9 Essential Tweaks for Your New Windows 11 Computer

Congratulations on your shiny new Windows computer! Few things in the tech world feel quite as satisfying as peeling the plastic off a brand-new device, booting it up, and watching Windows 11 come to life. But before you dive headfirst into its features and start cranking out work (or Netflix marathons), there are some foundational tweaks you need to make. These adjustments aren't just about personalizing your device—they're about optimizing performance, protecting your privacy, and ensuring your smoothest computing adventure yet.
Ready? Let’s break down the nine settings you should change on a new Windows computer, step-by-step, and dive into why each tweak matters.

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1. Turn On Clipboard History​

By default, Windows can only remember the last single item you copied. That’s helpful for basic tasks but a bit of a nuisance for anyone frequently copying and pasting. Say hello to Clipboard History, the feature that remembers up to 25 copied items, including both text and images.
To enable it:

• Press Windows + V the first time, and Windows will prompt you to turn it on.
• After activation, you can view all clipboard items and sync them across your devices if you’re logged into the same Microsoft account.

Why this matters:
Have you ever copied some text, only to accidentally overwrite it before pasting? That frustration disappears when Clipboard History has your back. Plus, if you repeatedly copy certain texts (like email signatures or links), you can pin those items for easy reuse.

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2. Change Default Apps​

Let’s be real—while Microsoft Edge is decent, many of us are loyal to Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or even Brave as our everyday browser. Additionally, the default media player might not support every format under the sun. Do yourself a favor and set your favorite apps as the default.
Here’s how:

• Go to Settings > Apps > Default Apps.
• Scroll, find the functionality (e.g., Web Browser), and replace it with your preferred choice.

Pro tip: Swap out the clunky Windows Photos app for something faster like IrfanView if you frequently view images. It's all about speed and versatility.

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3. Remove Bloatware​

Ah, the unnecessary software that came pre-installed on your machine. From antivirus trials to promotional manufacturer apps, bloatware doesn’t just clutter your Start menu—it often drains background resources, slows down boot times, and occupies precious storage space.
To simplify your system:

• Go to Settings > Apps > Installed Apps.
• Uninstall anything unfamiliar or deemed unnecessary. Don’t worry—most bloatware can be safely removed.

Pro tip: Some stubborn apps might require dedicated removal tools. Do a quick Google search if an app resists standard uninstall procedures.

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4. Monitor Startup Apps​

Speaking of bloat, certain programs are intent on launching every time you start your computer. Sure, a cloud-sync tool like OneDrive at startup makes sense. Steam, Spotify, or Teams? Not so much if you don’t need them immediately.
Take control of startup apps:

• Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and go to the Startup tab.
• Disable unnecessary applications by right-clicking on them and selecting Disable.

Why it matters: Reducing startup apps can shave valuable seconds (even minutes) off your boot time. Plus, more system resources will be available right after you log in.

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5. Adjust Privacy Settings​

Windows 11, by design, collects a ton of diagnostic and telemetry data. From targeting ads to tracking your interactions within the OS, Microsoft is watching. While some data collection improves the experience, other forms breach the line of "necessary" and "intrusive."
To take back your privacy:

• Go to Settings > Privacy & Security.
• Review each section (e.g., Diagnostics & Feedback, Location, and App Permissions) carefully, toggling off unnecessary tracking.

Also, disable ad tracking under General Settings. Say goodbye to those creepy personalized Start menu suggestions!

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6. Block Annoying Ads​

Windows has a surprising amount of ad placements—whether it’s lock screen "tips" or recommendations in your Start menu. If ads on your PC irritate you as much as they do on mobile, the good news is you can turn them off.
Here’s how:

• Disable Get Tips and Suggestions in Settings > Notifications.
• Turn off Occasionally Show Suggestions under Settings > Personalization > Start Menu.

By doing this, your computer will feel like it’s your tool—not Microsoft's advertising platform.

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7. Set Battery Charging Limit​

If you’re on a laptop, battery longevity is vital. Allowing your device to charge to 100% repeatedly might seem harmless but can degrade battery health over time. Modern laptops from brands like Dell or Lenovo often include battery optimization features that cap charging at 80%.
To enable:

• Check for manufacturer-specific tools like Lenovo Vantage, ASUS Battery Health Charging, etc.
• Alternatively, explore Windows 11’s Power Profiles under Settings > Power & Battery.

Why bother? Capping battery charging minimizes wear and tear, especially if you keep your laptop plugged in most of the time.

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8. Enable System Restore​

System Restore is the knight-in-shining-armor feature for when things go sideways, such as botched updates or a bad software installation. Frustratingly, System Restore isn’t enabled by default anymore. Fix this ASAP.
How to set it up:

• Search for Create a Restore Point in the Start menu.
• Choose your drive (likely C, then click Configure and enable protection.
• Create your first restore point immediately.

Restoring a healthy system state can solve frustrating issues without requiring drastic measures like reinstalling Windows.

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9. Configure Backups​

System Restore handles critical system settings, but what about your personal files? Whether it’s cherished photos or critical work documents, backing up files is your insurance against hardware failure or accidental deletions.
Here’s what to do:

• Use OneDrive to back up your essential folders like Desktop, Documents, and Downloads.
• Prefer offline backups? External hard drives and tools like Macrium Reflect or Acronis True Image rule here.

Golden Rule: Never rely on one backup alone. Opt for the "3-2-1 strategy"—three backups, two different media types, one offsite copy (like OneDrive or Google Drive).

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Final Thoughts: Take Control Before Diving In​

Setting up a new Windows PC isn’t just about hardware and shiny features—it’s about maximizing its potential while protecting what matters most: performance, privacy, and your overall experience. While these changes may take some time, compared to the hours they’ll save you down the line, they’re well worth the effort.
So next time you unbox a new laptop or desktop, don’t rush it. Think of this as an investment in your tech-savvy self. Did we miss any settings that you consider a must-change? Let's start a discussion below!

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Source: MakeUseOf I Can't Use a New Windows Computer Until I Change These 9 Settings

 

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12 Essential Tweaks for Your New Windows 11 Laptop​

With a fresh Windows 11 installation, you might feel like you’ve entered a realm of unnecessary pop‑ups, background processes, and pre‑configured settings that aren’t tailored to your needs. After all, why should your new laptop track every detail of your routine or present cluttered notifications? Let’s break down these 12 must‑do settings adjustments, complete with step‑by‑step guidance and practical insights into what each change accomplishes.

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1. Clean Up the Lock Screen​

What It Does:
The lock screen isn’t just a placeholder—it’s where Windows 11 displays news snippets, stock tickers, or even ads, all by default. Cleaning it up means removing distractions and winning back a minimalist aesthetic.
How to Tweak:

• Open Settings and navigate to Personalization > Lock Screen.
• Under Lock screen status, choose “None” (or select a widget you regularly use like Mail or Calendar).
• Uncheck options such as “Get fun facts, tips, tricks, and more” to eliminate needless clutter.

Why Bother?
A tidier lock screen reduces background activity and—believe it or not—might save a pinch of battery. Plus, the fewer distractions you see when waking your laptop, the more focused you can be.

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2. Move the Start Menu Back to the Left​

What It Does:
Windows 11’s centered Start Menu is a drastic deviation from decades of tradition. By moving the Start button to the left, you return to a layout that many longtime Windows users find familiar and intuitive.
How to Tweak:

• Head to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar.
• Scroll to Taskbar behaviors and set the taskbar alignment to “Left.”
• For further customization, visit Settings > Personalization > Start and disable recommendations you don’t need (like “Show recently added apps”).

Why Bother?
The left‑aligned Start Menu not only revives a classic look but also optimizes your workflow by presenting your favorite apps and shortcuts without the visual noise of recommended content. Ever wonder if that center‑aligned Start button is really worth the hassle? Now you decide!

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3. Trim Down the Notifications​

What It Does:
By default, Windows bombards you with notifications—even on a new setup. Streamlining these alerts means you can focus on what matters while keeping interruptions at bay.
How to Tweak:

• Navigate to Settings > System > Notifications.
• Disable sound alerts and lock screen notifications if they’re not essential.
• Fine‑tune by scrolling through individual apps and turning off notifications for non‑essential programs.
• Consider setting up Do Not Disturb mode during work hours.

Why Bother?
Fewer notifications mean less distraction. With a clean, uncluttered notification center, you’re in control of which alerts deserve your attention.

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4. Disable the Advertising ID and Suggested Content​

What It Does:
Every Windows 11 device comes with a unique advertising ID that helps tailor ads to your interests—which, in turn, means your personal data is being used to serve targeted advertisements.
How to Tweak:

• Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > General.
• Turn off the toggle for “Let apps show me personalized ads by using my advertising ID.”
• Similarly, disable “Show me suggested content in the settings app” to avoid Microsoft’s subtle promotions.

Why Bother?
Disabling these features doesn’t block ads entirely, but it does render them less intrusive by decoupling your personal profile from targeted campaigns. It’s a small step toward reclaiming your privacy.

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5. Reduce Windows Location Permissions​

What It Does:
By default, Windows 11 allows many apps to access your precise location. While some features (like timezone settings or Find My Device) may benefit, unnecessary location tracking is a privacy risk.
How to Tweak:

• Open Settings > Privacy & Security > Location.
• Switch off location access for apps that don't really need it.
• Alternatively, disable global location permissions and allow only specific desktop applications if necessary.

Why Bother?
A controlled approach to location permissions ensures that your device isn’t inadvertently sharing your whereabouts, striking a balance between convenience and security.

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6. Disable Inking and Typing Personalization (Plus Online Speech Recognition)​

What It Does:
Windows 11 uses inking and typing personalization to learn from your input—improving autocorrect and suggestions—but at the cost of sending your personal data to the cloud. There’s also the matter of online speech recognition if you use dictation.
How to Tweak:

• To disable inking and typing, access Settings > Privacy & Security > Inking & Typing Personalization and switch it off.
• For voice typing privacy, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Speech and turn off “Online speech recognition.”

Why Bother?
Turning these features off means your device stops learning your habits in exchange for enhanced privacy. Sure, you might lose some personalized suggestions, but you also gain back control over your data.

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7. Disable Diagnostic and Feedback Settings​

What It Does:
Windows 11 collects diagnostic data—from error reports to potential browsing history—much of which is sent to Microsoft by default. The “optional” diagnostic data, in particular, can feel like an overreach.
How to Tweak:

• Head to Settings > Privacy & Security > Diagnostics & Feedback.
• Disable the toggle for “Send optional diagnostic data.”
• Use the option to “Delete diagnostic data” to clear what’s been collected so far.
• Additionally, switch off “Tailored experiences” for a simpler, less intrusive setup.

Why Bother?
Reducing diagnostic data sent to Microsoft not only helps protect your privacy but can also minimize background network usage. (For more on protecting your system data, see our guide on system optimization, as previously reported at Preparing for Windows 10 End of Support: What You Need to Know.)

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8. Turn Off Delivery Optimization​

What It Does:
Delivery Optimization is a clever system that allows your PC to share pieces of update downloads with other devices. However, this peer‑to‑peer sharing can expose your IP address to unknown devices.
How to Tweak:

• Open Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Delivery Optimization.
• Set “Allow downloads from other PCs” to “Devices on my local network.”

Why Bother?
Limiting update sharing to just your local network safeguards your Internet identity while still reaping the benefits of reduced data usage—especially important for metered or capped networks.

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9. Disable Windows Copilot​

What It Does:
Windows Copilot, the built‑in AI assistant, may offer helpful features, but it also consumes precious system resources. If you’re not using it, why let it run in the background?
How to Tweak:

• Go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar and look for the toggle option to disable Copilot.
• For a deeper removal, head to Apps > Installed Apps and uninstall it.
• Alternatively, you can use the Group Policy Editor (search for “gpedit”) and navigate to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Copilot to permanently disable it.

Why Bother?
Disabling Copilot frees up system resources and reduces unnecessary background activity, ensuring a leaner system performance tailored specifically to your needs.

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10. Disable Recall​

What It Does:
Recall is a feature designed to take periodic snapshots of your system activity. While it might sound helpful as a personal search engine for your past actions, it can also clutter your system or consume valuable storage.
How to Tweak:

• Visit Settings > Privacy & Security > Recall & Snapshots.
• Turn off “Save snapshots” and, if applicable, click “Delete all” to remove existing data.
• For those with extra caution, open the Turn Windows features on or off utility from the Start menu and uncheck the “Recall” option.

Why Bother?
Disabling Recall keeps your system lean and prevents unnecessary data accumulation—ideal for users who value both performance and privacy.

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11. Remove Unwanted Apps (Bloatware)​

What It Does:
Out-of-the-box, your new laptop may come loaded with apps you’ll never use. These “bloatware” programs can slow down your device and clutter your system.
How to Tweak:

• Use third‑party utilities such as Geek Uninstaller or Revo Uninstaller.
• These tools not only uninstall apps but also scour your system for leftover files, ensuring a complete removal.

Why Bother?
By ridding your system of unnecessary apps, you free up storage and improve performance. It’s akin to clearing out the junk drawer—you might not notice it at first, but the organized result makes life much simpler.

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12. Try Out PowerToys​

What It Does:
For users who crave additional functionality beyond what Windows 11 offers by default, Microsoft’s PowerToys provide an arsenal of productivity enhancements. These mini‑tools add powerful features without bogging down your system.
How to Tweak:

• Install PowerToys from the Microsoft Store (or download it from GitHub for the latest version).
• Explore features such as Peek (quick preview of files), Image Resizer (batch‑resize images), Text Extractor (grab text from any on‑screen content), and Always on Top (keep key apps in focus).
• Customize which utilities run to avoid unnecessary resource usage.

Why Bother?
If you like the idea of supercharging your workflow, PowerToys is a treasure trove. It bridges the gap between standard OS functionality and your unique productivity needs.

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Putting It All Together​

Why These Tweaks Matter:
Every new device presents an opportunity to strip away the pre‑configured clutter and mold your computing experience to your life. Adjusting the settings not only protects your privacy but can significantly boost performance and battery life. With a few clicks, you reclaim a more minimalistic, distraction‑free interface where only the apps and notifications that matter to you make the cut.
Tips for a Smooth Transition:

• Backup First: Always consider creating a system restore point before making significant changes.
• Take Your Time: Not all changes are irreversible—experiment with toggling features on and off to see what best suits your workflow.
• Stay Informed: Windows updates can sometimes reset or add new features. Keep an eye on new privacy settings or performance tweaks that may be added in future Windows 11 updates.

Need More Guidance?
If you’re intrigued by these adjustments and want additional system optimization tips, check out our previous guide on preparing for Windows 10 end‑of‑support Preparing for Windows 10 End of Support: What You Need to Know.

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Final Thoughts​

Your new Windows laptop is a blank canvas—ready to be transformed into a system that works for you, not the other way around. By taking the time to disable extra features, trim down notifications, and free up valuable resources, you put yourself in the driver’s seat of your own computing experience.
In a world where privacy and efficiency are paramount, these 12 essential tweaks offer an immediate way to reclaim control. So go ahead, dive into your Settings app, and start customizing. Your streamlined, turbocharged Windows 11 laptop awaits!

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Have questions or additional tips? Share your experiences below and help fellow Windows enthusiasts optimize their setup!

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Source: SlashGear 12 Settings You Should Immediately Change On Your New Windows Laptop - SlashGear