If you’ve just updated your PC or brought home a new laptop, chances are you’re running Windows 11. It looks fresh, feels smooth, and comes loaded with useful tools but not every default setting works in your favor. A few Windows 11 settings focus more on Microsoft’s preferences than yours.

Before you get too comfortable, it’s worth taking a few minutes to adjust them. Here are ten Windows 11 settings you should change right now for a better, faster, and more personal experience.

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Turn Off Personalized Ads and Tracking

Windows 11 collects a lot of data in the background. Some of it is used to show you targeted ads and suggestions, not just in your browser but across the system.

Here’s what to do:

1. Go to Settings > Privacy & security > General
2. Turn off options like “Let apps show me personalized ads” and “Let Windows improve Start and search results by tracking app launches”

This won’t stop all ads, but it’ll reduce how much of your activity is tracked.

Change Default Apps

Top 10 Windows 11 settings still tries to push Microsoft Edge, even if you prefer Chrome, Firefox, or something else.

To switch:

Go to Settings > Apps > Default apps

1. Scroll to the browser you like, click it, and set it as default for each file type (like .html, .pdf, etc.)

It’s a little more effort than before, but once done, links will open where you want them to.

Disable Startup Programs for Faster Boot

Over time, apps start sneaking into your startup list and slow down boot time. Luckily, this is easy to fix.

Here’s how:

1. Open Task Manager (Right-click Start and select it)
2. Click the Startup apps tab
3. Disable anything you don’t use daily (Spotify, Teams, etc.)

This one change can make your PC boot noticeably faster.

Improve Battery Life on Laptops

If you’re on a laptop, tweaking a few settings can help your battery last longer especially during travel or work hours.

Steps:

1. Windows 11Settings > System > Power & battery
2. Use “Battery saver” or adjust your screen brightness
3. Set your power mode to “Best power efficiency” when unplugged

Also, turn off background apps you don’t need they eat battery even when you’re not using them.

Customize the Taskbar and Start Menu

The default taskbar is centered and filled with icons you might not use. You can change that to feel more like older versions of Windows.

Do this:

1. Go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar
2. Turn off icons like “Widgets” or “Chat” if you don’t use them. Under Taskbar behaviors, shift it to the left if you prefer the classic look

It makes your desktop cleaner and more personalized.

Enable Clipboard History

Copy-pasting one item at a time can get annoying. Clipboard history lets you copy multiple things and access them easily.

Here’s how to enable it:

1. Go to Settings > System > Clipboard
2. Turn on “Clipboard history”

Now press Windows + V to see your recent copied items. Super handy when working with text, images, or links.

Turn Off Background Apps

Some apps keep running in the background, even if you’re not using them. This can slow your PC and use more data.

To disable background apps:

1. Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps
2. Click the three dots next to the app > Advanced options
3. Under “Background apps permissions,” choose “Never”

Focus this on apps you rarely use but don’t want to uninstall.

Improve File Explorer Navigation

The new File Explorer looks good, but it still hides some useful features by default.

You can make it more user-friendly:

1. Open File Explorer > Click on the View tab
2. Enable File name extensions and Hidden items
3. Pin your favourite folders to Quick Access

This makes file management a lot smoother.

Enable Storage Sense

Running low on disk space? Windows 11 has a feature called Storage Sense that can automatically clean up temp files, recycle bin content, and downloads.

Set it up:

• Windows 11 Settings > System > Storage

• Turn on “Storage Sense” and configure how often it runs

You can set it to clean files every few days or when space is low.

Update Privacy Settings for Location, Camera, and Microphone

Some apps may request access to your location, camera, or microphone even when they don’t need it.

To manage these:

1. Go to Settings > Privacy & security
2. Click on Location, Camera, and Microphone
3. Toggle off access for apps you don’t trust or use

This helps protect your privacy, especially if you use your PC in public or shared spaces.

Conclusion

Windows 11 looks great out of the box, but it’s not always set up in a way that works best for you. A few quick changes here and there can really improve how your computer feels day to day whether it’s running faster, using less battery, or just not bugging you with pop-ups and ads.

You don’t have to do everything at once. Start with one or two settings that matter most to you, and go from there. The good thing is, once these tweaks are in place, you can mostly forget about them and just enjoy a smoother experience.