Top 10 Tweaks for Windows 11 Using Group Policy Editor

Windows 11 is more than just a pretty interface; it's a treasure trove of settings just waiting to be unlocked. If you’re a Windows 11 Pro user, the Group Policy Editor (GPE) is your magic wand for customizing this operating system in ways you probably didn’t know were possible. Hidden deep within its myriad settings are tweaks that can enhance security, manage notifications, and even control what applications can or cannot be installed. Let’s dive into ten surprising adjustments you can make using the Group Policy Editor.

1. Disable Microsoft Defender Antivirus​

While Microsoft Defender provides robust baseline protection against malware, there are times when you might want it turned off (though we advise caution). To turn it off:

• Open the Group Policy Editor by typing gpedit.msc in the Windows search bar.
• Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Microsoft Defender Antivirus.
• Double-click Turn off Microsoft Defender Antivirus and set it to Enabled.
• Click Apply, then OK. After a restart, Defender should be disabled. Make sure you have another antivirus ready, or you might find malware throwing a party in your system.

2. Bypass Windows Update Safeguards​

Windows 11 features safeguards during updates, especially if certain apps or hardware could cause problems. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can override these:

• Go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update.
• Double-click Disable safeguards for Feature Updates, set it to Enabled, and hit Apply. Restart your PC, and those pesky safeguards will be gone.

3. Disable USB Drives (and Others)​

In environments like schools or businesses, disabling USB ports can enhance security by preventing unauthorized data transfers:

• Head to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Removable Storage Access.
• Double-click Removable disks: Deny read access and set it to Enabled. The same can be done for CD and DVD drives to keep your system clean from pesky external threats.

4. Disable OneDrive​

If you’re not a fan of Microsoft’s cloud storage solution, you can shut OneDrive down entirely:

• Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > OneDrive.
• Double-click Prevent the usage of OneDrive for file storage, set it to Enabled, and then apply the changes. This action effectively stops all users from accessing OneDrive.

5. Disable Automatic Driver Updates​

Automatically installed driver updates can sometimes create bigger issues by overwriting necessary drivers. To take control:

• Go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update.
• Double-click Do not include drivers with Windows Updates and set it to Enabled. This means you’ll be installing drivers on your own schedule.

6. Stop Toast Notifications​

Those notifications can be both helpful and annoying. To silence the noise:

• Navigate to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Start Menu and Taskbar > Notifications.
• Double-click Turn off toast notifications and set it to Enabled. Bye-bye, notification overload!

7. Block Software Installations​

If you share your computer with others and want to limit what can be installed to prevent potential security breaches:

• Look for Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Installer.
• Double-click Turn off Windows Installer, set it to Enabled, and you’re all set.

8. Say Goodbye to Unexpected Restarts​

Imagine this: you're in the middle of a crucial task, and the system decides it's time to reboot. Avoid unexpected restarts:

• Go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Update.
• Double-click No auto-restart with logged on users for scheduled automatic update installations, set it to Enabled, and apply.

9. Disable Command Prompt and PowerShell​

Sometimes you want to lock down access to system tools like Command Prompt and PowerShell. Here’s how:

• Navigate to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > System.
• Double-click Prevent access to the command prompt and set it to Enabled. Additionally, block PowerShell by ensuring it’s entered in the designated section under the option to not run specific Windows applications.

10. Block Access to Control Panel and Settings Apps​

For those who wish to maintain tight control over their system settings:

• Go to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Control Panel.
• Double-click Prohibit access to Control Panel and PC settings, set it to Enabled. This will prevent users from accessing these critical settings, although they will see an error message if they try to launch Control Panel.

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Closing Thoughts​

The Group Policy Editor is indeed a formidable tool that allows Windows 11 Pro users to customize their operating experience significantly. While these tweaks can enhance your control and improve your PC’s performance, they come with risks—especially when disabling security features like Defender or modifying update behaviors. Always proceed with caution and ensure you understand the implications of your changes. Whether you’re a seasoned Windows pro or just starting your journey, these tweaks can help you tailor your experience to your liking. Happy tweaking!
Source: XDA 10 tweaks you didn't know you can make in Windows 11 with the Group Policy Editor