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  "path": "/article/3035147/18-essential-windows-11-tweaks-that-make-a-huge-difference.html",
  "publishedAt": "2026-02-05T02:00:00.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.pcworld.com",
  "tags": [
    "Windows"
  ],
  "textContent": "There are a few important options that you should check and configure correctly in the settings in order to run Windows 11 effectively. Here are some helpful tips for additional Windows 11 features that should remain permanently active in everyday use — or be deliberately deactivated to avoid unnecessary data collection, performance slowdowns, and distractions.\n\n## Remove recommendations and account notifications from the Start menu\n\nBy default, Windows 11 displays recently used files, app recommendations and account-related notifications in the Start menu. This content creates distraction and requires additional usage data. Open the settings with _Windows key + I_ , switch to _Personalization_ and then to _Start_.\n\nDeactivate “Show recently added apps”, “Show most used apps” and all switches in the “Recommended” area. In Windows 11, you can also select the “Show most used apps” layout to completely suppress the recommendation area.\n\nSam Singleton\n\n## Control system-wide notifications and app pop-ups\n\nNotifications are one of the biggest distractions. Open _Settings_ , go to _System_ and _Notifications_. First, disable the global “Notifications” option.\n\nIf you want individual applications to continue sending messages, activate “Do Not Disturb” instead and configure individual apps specifically under this option. In the same menu, scroll down to “Additional settings” and deactivate “Receive tips and suggestions when using Windows”.\n\nThis will permanently remove setup pop-ups and advertising notices. Microsoft regularly expands this area and sometimes changes the names of the menu items. However, this does not change the fact that it is worth taking a look here.\n\nSam Singleton\n\n## Protect your lock screen from data leaks\n\nNotifications on the lock screen can display content in plain text. Open _Settings_ , go to _System_ and _Notifications_ and deactivate “Show notifications on the lock screen”. This will keep content hidden as long as the device is locked.\n\nSam Singleton\n\n## Disable advertising ID, language list and app tracking\n\nBy default, Windows creates usage profiles for personalized advertising and app statistics. Open _Settings_ , go to _Privacy and security_ and _General_. Disable “Let apps show me personalized ads by using my advertising ID”, “Let websites show me locally relevant content by accessing my language list” and “Let Windows improve Start and search results by tracking app launches”.\n\nThe system will continue to function as before, but will not create profiles. Microsoft also changes the names of the settings at regular intervals.\n\nSam Singleton\n\n## Keep Inking & typing personalization local\n\nThe “Inking & typing personalization” function analyzes keyboard and pen inputs. Open _Settings_ , go to _Privacy and security_ and _Inking & typing personalization_. Deactivate the “Custom inking and typing dictionary”. Input remains fully usable without text entries being evaluated.\n\n## Strictly limit diagnostic data and turn off feedback\n\nOpen _Settings_ , go to _Privacy and security_ and _Diagnostics & feedback_. Leave only “Send required diagnostic data” enabled.\n\nDeactivate “Send optional diagnostic data”. Expand all other areas and set “Feedback frequency” to “Never”. Use “Delete diagnostic data” to remove any information that has already been stored.\n\nSam Singleton\n\n## Disable or restrict location services\n\nOpen _Settings_ , go to _Privacy and Security_ and _Location_. Disable location access completely or restrict it to individual applications. Weather apps will continue to work with a manually set location.\n\nUnder _Privacy and security_ , you will find the areas “Camera”, “Microphone”, “Contacts” and other sensors. Open each category and revoke access for applications if it’s not absolutely necessary. It is important to check apps from the Microsoft Store, which often request more permissions than necessary.\n\n## Limit background activities of apps\n\nMany applications continue to run in the background. Open _Settings_ , go to _Apps_ and _Installed apps_. Open the _Advanced options_ for individual programs and set “Background app permissions” to “Never”. This noticeably reduces memory and CPU load. However, these options are not available for all apps.\n\nSam Singleton\n\n## Restrict app installation to verified sources\n\nFor systems used by less experienced users, it’s advisable to restrict app sources. Open _Settings_ , go to _Apps_ and _Advanced app settings_. Under “Choose where to get apps from”, set the option to “Microsoft Store only”. This will allow only verified applications to be installed.\n\n## Consistently clean up autostart\n\nRight-click on the taskbar and open the _Task Manager_. Go to _Startup apps_ and disable all programs that are not absolutely necessary for system startup. Manufacturer tools and update utilities in particular slow down the startup process.\n\nThomas Joos\n\nOpen _Settings_ , go to _Apps_ and _Installed apps_. Go through the entire list and uninstall any software that is not used. This reduces background services, autostart entries and security risks.\n\n## Permanently display file extensions\n\nTo immediately recognize dangerous file types, open File Explorer, click on the three dots and select _Options_. Go to _View_ and deactivate “Hide extensions for known file types”. Confirm with “Apply”.\n\n## Restrict delivery optimization for updates\n\nBy default, Windows also distributes updates to other computers. Open _Settings_ , go to _Windows Update_ , then to _Advanced options_ and _Delivery optimization_. Disable “Allow downloads from other devices” or restrict the function to the local network.\n\n## Consciously control update restarts\n\nUnder “Windows Update” and “Advanced options”, you can specify whether Windows automatically restarts after updates. Enabling automatic restarts increases security, but can interrupt ongoing work. Set the behavior to suit your own working style.\n\n## Optimize power settings\n\nOpen the _Control Panel_ , go to _System_ and _Power and battery_. Click on “Lid, on/off, and standby mode button controls” and adjust the settings to your requirements.\n\nHere, Windows also shows the power consumption of individual applications in detail. Identify conspicuous apps and limit their background activity. On notebooks, this significantly extends the runtime.\n\n## Configure user account control sensibly\n\nEnter “User Account Control” in the search field and open _Change User Account Control settings_. Select a level that allows queries for app installations but not for internal Windows actions. This reduces queries without completely removing protection mechanisms.\n\n## Disable game background recording\n\nOpen _Settings_ , go to _Gaming_ and _Captures_. Disable background recording. This reduces GPU and CPU load, even when no games are actively being used.\n\n## Use night mode permanently\n\nOpen _Settings_ , go to _System_ and _Display_ and enable “Night light”. Configure the schedule so that the mode is activated automatically. Alternatively, it can be switched on directly via _Windows key + A_.\n\n## Enable advanced clipboard\n\nOpen _Settings_ , go to _System_ and _Clipboard_. Activate “Clipboard history”. You can then paste multiple copied items using _Windows key + V_.",
  "title": "18 essential Windows 11 tweaks that make a huge difference"
}