Windows 11 represents a significant evolution in Microsoft’s operating system vision—sleeker visuals, rounded corners everywhere, and under-the-hood improvements that polish the Windows experience for modern hardware. Yet, for all its strengths, many long-time users find certain aspects of Windows 11 perplexing, even downright aggravating. From notification overload to convoluted default app settings, everyday annoyances still lurk beneath the glossy surface. The good news? Nearly every one of these Windows quirks can be fixed or tamed with just a few minutes and a bit of know-how.
Notifications are designed to keep us informed, but in practice, they often disrupt focus—dinging away with news relays, weather forecasts, app marketing, or system nudges. Windows 11 pushes notifications from both the system and third-party apps, sometimes bombarding users at the worst possible moment.
To manage this barrage, head to Settings > System > Notifications. Here, you’ll see a master switch to globally disable notifications. But the smarter approach is selective muting: a list of apps each with their own toggle, allowing granular control over who gets to interrupt your workflow. For those who want to silence distractions during deep work, Focus Assist (also within Settings) lets you suppress all but the most urgent notifications, either on a manual basis or scheduled during working hours. This brings Windows 11 closer to macOS’s Do Not Disturb feature and can be a game-changer for productivity.
Critical Analysis:
Microsoft’s notification controls continue to improve, and the Focus Assist tool offers much-needed relief for modern desktop users. Yet, the default aggressiveness still gets under many people's skin, especially when they boot up a new device and are immediately greeted by pop-ups—even from seemingly innocuous built-in apps. Opt-in should be the norm for non-critical notices, not opt-out. Until then, users must take notification management into their own hands.
To silence these in-product messages, go to Settings > System > Notifications. Scroll down to “Additional settings,” where you’ll find checkboxes for receiving tips, tricks, and suggestions about Windows. Unchecking these will quiet the barrage.
Strengths vs. Weaknesses:
Microsoft’s push towards user assistance in Windows 11 is well-meaning, and for first-timers or new adopters, these suggestions can be useful. The problem lies in frequency and repetition, and the fact that they remain on by default—cluttering the experience for everyone else. A more tailored system that detects user proficiency would be preferable, but until then, customizing notification and tip preferences is essential for reclaiming sanity.
To make these changes, visit Settings > Apps > Default Apps. Enter the app you wish to set as default in the search box, then painstakingly assign your preferred app to every file extension or protocol it can handle.
Critical Perspective:
Microsoft’s insistence on granular file-type mapping is a double-edged sword: it grants fine control for power users but serves as a significant barrier for the average person wanting to swap Chrome in for Edge or use an alternative image viewer. Consumer advocacy and regulatory bodies have noted this apparent dark-pattern tactic designed to protect Microsoft’s ecosystem dominance. While the process is not impossible, it is needlessly tedious and should be streamlined in future updates.
Efficiently declining these freeloaders is as simple as going to Settings > Apps > Startup, where each app can be enabled or disabled from running at boot. Task Manager also provides this functionality for those who prefer the classic Windows experience (via Ctrl + Shift + Esc).
Analysis:
Startup management tools are among Windows 11’s unsung heroes. Microsoft makes it easier than ever to boot only what’s necessary. However, responsibility still falls on users to regularly review their startup app list—something that not all average users are aware of. Automatic alerts when new startup items are added could enhance user control.
Customization of both Taskbar and Start Menu is highly flexible in Windows 11, but the persistence of unwanted “suggested content” and ads indicates Microsoft’s ongoing struggle between user customization and monetization/feature promotion. Simple toggles make a big difference, but only if users know where to look. Clearer onboarding here would help.
Ejecting these is straightforward: Settings > Personalization > Lock screen lets you choose your own image or slideshow. Beneath this, disabling the “Get fun facts, tips, tricks, and more...” option will ensure your lock screen stays clean and free from promotional content.
Critical Note:
Lock screen ads have drawn broad criticism; some see them as the slippery slope of ad creep in mainstream operating systems. Microsoft’s willingness to allow opt-out, not opt-in, remains contentious. For now, users can protect their lock screen peace, but future enforcement by Microsoft due to business pressures cannot be ruled out and should be monitored.
To disable, right-click the Taskbar and select Taskbar settings, then flick off the Widgets toggle. Moreover, some of these updates can leak onto your lock screen, so further adjustments under Settings > Personalization > Lock screen > Lock screen status can prevent unwanted news or sports tickers before you even log in.
Critical Take:
Widgets are part of a larger Microsoft and industry trend of integrating glanceable content. However, their proliferation—across mobile, browser homepage, and now OS—risks overwhelming users. Microsoft’s provision for easy removal is a plus; continued user feedback is needed to keep these features optional.
The catch: turning off Bing web results is not available via the UI. The workaround involves editing the Windows Registry—a step only advanced users should attempt, given the risk of system errors if done incorrectly. Alternatively, third-party tools like Winaero Tweaker can manage this setting with a GUI.
Caution:
Experts unanimously advise caution when editing the Windows Registry, as mistakes can brick your installation. Always create a restore point or backup your important data before making changes. Microsoft’s unwillingness to add a GUI option has drawn user ire and antitrust scrutiny, with critics asserting this forces Bing and Edge loyalty by subtle means.
To revert to the classic right-click menu, editing the Windows Registry is required, and—again—users should take care to perform a system restore or backup before proceeding. Several reputable websites and guides offer step-by-step instructions, but the absence of an official toggle is glaring.
Evaluation:
The redesign was likely aimed at simplification and modern aesthetics, but at the cost of usability for advanced or even intermediate users. Microsoft could resolve this tension by offering an official “classic menu” switch as an accessibility option.
Microsoft has already demonstrated a willingness to listen to vocal community feedback. For instance, in recent updates, some Start Menu and Taskbar flexibility has been restored or expanded after user pushback. Feature updates rolling out every few months often include “quality of life” improvements, indicating Microsoft recognizes that friction leads to dissatisfaction, and ultimately, user attrition.
Yet, these obstacles are not insurmountable. With a few simple but strategic tweaks, it’s possible to reclaim the smooth, distraction-free computing experience that should have been the default from the start. Microsoft’s ongoing challenge is to balance its corporate interests with user empowerment. The company’s responsiveness to feedback will be crucial in shaping both the perception and functionality of Windows 11 for years to come.
As always, the Windows ecosystem’s greatest strengths remain its flexibility and passionate community—ensuring that, no matter how annoying a feature may be, a solution is often only minutes away. Whether you’re a casual user or power tweaker, investing a few moments to customize your environment can bring out the best in Windows 11—making it more personal, productive, and peaceable for everyone.
Source: MakeUseOf 9 Most Annoying Windows 11 Features (and How to Fix Them in Minutes)
Notifications are designed to keep us informed, but in practice, they often disrupt focus—dinging away with news relays, weather forecasts, app marketing, or system nudges. Windows 11 pushes notifications from both the system and third-party apps, sometimes bombarding users at the worst possible moment.To manage this barrage, head to Settings > System > Notifications. Here, you’ll see a master switch to globally disable notifications. But the smarter approach is selective muting: a list of apps each with their own toggle, allowing granular control over who gets to interrupt your workflow. For those who want to silence distractions during deep work, Focus Assist (also within Settings) lets you suppress all but the most urgent notifications, either on a manual basis or scheduled during working hours. This brings Windows 11 closer to macOS’s Do Not Disturb feature and can be a game-changer for productivity.
Critical Analysis:
Microsoft’s notification controls continue to improve, and the Focus Assist tool offers much-needed relief for modern desktop users. Yet, the default aggressiveness still gets under many people's skin, especially when they boot up a new device and are immediately greeted by pop-ups—even from seemingly innocuous built-in apps. Opt-in should be the norm for non-critical notices, not opt-out. Until then, users must take notification management into their own hands.
Turning Off Microsoft's Tips and Pop-Ups
If it’s not an app, it’s the OS itself clamoring for attention. Windows 11 is eager to help, greeting users with pop-ups about features, Edge usage, and system “tips.” While useful for the first few days, they soon morph into a recurring annoyance, particularly for power users comfortable with navigating Windows on their own.To silence these in-product messages, go to Settings > System > Notifications. Scroll down to “Additional settings,” where you’ll find checkboxes for receiving tips, tricks, and suggestions about Windows. Unchecking these will quiet the barrage.
Strengths vs. Weaknesses:
Microsoft’s push towards user assistance in Windows 11 is well-meaning, and for first-timers or new adopters, these suggestions can be useful. The problem lies in frequency and repetition, and the fact that they remain on by default—cluttering the experience for everyone else. A more tailored system that detects user proficiency would be preferable, but until then, customizing notification and tip preferences is essential for reclaiming sanity.
Wrestling with Default Apps
Previous Windows versions allowed users to switch default apps for browsers, image viewers, and more with a single click. In Windows 11, this process has been fragmented: you’re forced to set default apps for every individual file type or protocol (e.g., JPG, PNG for images; HTTP, HTTPS for browsers). The likely motivation is to reduce the ease of switching away from Microsoft-native apps like Edge or Photos.To make these changes, visit Settings > Apps > Default Apps. Enter the app you wish to set as default in the search box, then painstakingly assign your preferred app to every file extension or protocol it can handle.
Critical Perspective:
Microsoft’s insistence on granular file-type mapping is a double-edged sword: it grants fine control for power users but serves as a significant barrier for the average person wanting to swap Chrome in for Edge or use an alternative image viewer. Consumer advocacy and regulatory bodies have noted this apparent dark-pattern tactic designed to protect Microsoft’s ecosystem dominance. While the process is not impossible, it is needlessly tedious and should be streamlined in future updates.
Disabling Startup Apps for Speed
A fresh Windows 11 installation is crisp and responsive, but after a few weeks—or even a day post-OEM setup—boot times often slow as applications silently add themselves to startup. Apps like Microsoft Teams, OneDrive, and Adobe Acrobat often sneak into this queue, siphoning prime system resources and prolonging sign-in delays.Efficiently declining these freeloaders is as simple as going to Settings > Apps > Startup, where each app can be enabled or disabled from running at boot. Task Manager also provides this functionality for those who prefer the classic Windows experience (via Ctrl + Shift + Esc).
Analysis:
Startup management tools are among Windows 11’s unsung heroes. Microsoft makes it easier than ever to boot only what’s necessary. However, responsibility still falls on users to regularly review their startup app list—something that not all average users are aware of. Automatic alerts when new startup items are added could enhance user control.
Tidying Up the Start Menu and Taskbar
Windows 11’s Start Menu and Taskbar sport a minimalist design on first impression, but with average use, the Start Menu quickly accumulates recently added apps and suggested content, while the Taskbar comes loaded with their own “chat,” search, and Copilot widgets.- For the Start Menu, Settings > Personalization > Start allows you to disable “recently added apps” and “suggested content,” effectively decluttering your workspace. Under the “Folders” option, you can pin crucial directories (e.g., File Explorer, Downloads) for instant access.
- For the Taskbar, Settings > Personalization > Taskbar presents toggles for system icons like Search, Chat, and Widgets. Disabling these reduces visual clutter and boosts focus. Advanced users can also ungroup Taskbar icons for a classic look, providing faster multitasking reminiscent of Windows 7 and 10.
Customization of both Taskbar and Start Menu is highly flexible in Windows 11, but the persistence of unwanted “suggested content” and ads indicates Microsoft’s ongoing struggle between user customization and monetization/feature promotion. Simple toggles make a big difference, but only if users know where to look. Clearer onboarding here would help.
Banishing Lock Screen Ads
Upon waking their PC, users frequently encounter “fun facts,” trivia, or not-so-subtle ads for Microsoft products on the Windows 11 lock screen. Although sometimes innocuous—think scenic backgrounds or holiday tips—these are, at least in part, disguised advertisements.Ejecting these is straightforward: Settings > Personalization > Lock screen lets you choose your own image or slideshow. Beneath this, disabling the “Get fun facts, tips, tricks, and more...” option will ensure your lock screen stays clean and free from promotional content.
Critical Note:
Lock screen ads have drawn broad criticism; some see them as the slippery slope of ad creep in mainstream operating systems. Microsoft’s willingness to allow opt-out, not opt-in, remains contentious. For now, users can protect their lock screen peace, but future enforcement by Microsoft due to business pressures cannot be ruled out and should be monitored.
Disabling the Widgets Panel
Windows 11 introduces Widgets—a customizable pane for weather, news, stocks, and more—accessible from the Taskbar. While potentially useful, many see it as redundant or distracting, especially with similar info available on smartphones and browsers.To disable, right-click the Taskbar and select Taskbar settings, then flick off the Widgets toggle. Moreover, some of these updates can leak onto your lock screen, so further adjustments under Settings > Personalization > Lock screen > Lock screen status can prevent unwanted news or sports tickers before you even log in.
Critical Take:
Widgets are part of a larger Microsoft and industry trend of integrating glanceable content. However, their proliferation—across mobile, browser homepage, and now OS—risks overwhelming users. Microsoft’s provision for easy removal is a plus; continued user feedback is needed to keep these features optional.
Removing Web Results and Highlights from Search
Windows 11’s Start/Search usually includes web results, pulled from Bing, when you look for something on your device. Search for “Excel” and also get Bing search results for “Excel” (in Edge, naturally). For users who only want to search their PC—not the internet—this is an annoying distraction and, for some, a privacy concern.The catch: turning off Bing web results is not available via the UI. The workaround involves editing the Windows Registry—a step only advanced users should attempt, given the risk of system errors if done incorrectly. Alternatively, third-party tools like Winaero Tweaker can manage this setting with a GUI.
Caution:
Experts unanimously advise caution when editing the Windows Registry, as mistakes can brick your installation. Always create a restore point or backup your important data before making changes. Microsoft’s unwillingness to add a GUI option has drawn user ire and antitrust scrutiny, with critics asserting this forces Bing and Edge loyalty by subtle means.
Restoring the Classic Right-Click Menu
One of Windows 11’s most controversial interface decisions is condensing the right-click context menu. By default, many functions are hidden behind a “Show more options” button, slowing down workflows for users accustomed to previous Windows versions or those relying on third-party application actions.To revert to the classic right-click menu, editing the Windows Registry is required, and—again—users should take care to perform a system restore or backup before proceeding. Several reputable websites and guides offer step-by-step instructions, but the absence of an official toggle is glaring.
Evaluation:
The redesign was likely aimed at simplification and modern aesthetics, but at the cost of usability for advanced or even intermediate users. Microsoft could resolve this tension by offering an official “classic menu” switch as an accessibility option.
Related Annoyances and Ongoing Improvements
None of these quirks, in isolation, fatally undermine Windows 11. But together, they represent a broader pattern: Microsoft’s increasing efforts to blend its services, nudge users towards certain apps, and build out a data-rich, always-connected operating system. For users who value control, privacy, and simplicity, these tendencies are both a technical and philosophical frustration.Microsoft has already demonstrated a willingness to listen to vocal community feedback. For instance, in recent updates, some Start Menu and Taskbar flexibility has been restored or expanded after user pushback. Feature updates rolling out every few months often include “quality of life” improvements, indicating Microsoft recognizes that friction leads to dissatisfaction, and ultimately, user attrition.
Practical Steps Summary
1. Tame Notifications
- Navigate: Settings > System > Notifications
- Action: Toggle apps or silence via Focus Assist as needed.
2. Kill Tips and Suggestions
- Navigate: Settings > System > Notifications > Additional settings
- Action: Uncheck all suggestion and tip boxes.
3. Set Default Apps (the hard way)
- Navigate: Settings > Apps > Default Apps
- Action: Assign each file type or protocol to your preferred app.
4. Disable Startup Apps
- Navigate: Settings > Apps > Startup
- Action: Switch off unnecessary apps.
5. Clean Start Menu and Taskbar
- Navigate: Settings > Personalization > Start/Taskbar
- Action: Remove unwanted items, ungroup buttons.
6. Eliminate Lock Screen Ads
- Navigate: Settings > Personalization > Lock screen
- Action: Choose a custom image/slideshow; disable fun facts/etc.
7. Exile Widgets Panel
- Navigate: Settings > Personalization > Taskbar
- Action: Disable widgets and lock screen info.
8. Stop Bing from Hijacking Search
- Navigate: Registry Editor (advanced only)
- Action: Edit search-related entries, or use Winaero Tweaker.
9. Restore Right-Click Menu
- Navigate: Registry Editor (advanced only)
- Action: Apply official guides and reboot.
The Bottom Line
Windows 11 is a substantial leap from its predecessors, offering powerful features and a much-needed facelift. However, friction remains: deliberate design choices to steer users towards Microsoft apps, the persistence of promotional content, and additional steps for basic customization undermine the promise of a user-centric OS.Yet, these obstacles are not insurmountable. With a few simple but strategic tweaks, it’s possible to reclaim the smooth, distraction-free computing experience that should have been the default from the start. Microsoft’s ongoing challenge is to balance its corporate interests with user empowerment. The company’s responsiveness to feedback will be crucial in shaping both the perception and functionality of Windows 11 for years to come.
As always, the Windows ecosystem’s greatest strengths remain its flexibility and passionate community—ensuring that, no matter how annoying a feature may be, a solution is often only minutes away. Whether you’re a casual user or power tweaker, investing a few moments to customize your environment can bring out the best in Windows 11—making it more personal, productive, and peaceable for everyone.
Source: MakeUseOf 9 Most Annoying Windows 11 Features (and How to Fix Them in Minutes)