Windows 11 has garnered attention for its sleek design and enhanced performance, yet it is not without its share of frustrations. Users often express their discontent with the operating system’s stringent hardware requirements, the centralized taskbar, the redesigned Action Center, and the presence of advertisements on the Start menu. While some of these challenges may be inherent to the system, there are several adjustments that can be made to create a more user-friendly experience. Below are five practical modifications to consider.
1. Silence Account Notifications
Upon signing in with a Microsoft account, users are frequently prompted to explore services like Microsoft 365. For those who prefer the simplicity of a local account, persistent notifications can be bothersome. To silence these reminders, navigate to Settings, select Personalization, then Start, and toggle off Show account related notifications occasionally in Start.
2. Disable Targeted Microsoft Ads
Windows assigns an Advertising ID to tailor ads based on user interests. While completely eliminating ads is not feasible, users can opt out of personalized advertising. To do this, go to Settings -> Privacy & security -> General, and toggle off Let apps show me personalized ads by using my advertising ID.
3. Remove News Feed from Widgets
The Widgets feature in Windows 11 often displays a stream of news articles, which some users may find distracting. Fortunately, Microsoft has made it easier to customize this feature. To disable the news feed, follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key + W to open the Widgets board.
- Click the Settings option (gear icon) in the upper-right corner.
- Select Show or hide feeds and toggle off the switch next to Feeds.
- Confirm by clicking Turn off in the pop-up that appears.
4. Hide Ads in Microsoft Edge
While Microsoft Edge is praised for its speed and tab management, it can also be cluttered with ads. To enhance your browsing experience, you can disable ads on the Start page. Open a new tab, click the gear icon in the upper right corner, and set the Content setting to Off.
5. Remove Bing from Windows Search
Many users find the Bing search results in Windows Search to be less than satisfactory. Although Microsoft does not allow users to replace Bing directly, it is possible to disable it through the Registry Editor. Here’s how:
- Open Registry Editor from the Start menu.
- Navigate to
ComputerHKEYCURRENTUSERSOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftWindows
.
- Right-click the Windows folder, select New, and then Key. Name it Explorer.
- Right-click the Explorer key, select New, and choose DWORD (32-bit) Value. Name it DisableSearchBoxSuggestions.
- Double-click it, set the value to 1, and click OK.
- Restart your PC to apply the changes.
By implementing these adjustments, users can reclaim control over their Windows 11 experience, transforming it into a more tailored and enjoyable environment. As you explore these options, consider also reviewing your privacy settings to further enhance your digital experience.
