Windows works very well out of the box, but some default settings silently slow down you or attack your privacy. There are 9 things here that you should change for fast, smooth and more secure experience.
1
Show file extension to identify file types
Windows default hides file extension by default, but it should not happen. Visibility by making the file extension makes it easier to identify malicious files that you can make a mistake for a safe document. If needed, it also helps to quickly identify and replace the file types.
To show file extension in Windows 11, open the file explorer, navigate See> showChoose more File name expansionOnce capable, the file will display all the files in the explorer, including the extension, their full names.
2
Configure power mode
Windows has three power modes: best performance, balanced and best power efficiency. If your PC feels dull despite having a decent hardware, it is probably trapped in a power-saving mode that preference battery life at speed.
To change power mode, go to Settings> System> Power and BatteryAnd click power modeFor plug in, choose Best performanceLikewise, for on batterychoose balanced Or Best performance To reduce throtting when using your laptop. The exact settings here depend on whether you are working on a desktop or laptop.
3
High fresh rate for smooth view
A high refreshing rate performance should distribute smooth views. Sadly, Windows does not always use the maximum supported fresh rate. The system often sticks to 60Hz to preserve battery life or to customize performance, meaning that you are missing those butter-numbered visuals even on high fresh rate performance.
To change your display refresh rate, go to Settings> PerformanceClick again Advanced performance Under Related settingsClick Choose a fresh rate Select your favorite fresh rate from drop-down and available options.
If your display supports at least 120Hz and VRR (variable refresh rate), you can enable the dynamic refresh rate (DRR). With DRR being capable, Windows automatically adjusts the fresh rate that you are doing.
4
Close Windows Advertisement
Advertisements are annoying everywhere, but especially on your Windows 11 computer. Microsoft prefers you bombing with Xbox notifications and by default by default on your start menu correctly forward the apps on your start menu.
Unfortunately, this is just the beginning. You will face advertisements on the settings page, which promotes Copilot+ and Office 365, in File Explorer, on the lock screen and even in the search bar.
Fortunately, you can extract the advertisement from the start menu and search the bar from Settings page on Windows 11. Here are stages to close more advertisements:
- Setting app: Go Settings> Privacy and Security> GeneralTogle the switch to close Show me suggested material In Settings App,
- file Explorer: Open the file explorer, click Three-Dots menu On the toolbar, and choose OptionOpen Look Tab, scroll down, and uncheck Show sink provider informationClick apply And Ok To save changes.
- Widget: Right-click on Taskbar and choose Taskbar settingsUnder Taskbar itemWidget switch off.
- Start menu cleanup: Open the start menu and remove all pinned app shortcuts. Most of these are placeholder shortcuts that install only real apps when you click them.
If you use the edge, stop the news feed to remove the uninterrupted viral ingredients on the start page every time you launch the browser.
5
Change Onedrive Sink Settings
If you are like me and Office 365 with 1TB ONEDRIVE storage is subscription, This is a great way to keep your documents and files coordinated in devices. But even with that place, I still like to return everything from the known folders (such as pictures, videos and documents). If you are on a free plan, it will fill the small 5GB limit before knowing this.
Instead of automatically selecting Onedrive, you can manually choose which folder back up. This way:
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Ensure that Onedrive is running.
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In System trayClick Ondrive icon,
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Click Gear icon Choose more setting,
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In Sink and backup Tab, click Manage backup,
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Togle any folder that you do not want to sink (Documents, pictures, desktops, music, Or Video,
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Finally, click save Changes To apply your preferences.
6
Taskbar adaptation
When you can still move the taskbar to the left, Windows 11 now does not allow you to place it in the top, left or right place of the screen. To bring back that flexibility, you can use vertical taskbar for Windows 11 by Windhoc, A third-party device that adds multiple enriches to the Windows experience. Windhoc also restores indoors and labeling options, allowing you to show different buttons for each app window.
Since you can quickly access using Windows Search Win -KunjiIt is a good idea to hide the search bar on the taskbar. The same task goes for the view button, which is easily accessible Win + tab Shortcut. To hide these, right-click on the taskbar, choose Taskbar settingsAnd togle Search And Task Option.
7
Enable and calibrate HDR
If you have HDR-compatible display, but HDR is not affected by the quality of HDR content on Windows 11, then HDR can help calibrate your display. Microsoft is a dedicated Windows HDR Retling App This lets you calibrate your HDR display and adapt it to your Windows 11 PC for HDR games and other materials. Here is described how you can get the best from HDR on Windows 11.
8
Change the default search engine
Microsoft Bing can think of Google rivals, but many of us disagree-and some prefer the first option like Dakdakgo. Nevertheless, Bing Microsoft remains default in both edge and windows search.
The default search engine is easy to convert to the edge, but removing the Bing web results from the start menu is a little more work. You must have a registry settings to have a registry settings to fully disable it. To do this:
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Win + RType RegeditAnd click Ok To open the registry editor. Then go to the following path:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER > Software > Policies > Microsoft > Windows > Explorer
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Right-click on explorer folder, select New> DWORD (32-bit) valueAnd name it Disablesearchboxsuggestions,
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Double-click on new entry, set Price data 1Click again Ok,
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Close the registry editor.
To apply change, open Work managerGo to Procedures Search tab file ExplorerAnd click Start the task again From the toolbar. Your screen may be briefly vacant due to the file explorer restarted, but once it returns, the Bing results will no longer appear in the start menu.
9
Install Powertoys
I know this is not really a default setting change, but trust me on it. Powertoys are a collection of utilities that can increase and expand the functionality of your Windows computer.
One of my favorite Paurtoy RunA powerful launcher you can press by pressing Alt + spacebar Quickly open apps and files. There is another gemstone Wake upWhich keeps your PC awake indefinitely without playing with your sleep settings. Want to launch a group of apps on specific positions with one click? Workspaces Have you covered and color picker When I am doing front-end design work, there is a lifestyle-it allows you to grab any color on the screen immediately.
If you have not yet tried it, to find out a moment that everything brings to the Povertoy table. It is packed with clever devices that make everyday functions faster and smooth.
Whether you want more performance, low annoyance, or some enhancement, these tips let you fix problematic default settings that ship with microsoft windows.
