Optimizing Windows 11 involves reviewing and adjusting key settings to ensure smooth operation. This guide highlights useful configurations to keep enabled for daily efficiency or disable to prevent data tracking, slowdowns, and interruptions.
Windows 11's Start menu by default shows recently opened files, suggested applications, and account alerts, which can clutter the interface and demand extra user data. Access settings via Windows key + I, navigate to Personalization, then Start.
Turn off options for displaying recently added apps, most frequently used apps, and all elements in the Recommended section. Users can also choose the most used apps layout to eliminate the recommendations entirely.
Alerts from apps often disrupt focus. In Settings, select System followed by Notifications, and turn off the main Notifications toggle.
To permit alerts from specific programs, enable Do Not Disturb mode and customize per app within it. Further down in the menu, under Additional settings, disable suggestions and tips during Windows usage.
Such changes eliminate persistent setup prompts and promotional messages. Microsoft frequently updates this section, occasionally altering option labels, but examining it remains beneficial.
Lock screen notifications may reveal sensitive information openly. Within Settings under System and Notifications, switch off the option to display alerts on the lock screen, ensuring details stay concealed while the device remains secured.
Windows 11 automatically builds user behavior profiles for tailored ads and application analytics. In Settings, proceed to Privacy and security, then General, and disable permissions for personalized ads via advertising ID, location-based content using language preferences, and tracking of app launches to refine Start and search.
Core system operations persist unchanged, though profile creation halts. Note that Microsoft periodically revises these setting names.
The Inking & typing personalization feature processes keyboard and stylus inputs for suggestions. Access it in Settings under Privacy and security, then Inking & typing personalization, and turn off the custom dictionary option. Typing and input functions stay intact without analysis of entered text.
For diagnostic information, go to Settings, Privacy and security, and Diagnostics & feedback. Keep only essential diagnostic data transmission active.
Switch off optional diagnostic data sharing. Review and adjust all expanded sections, setting feedback requests to Never, and use the data deletion tool to clear existing records.
To manage location services, in Settings under Privacy and Security, turn off Location entirely or limit it to select apps. Applications like weather tools function with user-entered locations.
In Privacy and security, check categories for Camera, Microphone, Contacts, and sensors. For each, deny app access unless essential. Pay special attention to Microsoft Store apps, which may seek excessive permissions.
Numerous programs operate in the background unnecessarily. In Settings, select Apps and Installed apps, then for specific entries, access Advanced options and configure Background app permissions to Never. This lowers resource usage on memory and processor. Availability varies by application.
For devices shared with novice users, limit installation sources. In Settings, Apps, and Advanced app settings, under Choose where to get apps, select Microsoft Store only to permit solely approved software.
Access Task Manager by right-clicking the taskbar, then navigate to Startup apps and disable non-essential entries. Tools from hardware makers and update software particularly prolong boot times.
In Settings, Apps, and Installed apps, review the list and remove unused programs. This cuts down on running services, startup items, and potential vulnerabilities.
To spot hazardous files easily, in File Explorer, select the three dots, choose Options, go to View, and enable showing extensions for known file types by unchecking the hide option. Apply the changes.
Windows shares updates with nearby devices by default. In Settings, Windows Update, Advanced options, and Delivery optimization, turn off allowing downloads from other PCs or confine it to the local network.
In Windows Update under Advanced options, decide on post-update restart behavior. Automatic reboots bolster security but may disrupt tasks; tailor it to personal needs.
Via Control Panel, select System, then Power & battery. Adjust Lid, power button, and sleep settings to match preferences.
This area also details power usage per app. Spot high-consumption programs and curb their background operations to prolong battery life on laptops.
Search for User Account Control and open its settings. Choose a notification level that prompts for installations but skips routine system actions, balancing security with minimal interruptions.
In Settings, Gaming, and Captures, turn off background recording to ease load on graphics and central processors, even outside gaming sessions.
Under Settings, System, and Display, activate Night light and set a schedule for automatic activation. It can also be toggled quickly with Windows key + A.
In Settings, System, and Clipboard, enable Clipboard history to access and paste various recent copies using Windows key + V.
This piece was first published in our affiliate outlet PC-WELT, adapted and translated from its German version.
With four decades in IT, Thomas Joos serves as an independent writer and specialist in networking, cybersecurity, enterprise applications, AI, and OS platforms. He has authored over 100 titles, some for Microsoft Press. Beyond writing, he consults businesses on security and networks, and develops professional training content for LinkedIn Learning.