Offer recommendations on how I can arrange my machine and Get ideas and recommendations after I use Windows packing containers. I personally desire to depart the Show me the Windows welcome expertise… possibility checked so I’m notified of latest options when an enormous replace drops.
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We’re not achieved but, although. If you don’t like seeing Microsoft promotions (like Office and Xbox advertisements) pop up in your Settings app, head to Start > Settings > Privacy & safety > General. Disabling “Show me suggested content in the Settings app” does the trick, although chances are you’ll need to flip off all these choices.
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Finally, head to Settings > Personalization > Device Usage. The choices right here inform Microsoft how you utilize your laptop so Windows 11 can present tailor-made suggestions for apps, web sites, Office 365 trials, and extra. Turn all of them off when you’re not concerned with your $100+ copy of Windows 11 upselling you on extra Microsoft companies.
There are different locations Microsoft promotions lurk such because the beautiful “Windows Spotlight” lock screens offered by Bing Images, however tweaking this handful of settings eradicates essentially the most irritating ones. If you need to go even deeper, take a look at 9 tweaks that turn off your Windows PC’s most annoying ads.
4. Change your default browser
Microsoft Edge is fairly darned good, really, however when you’re a diehard Chrome, Firefox, Opera, or Brave person, switching your default browser is simple.
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After downloading and putting in the browser of your alternative, it ought to ask if you wish to make it the default. Do so, duh. But when you missed your probability throughout setup, navigate to Settings > Apps > Default apps, discover the title of your browser within the checklist, and click on on it. A “Make your default browser” banner with a Set default button on the prime of the web page does the trick.
5. Declutter the taskbar
Sure, Windows 11’s nerfed taskbar is getting higher over time, however it nonetheless sucks and Microsoft stuffs it to the brim with icons and options you most likely have little interest in. Make it simpler on the eyes and reclaim some house by heading to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar and deselecting any of the taskbar objects you’ll by no means use. Adios, Widgets, Copilot, and the Microsoft Store.
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While we’re on the subject, spending $5 on Stardock’s Start11 or StartIsBack is effectively price it. The packages provide granular choices that broaden the look and performance of the taskbar and Start menu alike, making it loads simpler to make Windows 11 look like Windows 10. They’re past the scope of this text however deserve a shout-out.
Bonus: Dark mode, child!
Finally, an non-compulsory private choice. Some of us like observing black textual content on white screens all day. Others, like me, desire to not sear their retinas. So, the very very first thing I at all times do with a brand new Windows set up is activate darkish mode, a choice that carries over into a number of apps when you’ve set it.
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Simply head to Settings > Personalization > Colors and search for a area known as Choose your mode. Change the drop-down menu from Light to Dark. Your eyes will thanks — and so will your laptop battery, if you’re using an OLED display.
That’s about it for this rundown of fast Windows 11 settings to vary instantly. This rabbit gap goes as deep as you need it, although. Check out our guides to 5 helpful tips and tricks that make Windows easier to use, 10 obscure Windows features that will blow your mind, and 7 frustrating Windows 11 annoyances (and how to fix them) to make your PC your personal!