Windows 11, with its sleek design, improved performance, and modern UI, has impressed a fair share of users. However, no amount of gloss can fully cover Microsoft's knack for embedding some fairly frustrating features that can irk even the most loyal Windows fans. From the omnipresent Microsoft ads to the emotional rollercoaster of Bing Search integration, there’s a lot to critique—and even more room for customization. This guide will equip you with five actionable tweaks, making your Windows 11 experience far more enjoyable.
Microsoft's persistence can be muted in the following way:
Disabling Bing requires a special workaround since Microsoft, unsurprisingly, doesn’t provide a straightforward toggle in Settings.
But remember, tools like Registry Editor aren’t to be handled lightly. Make sure to back up your registry before tinkering, and always proceed with caution.
By addressing these core issues, you transition from being a passenger battling turbulence to becoming the pilot of your Windows 11 experience. What changes will you make first? Share your thoughts in the forum discussion below!
Source: XDA 5 ways to make Windows 11 feel less annoying
1. Silence Account Notifications: Say Goodbye to Microsoft’s Nudges
Imagine booting up your shiny new OS, only to be bombarded with suggestions to sign into a Microsoft account or reminders about the perks of Microsoft 365. This can feel like someone constantly tapping on your shoulder while you're figuring things out.Microsoft's persistence can be muted in the following way:
- Navigate to Settings → Personalization → Start.
- Toggle off the option labeled "Show account-related notifications occasionally in Start."
Why This Matters:
Windows 11 leans heavily on integrating Microsoft accounts, from cloud syncing to backups. While the choice between a local account and a Microsoft account often boils down to preference, incessant hints to "complete your setup" can feel intrusive. By disabling these notifications, you reclaim some peace of mind.2. Disable Targeted Microsoft Ads: Reclaim Your Privacy
If you're puzzled by why the apps sprinkled across Windows 11 seem to know so much about you, the answer lies in Microsoft's use of an Advertising ID. Introduced to deliver personalized ads, this handy little identifier tracks your preferences and operates under the assumption that everyone just loves tailored advertisements.Steps to Turn This Off:
- Open Settings and go to Privacy & security → General.
- Toggle off "Let apps show me personalized ads by using my advertising ID."
What Changes:
This doesn’t eliminate ads altogether (because, let's be honest, Microsoft isn’t leaving that money on the table). However, this tweak ensures the ads you see aren’t specifically designed to cater to your behavior or preferences. If you're tired of your OS morphing into a salesperson, this one’s for you.3. Remove News Feed from Widgets: Silence the Idle Chatter
More often than not, the colorful Widgets board that displays weather updates, stock data, and sensational headlines can feel like a chaotic bulletin of distractions. If you’re less interested in reading sensationalist news or clickbait and more focused on productivity, cutting the noise is bliss.Disable News Feeds on Widgets:
- Press Windows Key + W to open the Widgets board.
- Click the Settings (gear) icon in the top-right corner.
- From the list, toggle off "Feeds."
- Confirm by selecting Turn Off when prompted.
4. Hide Ads in Microsoft Edge: Tame the Beast
Edge is undeniably one of the most compelling browsers on the market right now, boasting lightning speed, efficient tab management, and a crisp UI. However, its penchant for cluttering the Start or New Tab pages with news articles, clickbait stories, and embedded advertisements can challenge a user’s zen.To Disable Ads in Edge:
- Open a new tab and click the gear icon at the top-right corner.
- Modify the Content setting by selecting Off from the available options.
Why Stick with Edge:
Switching browsers is an option if you’re truly fed up, but staying with Edge and tweaking its settings can provide a solid compromise. Without the ads, Edge becomes a more streamlined browser choice that’s tightly integrated into Windows 11.5. Remove Bing from Windows Search: Say Farewell to Web Results
Windows Search is supposed to be your gateway to files, programs, and system settings. Unfortunately, Bing’s hyperactive approach to throwing web results for every query derails this vision, especially if your Search bar's sole objective is hunting down a PowerPoint from 2018, not internet trivia.Disabling Bing requires a special workaround since Microsoft, unsurprisingly, doesn’t provide a straightforward toggle in Settings.
Steps to Banish Bing:
- Open the Registry Editor (search for it in the Start menu).
- Navigate to:
Code:Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows - Right-click the Windows folder, hover over New, and create a Key named
Explorer. - Inside this new key, right-click, choose New, and create a DWORD (32-bit) Value named
DisableSearchBoxSuggestions. - Double-click
DisableSearchBoxSuggestions, set the value to1, and hit OK. - Restart your PC to finalize the change.
Final Takeaway: Taming the Chaos
Windows 11, while innovative, introduces a few default behaviors that don’t sit well with every user. From privacy-invading advertising practices to redundant notifications, personalization becomes the key to making the OS truly your own. The fixes covered here are like swapping out an ill-fitting costume for garments tailor-made to match your needs.But remember, tools like Registry Editor aren’t to be handled lightly. Make sure to back up your registry before tinkering, and always proceed with caution.
Bonus Tip:
If you're frustrated by Microsoft’s overarching data collection policies, take a moment to delve into privacy settings for telemetry. That’s a rabbit hole worthy of its own discussion—but suffice it to say, you can regain some level of control over what gets shared back to Microsoft.By addressing these core issues, you transition from being a passenger battling turbulence to becoming the pilot of your Windows 11 experience. What changes will you make first? Share your thoughts in the forum discussion below!
Source: XDA 5 ways to make Windows 11 feel less annoying
