If you've recently upgraded to Windows 11 or unwrapped a shiny new laptop with this latest OS, you're likely experiencing a mix of excitement and mild frustration. While the out-of-the-box experience might seem serviceable, it often lacks the personalized touch that can truly make the operating system feel like home. Lucky for you, just five small adjustments can dramatically enhance your Windows 11 experience in under five minutes. So, buckle up as we delve into these crucial tweaks!
Feel free to share your own tips and thoughts below! What settings have you found most beneficial in your Windows 11 journey?
Source: PCWorld 5 crucial Windows 11 settings you need to change ASAP
1. Move the Start Button to the Left Corner
Ah, the nostalgia of the classic Windows experience! If your muscles ache from adjusting to the center alignment of the Start menu, you’re not alone. The migration to a more Mac-like interface can be jarring for many traditionalists. Fortunately, restoring the Start menu to its original left-hand glory is refreshingly simple:- Open Settings from the Start menu.
- Navigate to Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors.
- Find the Taskbar alignment dropdown and change it from Center to Left.
2. Turn Off Annoying Notifications
We're all familiar with the relentless barrage of notifications, particularly from third-party apps that love to clutter our screens. While notifications can be helpful, their overabundance can hinder productivity. To reign in those pop-ups:- Head to Start > System > Notifications.
- You can turn off notifications for all applications or selectively manage which apps can ping you. My personal rule? Keep notifications on for critical apps like Slack and antivirus software, but mute everything else.
3. Turn Off Microsoft Ads
No one enjoys unsolicited advertisements, especially when you're trying to use your computer efficiently. Windows 11 is guilty of displaying Microsoft ads, pushing promotions for products you may not even want. To stop these intrusions:- Go to Start > Settings > Privacy & security > General.
- Deselect Show me suggested content in the Settings app among other options that may feel intrusive.
4. Change Your Default Browser
While Microsoft Edge has improved over time, many users prefer alternatives like Chrome, Firefox, or Brave. If you've found your favorite browser, here’s how to make it your go-to choice:- Install your preferred browser (if you haven’t already).
- During setup, it generally asks if you want to set it as the default—just say yes. If you missed that step, follow these instructions:
- Navigate to Settings > Apps > Default apps.
- Select your browser and click Set default.
5. Declutter the Taskbar
Let's be honest: the default Windows 11 taskbar can feel bloated with icons and features that many users never touch. The clutter can be visually overwhelming. To tailor your taskbar for a cleaner, more efficient workspace:- Go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar.
- Deselect any features you don’t use—goodbye, Widgets and Teams Chat!
Bonus: Activate Dark Mode
This is a matter of personal preference, but many users find that switching to dark mode can ease eye strain, particularly in low-light conditions. If you lean this way, just follow these steps:- Visit Settings > Personalization > Colors.
- Find Choose your mode and select Dark from the dropdown menu.
Wrapping Up
These five straightforward adjustments are quick to implement but can provide a significantly more pleasant and functional experience with Windows 11. Whether you're moving back to classic UI elements or stripping away distractions, customization is key to making any Windows experience work for you. But don't stop here; there’s always more to explore!Feel free to share your own tips and thoughts below! What settings have you found most beneficial in your Windows 11 journey?
Source: PCWorld 5 crucial Windows 11 settings you need to change ASAP
