Essential Guide to Cleaning Up Your Windows 11 24H2 Install

Cleaning Up Your Fresh Windows 11 24H2 Install: A Comprehensive Guide​

When you fire up a new PC or reinstall Windows 11 24H2, you’re greeted with a shine that quickly turns into a cluttered experience. Between forced Microsoft account prompts, unnecessary pre-installed apps, and aggressive upsell notifications, your pristine Windows desktop can feel anything but “clean.” In this guide, we’ll walk you through dozens of actionable tweaks—from bypassing the Microsoft account sign-in to decluttering your Start menu—to get your system running smoother and free of distractions.

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1. Navigating the Setup Maze: Microsoft Account Workarounds​

One of the biggest early frustrations in Windows 11 is the forced Microsoft account sign-in during setup. Whether you’re a privacy purist or just tired of the constant upsell for Microsoft 365, there are a couple of workarounds:

The Command Line Trick​

• When to Use: During initial setup, after choosing your language and keyboard, but before joining a network.
• Steps:
• Press Shift+F10 to open a command prompt.
• Type OOBE\BYPASSNRO and hit Enter.
• Allow your PC to reboot. Afterwards, you’ll see the option “I don’t have Internet.” Select it to access the limited (local) account setup.

This simple hack restores the “limited setup” option that was available in older Windows versions, giving you direct control over your account configuration.

The Windows 11 Pro Workaround​

• For Pro Users: If you’re using Windows 11 Pro, you can bypass the forced sign-in without the command prompt.
• Steps:
• Connect to the Internet and proceed with the regular setup.
• When asked whether your PC is for personal use or “work or school,” select “work or school.”
• Choose “sign-in options”—at this point, you will be presented with the conventional workflow for creating a limited local account.

While this workaround involves a slight “fib” (your PC thinks it’s joining a domain), it effectively spares you the barrage of subscription prompts on first boot.

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2. Tuning the Installation Media with Rufus​

For those who reinstall Windows 11 frequently—or for IT professionals looking to automate a lean install—the open source tool Rufus is a game changer. Rufus not only creates bootable USBs from your official Windows ISO but also lets you tweak the media to disable some of the more cumbersome system checks.

How to Use Rufus:​

• What You’ll Need:
• A fresh Windows 11 ISO downloaded from Microsoft.
• An 8GB (or larger) USB drive—16GB or more is recommended for speed and extra storage.
• Steps:
• Launch Rufus and select your USB drive.
• Load your Windows ISO file into Rufus.
• When prompted, choose to disable certain system checks or the forced Microsoft account requirement.
• Hit Start and let Rufus build your custom install media.

By tweaking the install media, you ensure that every installation begins with your preferences—reducing the need for post-install cleanup.

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3. Post-Setup Cleanup: Removing Clutter from Your Desktop and Start Menu​

Once the initial setup hurdles are cleared, you’ll find that Windows 11 still likes to make your desktop busier than you might prefer. Here’s how you can reclaim your space:

Getting Rid of Unwanted Apps​

• Third-Party Bloat: On first login, Windows might automatically add icons for apps like Spotify, Grammarly, or even various Microsoft services.
• Action Steps:
• Right-Click & Uninstall: Identify any app you don’t need by right-clicking its icon in the Start menu. Choose “Uninstall” to remove it completely.
• Note: Some apps appear only as stubs—that is, they won’t install fully unless you launch them. Removing these from the Start menu will keep them off your desktop for good.

Cleaning Up Built-In Programs​

• What Can Be Removed: The Settings app (under “Installed Apps”) allows you to disable many built-in components. For a clean experience, consider removing:
• Entertainment & Productivity: Mail and Calendar, Maps, Microsoft Teams, Microsoft To Do, and even the ad-driven Solitaire suite.
• Keep What Matters: It’s wise to leave core utilities like Calculator and Sound Recorder intact. Note that Microsoft Edge and its related components—like the updater and WebView—cannot be removed, but they can be tucked away.

Tweaking Privacy Settings​

• Privacy & Telemetry: Windows 11 has options to send usage data and telemetry (arguments over privacy have run hot for years).
• Steps:
• Open Settings > Privacy & Security.
• Turn off toggles for location services, the “Find My Device” feature (except if you actively need it), and additional telemetric options.
• In Settings > System > Notifications, disable “Suggested notifications” to eliminate those “finish setting up your PC” reminders.

These tweaks not only reduce unwanted background chatter but also can have a positive impact on system performance and battery life.

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4. Decluttering the User Interface: Taskbar, Search, and Lock Screen​

A new Windows 11 install often comes bundled with cluttered UI elements—from a busy Start menu to persistent widgets and even a lock screen that doubles as an advertisement board.

Streamlining the Taskbar and Start Menu​

• Taskbar Tweaks:
• Right-click the Taskbar and navigate to Taskbar settings.
• Disable the Widgets board if you prefer a cleaner look. (Alternatively, adjust its settings to remove news and stock feeds.)
• Change the Search field setting to “search icon only” to shrink its footprint.
• Start Menu Overhaul:
• Open Settings > Personalization > Start.
• Turn off “Show recommendations for tips, shortcuts, new apps, and more”—this stops Windows from bombarding you with suggestions for apps you haven’t installed.
• Disable “show account-related notifications” to mute persistent prompts pushing your Microsoft account benefits.

Refining Windows Search and Lock Screen​

• Windows Search:
• Head to Settings > Privacy & Security > Search permissions.
• Disable “Show search highlights” to prevent extra graphics and new articles cluttering your search experience.
• Lock Screen Settings:
• Open Settings > Personalization > Lock screen.
• Instead of Windows Spotlight (which auto-downloads wallpapers and adds extra icons), switch to a simple Picture or Slideshow.
• Uncheck the “get fun facts, tips, tricks, and more” option to transform your lock screen into a minimalist, distraction-free zone.

These personalization adjustments pave the way for a more tailored and enjoyable user experience that prioritizes function over flashy extras.

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5. Beyond the Basics: Navigating New Copilot+ and AI-Enhanced Features​

Windows 11 is evolving. Newer PCs—particularly those with AI-focused hardware like Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X, Intel Core Ultra, or AMD Ryzen AI variants—now come with additional features branded under “Copilot+.”

What to Expect from Copilot+:​

• Extra Features: Image-generation tools integrated into apps like Paint and Photos.
• The Catch: Unlike other elements, these features aren’t as easily toggled off. While some registry tweaks or local policies may disable parts of these AI capabilities, updates might override your changes.
• The Practical Approach: For users who don’t need these AI extras, consider ignoring them or simply not using the affected apps. For those who love innovation, these functions might offer new creative possibilities.

By understanding what you’re consenting to during setup and installation, you can better decide which bells and whistles deserve a place on your desktop.

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6. Final Thoughts and Best Practices​

A fresh Windows 11 install doesn’t have to mean sacrificing control or enduring unwanted intrusions. By following these steps, you can:

• Streamline Your Setup: Use command-line tricks or the Windows 11 Pro workaround to bypass forced Microsoft account sign-ins.
• Customize Your Install Media: Leverage Rufus to ensure your installation aligns with your minimalistic preferences.
• Declutter Your Desktop: Remove extraneous third-party and built-in apps, and adjust privacy, notification, and UI settings to suit your needs.
• Stay Informed: Microsoft’s aggressive push towards integrating AI and additional services may continue. Always test major tweaks on a non-critical setup if you’re concerned about compatibility.

While these adjustments may feel like a “hack” to reclaim simplicity, they represent officially supported—or at least widely practiced—customizations that can yield a much cleaner, more responsive Windows experience.

Pro Tip: Use keyboard shortcuts like Tab and Spacebar during app removal or settings adjustments to speed up the process. Small time savings now add up in the long run!

Remember, tinkering with system defaults and built-in components is a balancing act. Overzealous removal might interfere with future updates or even compromise certain functionalities. Hence, always stick to tweaks supported by Microsoft’s official settings and reputable community guides.

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In Conclusion​

Your Windows 11 installation should work for you—not against you. With some thoughtful tweaks and strategic removals, you can transform a noisy, cluttered system into an efficient, personalized workstation that respects your privacy and minimizes distractions. Whether you’re a hardcore DIY enthusiast or someone just looking for a cleaner, more focused Windows environment, these tips offer a robust starting point for a next-level computing experience.
Happy tweaking—and welcome to your cleaner, leaner Windows 11 world!

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For more Windows customization advice and expert tips on optimizing system performance, be sure to explore other discussions on WindowsForum.com.

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Source: Ars Technica https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2025/02/what-i-do-to-clean-up-a-clean-install-of-windows-11-23h2-and-edge/