Boost Your Windows 11 Experience with These Essential Tips

Boost Your Windows 11 Experience with These Essential Tips

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Disabling or Uninstalling Unwanted Applications
  3. Disabling Annoying Notifications
  4. Disabling Unwanted Taskbar Icons
  5. Checking Power Settings
  6. Setting Up God Mode
  7. Changing Default Browser and Applications
  8. Updating Drivers
  9. Creating a Shortcut for the Snipping Tool
  10. Converting to a Local Account
  11. Creating a System Restore Point

Article

11 Ways to Make Windows 11 Better

Windows 11, despite its launch over six months ago, has received mixed reviews from users. Many are hesitant to upgrade due to the removal of familiar features, the repositioning of elements, and the Perception that it is an unnecessary upgrade. However, if You find yourself forced to upgrade or have recently installed Windows 11 on a new laptop, here are 11 ways to improve your Windows 11 experience.

Disabling or Uninstalling Unwanted Applications

One common frustration with Windows 11 is the number of unnecessary applications that Microsoft and system vendors install by default. To address this, you can disable or uninstall applications that you don't want or need. Access the settings by hitting the Windows key and typing "Settings" or right-clicking on the Windows logo and selecting "Settings". From there, navigate to the "Apps" section and uninstall or disable the applications that are unnecessary or unwanted.

Disabling Annoying Notifications

Constantly being bombarded with notifications can be highly annoying. Windows 11 offers options to manage and disable these notifications. To access the notification settings, go to "Settings" and then select "System", or use the shortcut Windows key + I. In the "Notifications" section, uncheck the options for "Offer suggestions on how I can set up my device" and "Get tips and suggestions when I use Windows". Additionally, if you are not a fan of sounds accompanying notifications, you can disable them by right-clicking on the volume icon, going to sound settings, scrolling down to "More Sound Settings", selecting "Sounds", and choosing "No Sounds" under the "Sound Scheme" option.

Disabling Unwanted Taskbar Icons

Windows 11's new layout resembles Mac OS in some aspects, but you can customize it to your preferences by reducing the number of icons and selecting only the ones you want. Unlike in Windows 10, you cannot directly right-click and remove certain icons from the taskbar. To modify the taskbar icons, go to "Settings" and then select "Personalization" followed by "Taskbar". Alternatively, right-click on the taskbar and select "Taskbar Settings". Open the "Taskbar Corner Overflow" tab and the "Items" tab. Toggle the display of items such as weather, search, task view, and widgets Based on your preferences.

Checking Power Settings

To ensure optimal performance from your system, it is advisable to check and adjust your power settings. By default, Windows may set your system to power-saving mode, even on desktops. To access the power settings, go to "Settings", select "System", or use the shortcut Windows key + I. In the "Power and Battery" section, choose the desired power mode based on your requirements, such as best performance or extended battery life.

Setting Up God Mode

God Mode is a useful feature that provides easy access to Hidden settings in Windows. To enable God Mode, Create a new folder on your desktop. Rename the folder using the following STRING:

Godmode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}

After renaming the folder, it will transform into an icon labeled "GodMode" which grants access to various control panel settings. You can also create desktop shortcuts for frequently accessed settings for added convenience.

Changing Default Browser and Applications

Windows 11 may attempt to force users to adopt the Edge browser as the default, making it challenging to switch to alternative browsers. To change the default browser, go to "Settings", select "Apps", and then choose "Default Apps". At the top of the page, click "Set Default" and select your preferred browser from the list. Keep in mind that Windows 11 associates default applications with specific file extensions, so it may be necessary to adjust each extension individually.

Updating Drivers

Regularly updating your drivers is crucial for optimal performance, security, and compatibility. Windows updates usually include drivers, but for specific components like GPUs, it is recommended to visit the vendor's Website, such as Nvidia or AMD, to download the latest drivers. Alternatively, you can access the device manager to check for driver updates.

Creating a Shortcut for the Snipping Tool

The Snipping Tool is a useful feature for capturing screenshots. To create a shortcut using the Print Screen button, access the keyboard settings in "Settings". Under the "Accessibility" section, enable the option to use the Print Screen button for screen snipping. Restart your PC if necessary. Now, when you press the Print Screen button, the Snipping Tool will pop up, allowing you to capture specific areas of the screen without needing to use third-party software.

Converting to a Local Account

For privacy and personal preferences, you may prefer to log into your Windows 11 device using a local account instead of a Microsoft account. During Windows 11 setup, you are required to log in, which can be frustrating for some users. However, it is possible to convert to a local account after the initial setup. To do so, access the "Accounts" section in "Settings" and under "Your Info", select "Sign in with a local account instead". Follow the Prompts to complete the process and regain control over your account privacy.

Creating a System Restore Point

Before making significant changes to your Windows 11 configuration, creating a system restore point is highly recommended. This enables you to revert back to a functional state if something goes wrong. To create a restore point, search for "Create a Restore Point" in the start menu. Click on the top result to open the protection settings. Then, click "Create" and provide a descriptive name for the restore point, such as "Fresh Install". Having a system restore point gives you peace of mind and can save hours of frustration in case of system issues or errors.

Conclusion

By following these 11 tips, you can enhance your Windows 11 experience and address some of the frustrations associated with the new operating system. From disabling unwanted applications and notifications to customizing the taskbar and updating drivers, these adjustments allow you to tailor Windows 11 to suit your preferences and optimize its performance. Remember to create a system restore point to safeguard against unexpected issues. With these tweaks, Windows 11 can be a smoother and more enjoyable operating system for all users.

Highlights

  • Disabling or uninstalling unwanted applications can help optimize Windows 11.
  • Annoying notifications can be disabled to prevent constant interruptions.
  • Taskbar icons can be customized to your preferences by toggling their display.
  • Adjusting power settings ensures the system performs optimally.
  • God Mode provides easy access to hidden settings in Windows 11.
  • Changing the default browser and applications can be done in the Settings menu.
  • Updating drivers is essential for improved performance and security.
  • Creating a shortcut for the Snipping Tool makes capturing screenshots more convenient.
  • Converting to a local account enhances privacy and personal preferences.
  • Creating a system restore point safeguards against unexpected issues.

FAQ

Q: Can I uninstall all the applications that Microsoft and system vendors installed by default? A: Yes, you can uninstall or disable unnecessary applications in the Apps section of the Settings menu.

Q: Is it possible to disable all notifications in Windows 11? A: While it may not be possible to disable all notifications, you can disable specific ones by going to the Notifications section in the Settings menu.

Q: How can I Align the taskbar to the left in Windows 11? A: To align the taskbar to the left, go to the Taskbar settings, navigate to Taskbar Behaviors, and select "Left" from the drop-down menu.

Q: Does changing the default browser in Windows 11 require setting each file extension individually? A: Yes, changing the default browser may involve setting each file extension manually in the Default Apps section of the Settings menu.

Q: Can I revert back to using a local account after setting up Windows 11 with a Microsoft account? A: Yes, you can convert from a Microsoft account to a local account in the Accounts section of the Settings menu.

Q: How do I create a system restore point in Windows 11? A: You can create a system restore point by searching for "Create a Restore Point" in the start menu and following the prompts to create a restore point with a descriptive name.

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