5 Settings I Disable Right After Resetting Windows 11
If you've ever reset your Windows 11 installation, you know that the way your system is configured can make a world of difference for productivity and overall comfort. After a fresh start, it's crucial to trim out unnecessary bloat—small adjustments that can amplify performance and streamline your workflow. Here are five settings I disable immediately after resetting Windows 11 to help keep things running smoothly.1. Enhanced Pointer Precision (Mouse Acceleration)
Why It Matters:The enhanced pointer precision feature, commonly known as mouse acceleration, causes your cursor to move unpredictably—faster than your physical mouse movement. For many users, especially those who rely on precise control (like gamers or graphic designers), this can be more of a nuisance than a benefit. Disabling it means the cursor movement becomes smooth and predictable, which is key for accuracy.
How to Disable It:
- Open Settings and navigate to Bluetooth & Devices > Mouse.
- Click on Additional Mouse Settings.
- In the Mouse Properties dialog that appears, go to the Pointer Options tab.
- Uncheck the box for Enhance Pointer Precision.
- Click Apply and then OK.
2. Animation Effects
Why It Matters:Windows 11 comes with various animations—menus sliding in, notifications materializing, and more—which can be visually appealing but sometimes feel overly aggressive and distract from your workflow. Disabling these animations not only reduces potential annoyance but also conserves a little extra processing power, which can help on systems feeling a bit bogged down.
How to Disable It:
- Open Settings and go to Accessibility > Visual Effects.
- Toggle off the Animation Effects option.
3. Notification Sounds
Why It Matters:If you're like me and prefer a quiet workspace, continuous notification sounds throughout the day can quickly become cacophonous. Though useful in certain scenarios, audible alerts disrupt the flow of work and can be particularly irritating in high-traffic environments.
How to Disable It:
- Open Settings and click on System > Notifications.
- Expand the notification options by clicking the down arrow next to the Notifications toggle.
- Uncheck the option to Allow notifications to play sounds.
4. Bing in the Start Menu
Why It Matters:When you use the Start menu to search for applications or files, you shouldn’t have to sift through distracting web search results. Yet, by default, Windows 11 includes Bing web results intermixed with local content—a design choice that can slow down your search process and clutter your experience.
How to Tame It:
Disabling Bing search integration in the Start menu involves a registry edit, though detailed instructions are available in various guides. The key goal is to have your Start menu focus solely on local results and apps, ensuring that when you search, you get exactly what you need without unwanted web clutter. If you prefer a cleaner, more focused Start menu, it’s worth considering the tweaks and guides available online.
5. Automatic DNS Resolution
Why It Matters:By default, your PC automatically uses your ISP's DNS server. While convenient, this can expose your browsing habits and potentially slow down the resolution process if the ISP’s DNS isn't the fastest option available. Taking control of your DNS can give you a slight speed boost and improve your privacy.
How to Set a Manual DNS Server:
- Open Settings and navigate to Network & Internet.
- Select Wi-Fi (or Ethernet if you're using a wired connection) and click on your current connection’s properties.
- Scroll to the DNS Server Assignment section and click Edit.
- Choose Manual, then toggle on IPv4 (or IPv6 if preferred) and input your chosen DNS servers—public and secure ones like Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1 or Google’s 8.8.8.8 are popular choices.
- Save your settings.
Final Thoughts
Optimizing Windows 11 after a reset is all about tailoring the system to fit your workflow and preferences. Disabling unnecessary features like enhanced pointer precision, intrusive animations, and unwanted web results in the Start menu can have a surprisingly positive impact on both performance and productivity. Plus, by taking control of your DNS settings, you reinforce your privacy and potentially enjoy quicker internet access.These five simple tweaks are an excellent starting point. Experiment with them, adjust as needed, and enjoy a cleaner, faster, and more efficient Windows 11 experience.
Source: How-To Geek 5 Settings I Disable Right After Resetting Windows 11
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