For those transitioning to Windows 11 from its predecessor, Windows 10, the experience can feel overwhelming. The new operating system introduces a host of features and settings that may not align with your preferences. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to tailor Windows 11 to your liking while enhancing your privacy and streamlining your experience.
Clean up the lock screen
The lock screen serves primarily as a barrier to unauthorized access, yet Microsoft fills it with stock prices and ads by default. To simplify this, navigate to Settings > Personalization > Lock Screen. Here, you can set the “Lock screen status” to “None” or choose a more relevant widget, such as Mail or Calendar, if you prefer. Additionally, uncheck the option for “Get fun facts, tips, tricks, and more on your lock screen” to eliminate unnecessary distractions. A minimalist lock screen not only enhances aesthetics but may also conserve battery life.
Move the Start menu back to the left-hand side
The repositioning of the Start Menu to the center of the screen has sparked debate among users. To revert it to the familiar left-hand side, go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar. Under Taskbar behaviors, change the alignment to “Left.” For a more personalized Start Menu, head to Settings > Personalization > Start and opt for more pinned apps instead of the recommended section. You can also toggle off options like “Show recently added apps” for a cleaner interface.
Trim down the notifications
Even a fresh installation of Windows 11 bombards you with notifications. To manage these, visit Settings > System > Notifications. You can either disable notifications entirely or selectively uncheck those you find unnecessary. Setting up Do Not Disturb during work hours can further enhance your focus. Prioritize notifications from essential apps while silencing those that clutter your workspace.
Disable advertising ID and suggested content
Privacy concerns are paramount, especially with Windows 11’s advertising ID feature. To disable this, navigate to Settings > Privacy & Security > General and turn off “Let apps show me personalized ads by using my advertising ID.” This action will not eliminate ads but will ensure they are less tailored to your profile. Additionally, disable “Show me suggested content in the settings app” to prevent unsolicited promotions for Microsoft services.
Reduce Windows location permissions
Location services can enhance functionality but may also compromise privacy. While it’s advisable to keep location services enabled for essential features, you can restrict access for specific apps. Under Settings > Privacy & Security > Location, disable permissions for applications that do not require your geographical data.
Disable inking and typing personalization
Windows 11’s inking and typing personalization feature aims to enhance your typing experience but raises privacy concerns. To disable this, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Inking and Typing Personalization and toggle it to “Off.” If you use voice typing, consider disabling “Online speech recognition” under Privacy & Security > Speech to prevent audio data from being sent to the cloud.
Disable all diagnostic and feedback settings
Windows 11 collects diagnostic data, which can be concerning. To limit this, head to Settings > Privacy & Security > Diagnostics & feedback and turn off “Send optional diagnostic data.” This will help safeguard your privacy while still allowing Microsoft to collect necessary information for system performance.
Turn off delivery optimization
Delivery optimization allows your PC to share updates with others, but it can expose your IP address. To disable this feature, go to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Delivery optimization and set “Allow downloads from other PCs” to “Devices on my local network.” This way, you can still benefit from the feature without compromising your privacy.
Disable Copilot
Windows 11 includes an AI assistant known as Copilot, which may not be necessary for all users. To disable it, navigate to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar and toggle off Copilot. For a complete removal, you can uninstall it via Apps > Installed Apps or through the Group Policy Editor.
Disable Recall
Recall is a feature that takes snapshots of your activities, raising privacy concerns for many users. To disable it, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Recall & Snapshots and turn off the “Save snapshots” toggle. If you wish to delete existing snapshots, you can do so from the same menu.
Remove unwanted apps with Geek Uninstaller or Revo Uninstaller
New Windows PCs often come preloaded with bloatware that can clutter your system. To thoroughly remove these unwanted applications, consider using tools like Geek Uninstaller or Revo Uninstaller. Both programs allow you to uninstall applications and clean up any leftover files, ensuring a more efficient system.
Try out Power Toys
For users seeking enhanced functionality, PowerToys is a collection of utilities developed by Microsoft that can significantly improve productivity. Features like Peek, Image Resizer, and Text Extractor provide added convenience. PowerToys can be downloaded from GitHub or the Microsoft Store, with the latter option ensuring automatic updates. After installation, disable any utilities you don’t plan to use to conserve system resources.
