System Restore Should Be On By Default
System Restore is a valuable recovery tool, and in many Windows 11 installations, it is disabled by default and must be manually enabled.
This feature creates restore points before significant changes, like installing apps or updates. If something goes wrong, you can back up your system to a working state.
Not enabling this from day one is risky. To fix it, select System Properties > System Protection, select your main drive, and click “Configure.” Turn it on and define how much disk space to use.
End Task Shortcut Hidden by Default
Killing frozen apps should be simple, but Microsoft hides the End Task option behind a developer toggle. You can enable it via Settings > System > For Developers. Once on, right-clicking a stuck app in the taskbar will show an “End Task” option, no need to open Task Manager.
This feature saves clicks and time, especially when in a hurry. For many, this should be enabled by default to streamline daily use and troubleshooting.
File Extensions Should Always Be Visible
Windows hides file extensions by default, which can be frustrating for power users and risky for novices. Not knowing whether a file is .exe, .jpg, or .bat can lead to accidental launches or poor file organization.
To display extensions, open File Explorer, select View > Show > File name extensions. It’s a minor tweak that provides critical context and security awareness when handling unfamiliar files.
Hibernate Mode Still Not Easily Found
Hibernate mode isn’t always enabled or shown in the power menu by default. While Sleep is typically available, Hibernate often requires manual activation (for example, via powercfg/hibernate on) and then enabling its display in power settings.
You must enable it via a command (powercfg /hibernate on) and then edit the power settings to display it. Hibernate is essential for users who juggle projects and long commutes, and it’s baffling that it still requires a manual setup.
Start Menu Should Default to the Left
Microsoft centers the Start menu in Windows 11, but decades of muscle memory say otherwise. Most users are used to clicking the bottom-left corner. You can revert to the old layout by heading to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors and setting alignment to Left.
This change improves workflow continuity and reduces visual confusion, especially for long-time Windows users who find the new default jarring.
Disable Notifications and Distractions
Pop-up notifications from apps and the system can become overwhelming. While some alerts are helpful, many are marketing pitches or status updates you didn’t ask for. Head to Settings > System > Notifications and disable what you don’t need.
This reduces interruptions, improves focus, and ensures only meaningful messages reach you. You can toggle on Do Not Disturb for set hours during deep work.
Disable Microsoft Ads and “Suggestions”
Windows 11 often shows recommendations (e.g., Microsoft 365 or Game Pass) in tips or suggestions. Some users view these as promotional; you can disable many of them via Settings > Privacy & Security > General and other relevant places.
You can also turn off product suggestions on the Start and Settings homepages. Disabling these ensures your system feels like your own, not a billboard for Microsoft services you may never want.
Stop Apps from Launching at Startup
A sluggish PC often comes down to too many apps starting with Windows. Go to Settings > Apps > Startup, then review the list, sorting by “Startup Impact” to see which apps have the highest impact on boot time and resources.
Toggle off anything unnecessary, like chat apps or updaters you don’t use daily. This significantly speeds up boot times and reduces background resource usage, especially on mid-range machines.
Disable Bing Search Highlights
Search highlights in Windows 11’s search bar show news and web content powered by Bing. For most, this feels intrusive or unnecessary. Navigate to Settings > Privacy & Security > Search Permissions and disable “Show search highlights.”
Your search experience becomes cleaner and local-focused. It’s a small change that declutters your interface and keeps Microsoft’s content recommendations at bay.
Disable Device Usage Profiling
Windows 11 asks how you use your PC for gaming, creativity, or school to tailor its app suggestions. This data feeds targeted recommendations. To stop this profiling, go to Settings > Personalization > Device Usage and turn off all the toggles.
Doing so reduces data sharing and turns off irrelevant content suggestions. If you know what you want from your PC, you don’t need Microsoft to second-guess you.
Turn Off Feedback Requests
Windows occasionally prompts you to share feedback, even during work. These interruptions can be distracting. Navigate to Settings > Privacy & Security > Diagnostics & Feedback, and turn off feedback frequency or set it to “Never.”
This helps keep your workflow smooth and avoids being pulled into unexpected surveys or pop-ups asking for your opinion mid-task.
Stop Optional Diagnostic Data Collection
Microsoft collects system data to “improve Windows,” but not all is essential. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Diagnostics & Feedback and turn off “Send optional diagnostic data.”
This reduces Microsoft’s collection of optional diagnostic data. Most functionality remains, but some features that rely on telemetry or diagnostics may have reduced capability or personalization when optional data is disabled.
Get Rid of News Feed in Widgets
The Windows 11 Widgets panel shows weather, stocks, and a cluttered news feed. If you’d rather not see headlines you didn’t ask for, open the Widgets panel (Windows + W), click Settings (gear icon), and disable “Microsoft Start.” This hides the news and keeps your widgets streamlined. You still get helpful info, minus the noise, like calendar events, to-do lists, and weather.
Mute Cortana and Voice Typing Suggestions
The remaining Cortana or voice services might still linger even after being mainly retired. Disable voice activation and suggestions by going to Settings > Privacy & Security > Speech.
Toggle off “Online Speech Recognition” and restrict Cortana’s microphone access. This helps reduce background resource usage and eliminates random voice pop-ups.
Turn Off Nearby Sharing if You Don’t Use It
Nearby Sharing uses Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to transfer files wirelessly between Windows devices that are physically close. While handy for quick sharing between trusted PCs, it’s rarely used by most users, and leaving it enabled creates unnecessary security and privacy risks.
If Nearby Sharing is enabled, other devices in proximity may appear as options for sharing; disabling it may reduce unintended visibility in shared or public environments.
Also, check out what to do if your PC can’t run Windows 11.
Customize Power & Sleep Behavior
Windows may turn off your display or put your PC to sleep too quickly, which disrupts work. Navigate to Settings > System > Power & Battery and adjust the screen and sleep timers.
Choose values that fit your work rhythm, especially when using a desktop. This improves usability and avoids frequent interruptions while you work or present.
While you’re tweaking settings, there’s one new Windows 11 feature you should know. Check why everyone’s talking about this controversial Recall feature that hit Windows 11.
What do you think about running Windows with these settings? Please share your thoughts and drop a comment.
Read More About This Brand:
- Microsoft Offers Free Windows 11 Upgrade
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- How to Use AI Tools on Windows 11 (Beginners’ Guide)
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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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