Setting up a new Windows PC is a thrilling experience—filled with potential and customization opportunities. However, the initial setup of Windows 11 can also bring about unexpected challenges. From incessant notifications and hidden tracking to a taskbar crowded with icons and intrusive advertisements, the default configuration can often lead to frustration instead of excitement.
To create a more streamlined experience, it’s crucial to disable unnecessary features, remove unwanted startup applications, manage privacy settings, and customize the taskbar right after the installation. These small adjustments collectively enrich the Windows experience. Below are essential tweaks that I recommend implementing immediately after setup.
7 Strategies to Tackle Notifications and Suggestions
Eliminate Distractions: Say Goodbye to Pop-Ups
Windows often inundates users with tips and suggestions aimed at enhancing their computing experience. While these notifications may seem helpful, they can be disruptive for anyone familiar with the OS. Additionally, the Start menu frequently displays “suggested apps, ”which are effectively ads, along with prompts to use Microsoft Edge or OneDrive over preferred alternatives.
By disabling these features, you will notice a significant reduction in distractions, allowing you to maintain your focus. I also recommend fine-tuning your notification settings to receive only the alerts that are truly valuable.
6 Managing Tracking and Data Collection Features
Prevent Microsoft from Monitoring Your Activities
Windows 11 is notably proactive when it comes to tracking user behavior. By default, it collects diagnostic information about your usage patterns, including app openings, feature clicks, and error reports. While Microsoft claims this data collection enhances your experience, many might find it invasive.
The system generates an Advertiser ID for each account, which means Microsoft can track your online behavior and show you personalized ads. Moreover, data collection extends to search history from the Start menu, voice inputs, and browsing activities—effectively transforming Windows from a helpful assistant to a rather intrusive entity. Therefore, adjusting your privacy settings right from the outset is highly recommended.
5 Streamlining Startup Applications
Reduce Startup Delays: Eliminate Non-Essential Apps
Upon acquiring a new machine, one traditionally installs favorite applications swiftly. However, many of these apps unwittingly set themselves to launch during startup. While essential applications like antivirus software may need to run in the background, unnecessary startup processes can drain resources and prolong boot times.
Fortunately, Windows offers an easy way to manage these items. Navigate to Settings > Apps > Startup to see a comprehensive list of applications designated to run at startup, along with their resource impact. Toggle off any non-essential apps from this list.
Don’t overlook built-in services that can also hinder performance. Services like Windows Mobile Hotspot and Windows Update Delivery Optimization run quietly in the background, consuming valuable CPU and memory. To disable them, open the Services app, locate the service, and set its Startup type to Disabled.
4 Optimizing Search Results
Keep Your Searches Focused: Limit Web Results
Windows 11 attempts to integrate web content into your local search results. When you access the search menu, it often presents trending searches and suggestions sourced from Bing, causing unnecessary distractions. To disable this clutter, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Search and switch off Show search highlights.
Moreover, the search results may yield web links when a user mistypes a query. For instance, entering “Wrd” instead of “Word” might redirect to a web search rather than opening the desired application—a frustrating experience for users. Disabling web search results from the Start menu isn’t as straightforward but can be accomplished through registry edits for those comfortable with it.
3 Cleanup of the Taskbar
Organize Your Taskbar for Optimal Usage
Windows 11 tends to populate the taskbar with icons for features and apps that many users may not require. This can crowed the workspace significantly. To streamline this, right-click on the taskbar and select Taskbar settings. You can replace the search box with an icon, remove the Widgets icon, and hide the Task View button while retaining access through Windows + W for Widgets and Windows + Tab for Task View.
If you’re inclined towards further customization, consider using tools like Windhawk modules to personalize the taskbar—hiding unneeded icons and improving efficiency.
2 Reverting to the Classic Right-Click Menu
Restore Classic Right-Click Functionality
The revamped right-click menu in Windows 11 offers a modern aesthetic but often obscures many important options behind a Show more options button. To keep essential functions readily accessible, I often revert to the classic menu style. While this involves editing registry settings, the effort pays off by keeping all options at your fingertips without the hassle of navigating nested menus.
1 Eliminate Intrusive Advertisements
Get Rid of Unwanted Promos and Ads
Many users believe that purchasing a Windows license entitles them to an ad-free experience, yet Windows 11 continues to present promotional content across various platforms, such as the Start menu, lock screen, and within applications like File Explorer.
Fortunately, there are ways to eliminate these advertisements—albeit with some effort, as there isn’t a single toggle to disable all ads at once. Instead, you’ll need to navigate through various settings and turn them off individually, but after completing this process, your PC will feel much cleaner, faster, and less intrusive—no longer resembling a billboard for Microsoft products.
Setting up a new Windows PC should feel like uncovering a gift—albeit one that comes with unexpected surprises. By implementing these tweaks, you can tailor Windows to meet your personal desires, creating an experience that is free from distractions and interruptions.
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