Windows 11’s personalization features, which range from simple options like wallpapers to more complex settings like privacy settings, are among its greatest features.
You’re likely losing out on some of the best alternatives if you haven’t experimented with your Windows 11 settings. Indeed, certain default settings can even be preventing the use of PC accessories. At other times, Windows may make changes to settings that you don’t like. Go into your settings the next time you turn on your computer for work or before you play a game, and think about adjusting the defaults for the audio and refresh rate, as well as the privacy and updates settings.
Settings for privacy
Microsoft may infiltrate your experience with ads thanks to several of Windows 11’s default privacy settings. You may, however, turn them off in the settings. Toggle off any settings you don’t like by going to Settings > Privacy & security > General. I especially advise disabling the settings app’s Show me recommended content and Let applications display tailored advertisements based on my advertising ID. You may also modify additional settings via the privacy menu, such as limiting which applications have access to your camera or disabling location services.
Go to Settings > Personalization > Start and toggle off Show suggestions for tips, shortcuts, new applications, and more to disable the start menu’s ads.
Turn on the dark mode.
In Windows 11, the ability to switch between bright and dark mode isn’t in the most visible location. It is located under Settings > Personalization > Colors rather than under display choices. Light mode, dark mode, and other Windows vs. app options are all available there. This option also allows you to define accent colors and transparency effects.
The default web browser
Do you dislike Microsoft Edge? Windows 11 may be customized to use any browser you choose. Navigate to Settings > Apps > Default Apps and choose the preferred browser. Simply choose ‘Set default’ from the upper-right corner, and Windows will use that browser by default when you click links from other programs. If, for example, you want PDF files to open in a different browser, you may also configure by file type.
Control the update settings
Because Windows updates often include fixes to stop security attacks, keeping your computer updated is crucial for security. Unexpected upgrades, however, may be bothersome, particularly if they need a computer restart. Navigate to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced settings to manage your Windows 11 updates more effectively. You may choose your active hours from this menu, which will prevent your device from restarting while you’re working on it, or you can ask Windows to notify you 15 minutes in advance before resuming automatically to apply updates.
Modify the starting applications
Nothing irritates you more than receiving a new gadget and finding it slow as soon as you switch it on. Too many startup applications are often the cause. Your smartphone uses more resources when it has more applications running when it first boots up. Go to Settings > Apps > Startup and switch off anything you don’t need as soon as your computer turns on to save resources and make things a little faster. (Since OneDrive was slowing down my computer, I advise shutting it off.) These programs can always be opened when you’re ready to use them, and you can always enable them to spare you the trouble of launching them manually if there’s anything you usually do as soon as the computer boots up.
Rate of refresh
Don’t trash your expensive new display by using the incorrect refresh rate. The low refresh rate that Windows 11 sets by default probably saves electricity, but it also means you’re not getting the most out of your display. Locate your display by selecting Settings > System > Display > Advanced display. A drop-down menu with the name Select the maximum refresh rate that your display is capable of supporting. If, for example, your device is unable to match your refresh rate when gaming, you may choose a lesser level; but, if you play shooters, you will want the highest available refresh rate.
Quality of sound
Similar to refresh rate, your accessories may be limited by your default sound settings. Select the sound device you’re using under System > Sound > Properties to verify. Next, ensure that the Format choice selection utilizes the highest level under Output options. By doing this, you can be confident that the audio quality is at its best. Make sure the spatial sound setting (Windows Sonic for Headphones) is on if you’re using a headset that produces three-dimensional audio.