5 Windows 11 settings worth changing immediately

While Windows 11 offers a great adequate out of package experience– awful brand-new job bar aside– it deals with a lot better after tweaking simply a handful of settings to make it feel more like the Windows of yore.

No, I’m not discussing making Windows 11 appear like Windows 10 through a comprehensive overhaul (though if you’re a Windows veteran that’s worth doing) or playing with the brand-new Copilot AI presently penetrating upgraded Windows 11 PCs. I’m discussing quickly, easy modifications that enhance the feel of the os, switch off irritating advertisements, decrease the information you send out to Microsoft, and more. Even better, you can do them all in under 5 minutes– something I did simple weeks ago when I required to get a Windows 11 laptop computer for some travel.

Here are 5 Windows 11 settings worth altering instantly, with an included perk at the end.

1. Move the Start button to the left corner

What can I state, I’m a traditionalist. I comprehend Microsoft’s desire to revamp Windows 10’s user interface to more carefully mirror the design of Macs and Chromebooks– legions of kids get schooled on those, after all– however Windows 11’s moving taskbar icons drive me batty. I desire mousing over to the Start menu to be muscle memory, not yet another job I need to take a look at and psychologically procedure.

Microsoft makes it simple to move the Start menu back to the left-hand corner. Just open the Start menu and head to Settings > > Personalization > > Taskbar > > Taskbar habits. You’ll see a field identifiedTaskbar positioningwith a drop-down menu. Modification the drop-dox menu from Center to Left.

Boom! Onto the next.

2. Shut off irritating notices

Next, it’s time to switch off those frustrating pop-up notices. Windows 11 itself generates some, however the worst wrongdoers are third-party apps, specifically if your laptop computer or desktop came preloaded with bloatware. Making the diversions stop is easy.

Head to Start > > System > > NotificationsYou can turn notices off generally if you prefer. I choose to overcome the list by hand, leaving alerts on for important tools like Slack, Discord, and my anti-virus software application(If my AV scanner wishes to yell about something, I wish to hear it!) In any case, this menu remedies lots of headaches.

3. Shut off Microsoft advertisements

That segues nicely into the next pointer. Keep scrolling down beyond the bottom of the list of apps that can send you alerts. There, you’ll see a number of extra boxes that associate with Windows 11 itself supplying “pointers and ideas” on how to utilize your PC. If you understand your method around all right, deselect the Deal ideas on how I can establish my gadget and Get suggestions and ideas when I utilize Windows boxes. I choose to leave the Program me the Windows welcome experience … choice inspected so I’m alerted of brand-new functions when a huge upgrade drops.

We’re not done yet. If you do not like seeing Microsoft promos appear in your Settings app, head to Start > > Settings > > Privacy & & security > GeneralDisabling “Show me recommended material in the Settings app” suffices, though you might wish to shut off all these alternatives.

Head to Settings > > Personalization > > Device UsageThe choices here inform Microsoft how you utilize your computer system so Windows 11 can offer customized suggestions for apps, sites, Office 365 trials, and more. Turn them all off if you’re not thinking about your $100+ copy of Windows 11 upselling you on more Microsoft services.

There are other locations Microsoft promos hide such as the stunning lock screens offered by Bing Images, however tweaking this handful of settings removes the most annoying ones.

4. Modification your default internet browser

Microsoft Edge is quite darned excellent, really, however if you’re a diehard Chrome, Firefox, Opera, or Brave user, changing your default internet browser is simple. (Well, nowadays.

After downloading and setting up the web browser of your option, it ought to ask if you wish to make it the default. Do so, duh. If you missed your opportunity throughout setup, browse to Settings > > Apps > > Default appsdiscover the name of your web browser in the list, and click it. A “Make << web browser name> > your default internet browser” banner with a Set default button at the top of the page works.

5. Declutter the taskbar

Yep, Windows 11’s nerfed taskbar draws and Microsoft packs it to the brim with icons and functions you most likely have no interest in. Make it much easier on the eyes and recover some area by heading to Settings > > Personalization > > Taskbar and deselecting any of the taskbar products you’ll never ever utilize. Adios, Widgets and Teams Chat.

While we’re on the subject, investing $5 on Stardock’s Start11 or StartIsBack is well worth it. The programs use granular choices that broaden the appearance and performance of the taskbar and Start menu alike, making it a lot much easier to make Windows 11 appear like Windows 10They’re beyond the scope of this post however are worthy of a shout-out.

Benefit: Dark mode, child!

An optional individual choice. Some folks like looking at black text on white screens throughout the day. Others, like me, choose not to burn their retinas. The really first thing I constantly do with a brand-new Windows set up is trigger dark mode, a choice that brings over into numerous apps when you’ve set it.

Just head to Settings > > Personalization > > Colors and search for a field called Pick your modeModification the drop-down menu from Light to Dark. Your eyes will thank you.

That’s about it for this rundown of fast Windows 11 settings to alter right away. This bunny hole goes as deep as you desire it. Take a look at our guides to 10 Windows 11 ideas and techniques we utilize to personalize our PCs 10 unknown Windows functions that will blow your mindand 7 aggravating Windows 11 inconveniences (and how to repair them) to make your PC your own!

Author: Brad ChacosExecutive editor