Top 10 Windows 11 Settings You Should Change for Optimal Performance

Essential Windows 11 Settings to Change​

1. Privacy Settings
Windows 11 has enhanced privacy settings, but its default configuration can be quite intrusive. Users should navigate to:

• Settings > Privacy & Security to manage data collection settings.
• Disable options such as telemetry and personalized ads to maintain better control over your data.

2. Adjusting the Start Menu
The new Start Menu may feel unfamiliar. To make it more usable:

• Pin frequently used applications.
• Disable the Recommended section to reduce clutter by going to:
  • Settings > Personalization > Start, then toggle off the unwanted recommendations.

3. Customizing Taskbar Icons
Windows 11’s taskbar comes with several default icons:

• Right-click the taskbar and select Taskbar settings to toggle off icons like Widgets or Search that you don't use frequently.

4. Managing Notifications
To enhance productivity:

• Go to Settings > System > Notifications and configure which apps can send alerts.

5. Performance Optimizations
To adjust performance settings, particularly for gaming or demanding applications:

• Navigate to Settings > System > Display > Graphics, where you can enable Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling and adjust settings for specific applications for better frame rates.

6. Enabling Dark Mode
To reduce eye strain, switch to Dark Mode:

• Head to Settings > Personalization > Colors and select Dark under Choose your color.

7. Adjusting Power Settings
Improve battery life on laptops by optimizing power settings:

• Go to Settings > System > Power & battery and choose a power plan that maximizes battery life or performance based on your usage.

8. Updating Default Applications
To set your preferred applications:

• Go to Settings > Apps > Default Apps to change your default browser, media player, and other key applications.

9. Enabling Night Light
Reduce blue light exposure, especially during evening usage, by enabling Night Light:

• Navigate to Settings > System > Display and turn on Night light.

10. Using Storage Sense
To automatically manage disk space:

• Go to Settings > System > Storage and enable Storage Sense to automatically remove temporary files and content you no longer need.

Expert Insights on Configuring Windows 11​

These settings adjustments significantly enhance user experience, especially relevant for fresh Windows 11 installations. Privacy management, user interface customization, performance optimizations, and regular updates are crucial for anyone looking to leverage the full capabilities of Windows 11 effectively.
Staying proactive about managing these settings can help create a seamless user experience while also ensuring that your system runs smoothly and efficiently. If you are a newcomer to Windows 11 or have been using it for a while, considering these tweaks can result in a more personalized and optimized computing environment.
Feel free to discuss your thoughts or share additional settings you find essential!
Source: XDA 5 Windows 11 settings you should change now