Windows 11 stands out for its extensive customization options, allowing users to tailor nearly every aspect of their experience. However, some elements, like the Taskbar, have become more restrictive. This article outlines various settings that can enhance your Windows 11 experience, particularly during new installations.
<h2 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-windows-11-settings-to-change-on-new-setups”>Windows 11 settings to change on new setups
Upon every installation, I find myself adjusting several key areas of the operating system, including the Start menu, Taskbar, Widgets, Notifications, Clock, Apps, Display, Privacy, mobile devices, mouse, and File Explorer. Here are some configurations I typically apply:
Show more pins
To prioritize pinned items over recommendations in the Start menu, follow these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click on Personalization.
- Click the Start page on the right side.
- Select the More pins option.
Show folders
To display folders (app shortcuts) in the Start menu, use these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click on Personalization.
- Click the Start page on the right side.
- Click the Folders setting.
- Choose the shortcuts to appear next to the power button, such as Settings, File Explorer, and Downloads.
Disable account notifications
To prevent the Start menu from displaying unwanted notifications, follow these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click on Personalization.
- Click the Start page on the right side.
- Turn off the “Show account-related notifications” toggle switch.
Disable app recommendations
To turn off app recommendations from the Microsoft Store in the “Recommended” section, use these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click on Personalization.
- Click the Start page on the right side.
- Turn off the “Show recommendations for tips, app promotions, and more” toggle switch.
Taskbar
On the Taskbar, I prefer to align the icons to the left, remove Widgets and Search, and minimize distractions by disabling badge notifications.
Change icon alignment
To align apps and the Start button to the left side, follow these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click on Personalization.
- Click the Taskbar page on the right side.
- Click the Taskbar behaviors setting.
- Choose the Left option for the “Taskbar alignment” setting.
Remove Widgets and Search icons
To remove the Widgets and Search icons from the Taskbar, use these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click on Personalization.
- Click the Taskbar page on the right side.
- Choose the Hide option for the Search feature.
- Turn off the Widgets toggle switch.
Disable badge notifications
To disable badge notifications in the Taskbar, follow these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click on Personalization.
- Click the Taskbar page on the right side.
- Click the Taskbar behaviors setting.
- Clear the “Show badges on taskbar apps” option.
Notifications
While I don’t completely disable the notification system, I activate the “Do not disturb” option to suppress toast notifications while maintaining access to essential alerts.
Enable Do not disturb
To enable “Do not disturb” on Windows 11, follow these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click on System.
- Click the Notifications page on the right side.
- Turn on the “Do not disturb” toggle switch.
Clock
Although Windows typically sets the time zone and clock automatically, manual adjustments may be necessary, especially when traveling. You can configure the system to monitor and adjust these settings automatically.
Enable automatic time and zone
To allow Windows 11 to adjust the time zone, clock, and date automatically, follow these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click on Time & language.
- Click the Date & time page from the right side.
- Turn on the “Set time zone automatically” toggle switch.
- Turn on the “Set time automatically” toggle switch.
Apps
When it comes to apps, I focus on changing default applications and disabling unnecessary startup programs.
Set apps as default
To set an app as the system default on Windows 11, follow these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click on Apps.
- Click the Default apps page from the right side.
- Click on the app you want to make the default, such as Google Chrome.
- Click the Set default option.
Control startup apps
To manage startup apps on Windows 11, follow these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click on Apps.
- Click the Startup page from the right side.
- Turn off the toggle switch for each app you want to disable.
Display
When it comes to display settings, I check and adjust the scale and refresh rate, as Windows may not always apply the optimal configuration. Additionally, I enable the night light feature to reduce blue light emission, which can strain the eyes.
Change screen scaling
To change the display scale setting on Windows 11, follow these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click on System.
- Click the Display page from the right side.
- Choose the desired scaling option in the “Scale & layout” setting.
Change refresh rate
To set the correct refresh rate on Windows 11, follow these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click on System.
- Click the Display page from the right side.
- Click the Advanced display setting.
- Select the appropriate refresh rate according to your monitor’s capabilities.
Enable Night light
To enable the Night light feature on Windows 11, follow these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click on System.
- Click the Display page from the right side.
- Click the Night light setting.
- Choose the blue light filter strength with the slider.
- Select the “Schedule night light” setting and turn on the toggle switch.
- Choose the “Sunset to sunrise” option.
Privacy
Privacy settings can vary based on personal preference. As part of my base configuration, I disable the “Find My Device” feature to prevent location data storage and turn off notifications in the Settings app to minimize distractions.
Disable Find My Device
To disable the Find My Device feature on Windows 11, follow these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click on Privacy & security.
- Click the Find my device page from the right side.
- Turn off the “Find my device” toggle switch.
Disable Settings notifications
To disable notifications in the Settings app, follow these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click on Privacy & security.
- Click the General page from the right side.
- Turn off the “Show me suggested content in the Settings app” toggle switch.
- Turn off the “Show me notifications in the Settings app” toggle switch.
Connect phone
Connecting your phone to Windows 11 can be done in two ways to access different features. For instance, using the Phone Link app allows access to photos, messages, and notifications, while connecting via the Mobile devices feature lets you access phone storage through File Explorer.
Phone Link
To connect your Android phone to your computer using the Phone Link app, follow these steps:
- Open the Phone Link app on your phone.
- Click the Android button.
- Sign in with your Microsoft account (if applicable).
- Scan the QR Code with your Android device.
- Continue with the on-screen directions to complete the setup.
Mobile devices
To connect your Android phone to your computer using the Mobile devices feature, follow these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click on Bluetooth & devices.
- Click the Mobile devices page on the right side.
- Turn on the “Allow this PC to access your mobile devices” toggle switch.
- Click the Manage devices button.
- Sign in with your Microsoft account.
- Turn on the toggle switch to connect your phone.
- Turn on the “Use as a connected camera” toggle switch to use your phone camera as your computer’s webcam.
File Explorer
While File Explorer comes with optimal settings, I prefer to change the startup page to “This PC” and enable file extensions visibility.
Change startup page
To change the startup page in File Explorer, follow these steps:
- Open File Explorer.
- Open the main menu (three dots) button from the command bar.
- Click on Options.
- Click the General tab.
- Select the page you want to start, such as This PC.
- Click the Apply button.
- Click the OK button.
Show file extensions
To enable file extensions visibility in File Explorer, follow these steps:
- Open File Explorer.
- Open the View menu button from the command bar.
- Select the Show submenu and choose the “File name extensions” option.
Mouse
Lastly, I prefer to customize the mouse pointer and cursor style, which is designed as an accessibility feature but can be beneficial for anyone.
Change mouse cursor and pointer style
To change the mouse cursor and pointer style, follow these steps:
- Open Settings.
- Click on Accessibility.
- Click the “Mouse pointer and touch” page from the right side.
- Click the Custom option in the “Mouse pointer style” setting.
- Select from one of the available colors or create a new color.
This configuration is personal and may not encompass every setting needed for an optimal experience. Ultimately, the best configuration is subjective, as individual preferences and requirements vary widely. What settings do you prioritize on your devices? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.
More resources
For additional articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, consider visiting the following resources:
My essential Windows 11 tweaks: 22 Settings to change for a better experience
Windows 11 stands out for its extensive customization options, allowing users to tailor nearly every aspect of their experience. However, some elements, like the Taskbar, have become more restrictive. This article outlines various settings that can enhance your Windows 11 experience, particularly during new installations.
<h2 class="article-bodysection” id=”section-windows-11-settings-to-change-on-new-setups”>Windows 11 settings to change on new setups
Upon every installation, I find myself adjusting several key areas of the operating system, including the Start menu, Taskbar, Widgets, Notifications, Clock, Apps, Display, Privacy, mobile devices, mouse, and File Explorer. Here are some configurations I typically apply:
Show more pins
To prioritize pinned items over recommendations in the Start menu, follow these steps:
Show folders
To display folders (app shortcuts) in the Start menu, use these steps:
Disable account notifications
To prevent the Start menu from displaying unwanted notifications, follow these steps:
Disable app recommendations
To turn off app recommendations from the Microsoft Store in the “Recommended” section, use these steps:
Taskbar
On the Taskbar, I prefer to align the icons to the left, remove Widgets and Search, and minimize distractions by disabling badge notifications.
Change icon alignment
To align apps and the Start button to the left side, follow these steps:
Remove Widgets and Search icons
To remove the Widgets and Search icons from the Taskbar, use these steps:
Disable badge notifications
To disable badge notifications in the Taskbar, follow these steps:
Notifications
While I don’t completely disable the notification system, I activate the “Do not disturb” option to suppress toast notifications while maintaining access to essential alerts.
Enable Do not disturb
To enable “Do not disturb” on Windows 11, follow these steps:
Clock
Although Windows typically sets the time zone and clock automatically, manual adjustments may be necessary, especially when traveling. You can configure the system to monitor and adjust these settings automatically.
Enable automatic time and zone
To allow Windows 11 to adjust the time zone, clock, and date automatically, follow these steps:
Apps
When it comes to apps, I focus on changing default applications and disabling unnecessary startup programs.
Set apps as default
To set an app as the system default on Windows 11, follow these steps:
Control startup apps
To manage startup apps on Windows 11, follow these steps:
Display
When it comes to display settings, I check and adjust the scale and refresh rate, as Windows may not always apply the optimal configuration. Additionally, I enable the night light feature to reduce blue light emission, which can strain the eyes.
Change screen scaling
To change the display scale setting on Windows 11, follow these steps:
Change refresh rate
To set the correct refresh rate on Windows 11, follow these steps:
Enable Night light
To enable the Night light feature on Windows 11, follow these steps:
Privacy
Privacy settings can vary based on personal preference. As part of my base configuration, I disable the “Find My Device” feature to prevent location data storage and turn off notifications in the Settings app to minimize distractions.
Disable Find My Device
To disable the Find My Device feature on Windows 11, follow these steps:
Disable Settings notifications
To disable notifications in the Settings app, follow these steps:
Connect phone
Connecting your phone to Windows 11 can be done in two ways to access different features. For instance, using the Phone Link app allows access to photos, messages, and notifications, while connecting via the Mobile devices feature lets you access phone storage through File Explorer.
Phone Link
To connect your Android phone to your computer using the Phone Link app, follow these steps:
Mobile devices
To connect your Android phone to your computer using the Mobile devices feature, follow these steps:
File Explorer
While File Explorer comes with optimal settings, I prefer to change the startup page to “This PC” and enable file extensions visibility.
Change startup page
To change the startup page in File Explorer, follow these steps:
Show file extensions
To enable file extensions visibility in File Explorer, follow these steps:
Mouse
Lastly, I prefer to customize the mouse pointer and cursor style, which is designed as an accessibility feature but can be beneficial for anyone.
Change mouse cursor and pointer style
To change the mouse cursor and pointer style, follow these steps:
This configuration is personal and may not encompass every setting needed for an optimal experience. Ultimately, the best configuration is subjective, as individual preferences and requirements vary widely. What settings do you prioritize on your devices? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.
More resources
For additional articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, consider visiting the following resources: