7 Essential Windows 11 Features to Enable for Optimal Performance

Windows 11 is acclaimed for its modern design and innovative features, yet many users have raised concerns about how some default settings seem to favor Microsoft’s own ecosystem over essential system functions. While Microsoft aims to appeal with a clean, minimalist approach, many power users and even everyday enthusiasts find that enabling certain features out of the box could dramatically improve security, performance, and usability. In this article, we examine seven features that should ideally be enabled by default—and why their activation could enhance the overall Windows 11 experience.

Rethinking System Protection​

System Protection is a critical fail-safe. It works by creating restore points—snapshots of your current configuration, system files, and registry settings. These restore points can come to the rescue if a faulty update or system misconfiguration sends your computer into a tailspin.

• Current State: On a fresh Windows 11 installation, System Protection is turned off by default to streamline the initial setup. This is surprising, considering that earlier Windows versions automatically enabled this feature for the main drive.
• Why It Matters: Without System Protection, users might struggle to recover from problematic updates or changes. Imagine installing a new driver or an update that causes your PC to behave erratically—with System Protection enabled, you have a built-in rewind button.
• User Steps to Enable: You need to navigate to System Properties via “Create a restore point” in the Start menu, select your primary drive, and manually configure the settings. Future-proofing your PC by having automatic restore point creation just makes sense.
• Key Takeaway: Automatically enabling System Protection would safeguard critical system data, reducing the risk of irreversible misconfigurations.

The Sudo Command and Elevated Command Simplicity​

Drawing inspiration from Unix-based systems, the Sudo (superuser do) command is a powerful tool for executing elevated tasks without the hassle of running an entire terminal session as an administrator.

• Current Situation: Though Windows 11 includes a built-in version of the Sudo command, it’s disabled by default. This can trip up developers or power users who prefer a streamlined method for running commands with elevated privileges.
• Practical Benefits: Activating the Sudo command out of the box would allow for a smoother workflow, as users could run administrative commands directly within the default shell environment. This reduces the need for repetitive elevation steps.
• Steps Involved: The current manual process involves navigating to the Developers section in the Settings app, flipping the relevant toggle, and selecting the operational mode (whether inline, in a new window, or with disabled input).
• Implication: Enabling this tool by default might be particularly beneficial for developers or enthusiasts transitioning from Linux environments, providing them with a familiar, efficient command execution mechanism.

A Quick End Task Option for Better Task Management​

When applications freeze, the go-to solution for many Windows users is Task Manager. However, a lesser-known but handy feature—the End Task option—provides a quick way to force close non-responsive applications directly from the Taskbar.

• Default Behavior vs. Potential Benefits: On Windows 11, the End Task option is turned off by default, relegated to being a tool for the developer niche. This might not be the most efficient choice, especially for users who find Task Manager cumbersome to invoke in busy work environments.
• Why Rethink This: Empowering users by enabling End Task by default would provide immediate access to termination functions. A simple right-click on a frozen icon could resolve issues faster than launching a multi-step process.
• Enabling the Feature: Users must currently navigate to the For Developers page in the Settings app, locate and toggle the End Task option manually. Eliminating this extra step could reduce frustration during those critical moments of system lag.
• Bottom Line: A readily available End Task option can streamline troubleshooting, offering quicker recovery without sacrificing the system’s overall stability.

Automatic Registry Backup: A Hidden Lifesaver​

Registry modifications can be both empowering and perilous. Windows once provided automatic Registry backups—helping users recover from erroneous tweaks—but that convenience is no longer the default in recent releases.

• Past vs. Present: Earlier Windows versions automatically backed up the Registry during successful startups in a folder called “RegBack.” This functionality was removed in later versions to slim down setup footprints.
• Consequences of the Change: Without an automatic backup, users now must manually configure tasks to safeguard against potentially catastrophic registry errors. For those tinkering with system settings or installing beta drivers, this could be a significant oversight.
• Manual Activation: The current process involves editing the Registry manually and setting up a basic task via Task Scheduler. While feasible, it requires technical know-how that not all users possess.
• Long-Term Impact: Enabling automatic Registry backups by default would ensure that when something goes awry, users have a recovery path almost immediately available—a vital safety net for both novice and advanced users alike.

File Explorer Showing File Extensions​

File Explorer is the everyday interface for many Windows users. However, the default setting hides known file extensions, a design choice that while streamlining visuals, can hinder file management and security awareness.

• Interface Design vs. Practical Needs: Hiding file extensions reduces clutter for casual users but can make identifying malicious files or misnamed file types more challenging for power users.
• Security Considerations: With file extensions visible, users can quickly distinguish between a harmless image file and a script masquerading as one. This seemingly trivial public interface tweak provides enhanced clarity and aids in troubleshooting.
• How to Adjust: Enabling file extensions involves navigating through File Explorer’s “Show” menu and manually selecting the “File name extensions” option.
• Why Default Change is Crucial: A default setting that shows file extensions would empower users with better visibility over their file system—a small tweak, but one that can have significant implications in daily file operations and security protocols.

Hibernate in the Power Menu: An Energy-Saving Essential​

Hibernation is a feature that often gets overlooked but is invaluable in power management scenarios. This mode saves your entire session to disk so that you can resume exactly where you left off—ideal for preserving battery life or protecting work in transit.

• Current Default Behavior: Although the Hibernate option is available, it is not automatically enabled on Windows 11. This can leave users without a quick method to save their session when power is uncertain.
• Benefits of Enabled Hibernate: With Hibernate enabled by default, users could save energy instantly, especially on laptops running low on battery, while also preserving their work context for a faster recovery when back online.
• Activation Process: To enable Hibernate, users must use a combination of Command Prompt commands and adjustments within the Control Panel. Even a tech-savvy user might find this extra step an unnecessary barrier.
• User Impact: Given its utility, integrating Hibernate automatically within the Power menu would align with user expectations for energy management and session continuity.

Taskbar with Left Alignment: Embracing Usability Tradition​

When Windows 11 debuted, it introduced a centered Taskbar design intended to offer a new aesthetic for the modern user. However, a significant portion of Windows veterans and productivity-focused individuals prefer the left-aligned Taskbar that has long been the standard.

• Current vs. Preferred Practice: The forced center alignment on default installations can disrupt muscle memory and workflow habits that users have honed over years. Microsoft does provide an option to shift the alignment to the left manually, yet doing so requires navigating through multiple Settings pages.
• The Case for Left Alignment: A left-aligned Taskbar maintains consistency with previous Windows versions and presents a more familiar layout that could reduce cognitive overhead during transitions or multitasking sessions.
• Adjustment Steps: The current workaround involves heading into Personalization settings, selecting Taskbar behaviors, and toggling back to the left alignment.
• Enhancing Usability: Enabling left alignment by default would harmonize the experience for long-time Windows users while still offering an option for those seeking a fresh centerpiece look.

A Feature Worth Considering for Future Default Enablement​

Beyond these seven enhancements, there’s room for yet another thoughtful addition: a dedicated system performance and diagnostics tool. Imagine a built-in utility that, like a fitness tracker for your PC, continuously monitors system resources and alerts users of potential inefficiencies—ranging from memory leaks to network anomalies.

• Real-World Use Case: Consider users running resource-intensive applications who might benefit from real-time insights on CPU and GPU performance. This feature, if enabled by default, could guide users to optimize performance without third-party tools.
• Broader Implications: A system diagnostics dashboard would provide clarity during troubleshooting, offer historical performance data, and even suggest preventative measures against common issues. Not only does this empower users, but it also aligns with the increasing demand for transparency and user control in modern operating systems.
• Potential Market Impact: Such a tool could be a game-changer for IT professionals and average users alike, streamlining the troubleshooting process and reducing reliance on external utilities.

Wrapping Up and Looking Forward​

Each of these default settings represents more than just a minor tweak—they embody a philosophy of user empowerment and safety. By enabling these features out-of-the-box, Windows 11 would not only cater to the aesthetic tastes of modern design but also provide robust, practical tools to guard system integrity, enhance productivity, and streamline daily operations.

• Summary of Key Points:
• System Protection should be enabled by default to create restore points automatically, ensuring quick recovery from system errors.
• The Sudo command would simplify the execution of elevated tasks, particularly benefiting developers and advanced users.
• A quick-access End Task option directly from the Taskbar could save valuable time when dealing with frozen or unresponsive applications.
• Automatic Registry backups are a lost opportunity for safeguarding critical system configurations.
• Displaying file extensions by default increases transparency and security in file management.
• Hibernate mode offers an essential energy-saving option that should be immediately accessible.
• Left-aligned Taskbar design respects long-established user conventions and reduces adjustment friction.
• Finally, a future-forward diagnostics tool could further empower users to maintain peak system performance.

The decision to mediate default settings ultimately balances streamlined user experience with technical empowerment. While a minimalistic installation might seem advantageous for casual users, a more robust set of defaults could indeed help avert crises and foster a sense of proactive management. It’s a design decision that needs to accommodate varied usage patterns—from tech-savvy enthusiasts to everyday users who benefit from prompts to safeguard their digital workspace.
As Windows continues to evolve, questions remain: Should Microsoft cater more toward intuitive automation, or maintain flexibility for user intervention? Your experiences and preferences will undoubtedly shape future updates. What additional feature would you endorse for default enablement on Windows 11? The conversation continues among the vibrant community of Windows enthusiasts, and only time will tell which tweaks will gain traction in shaping our digital environments.
This holistic review of Windows 11's default settings was not only a technical examination but also a call to action. Empowerment starts with knowing how to optimize your system, and perhaps Microsoft will listen to its community and deliver a version that truly balances sleek design with practical functionality.

---

Source: Windows Central Microsoft should consider shipping Windows 11 with these seven features enabled out of the box