Most Windows users typically engage with the basic settings, such as changing desktop wallpapers or connecting to Wi-Fi. However, a treasure trove of hidden settings lies beneath the surface, waiting to be discovered. These adjustments can significantly enhance your computer’s usability and performance, leading to a more responsive, efficient, and personalized experience.
1. Adjust App Permissions
Many applications request permissions beyond their actual needs, such as access to your camera, microphone, or location. By limiting unnecessary permissions, you not only secure your data but also conserve system resources, which can improve battery life. To modify these permissions, navigate to Settings -> Privacy & security -> App permissions and review access for each app.
2. Disable “Let Apps Run in the Background”
Some applications continue to run in the background, consuming valuable resources even when not in use. By restricting these apps, you can enhance your system’s efficiency. To make this change, go to Settings -> Apps -> Installed Apps, select the desired app, click the three dots, and choose Advanced options. Then, turn off “Let this app run in the background.”
3. Turn Off Ad Tracking and Personalization
Windows collects data on your usage habits to deliver personalized advertisements. While this can seem beneficial, it often compromises your privacy. To enhance your privacy, head to Settings -> Privacy & security -> General and deactivate all ad-tracking options.
4. Disable Tips and Suggestions
Windows frequently displays pop-ups offering tips and suggestions that can disrupt your workflow. To minimize these distractions, navigate to Settings -> System -> Notifications, expand the Additional settings section, and uncheck “Suggest ways to get the most out of Windows.”
5. Enable Clipboard History
If you often copy and paste, enabling Clipboard history can significantly boost your productivity. This feature allows you to store multiple copied items, making retrieval easy. To enable it, go to Settings -> System -> Clipboard and toggle on “Clipboard history.” You can access it by pressing Windows key + V.
6. Manage Startup Apps
Many applications launch automatically at startup, which can slow down boot times. To improve responsiveness, open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), switch to the Startup tab, and disable any unnecessary apps.
7. Turn On Storage Sense
If low storage space is a frequent issue, enabling Storage Sense can help. This feature automatically cleans up temporary files and unused downloads, optimizing storage without manual intervention. Navigate to Settings -> System -> Storage -> Storage Sense to enable it.
8. Prevent Apps from Reopening on Startup
Windows often reopens previously active applications after a reboot, which can clutter your desktop. To ensure a fresh start, go to Settings -> Accounts -> Sign-in options and disable the option “Automatically save my restartable apps.
9. Hide Recently Opened Files in Quick Access
The Quick Access feature in File Explorer can inadvertently expose your recent activity. To maintain privacy, open File Explorer, click the “three dots” below the navigation bar, select Options, and uncheck both “Show recently used files” and “Show frequently used folders.
10. Set Active Hours for Windows Update
Automatic updates can disrupt important tasks. To avoid interruptions, define your active hours by visiting Settings -> Windows Update -> Advanced options -> Active hours. You can set these hours manually or allow Windows to detect them automatically.
While these adjustments may seem minor individually, they collectively enhance the overall computing experience. Investing a few minutes to implement these changes can lead to improved privacy, better system performance, and a more tailored user environment.
