Windows 11 Update: Microsoft Introduces New Feature to Disable Annoying Notifications

Overcoming the Inconveniences of the Windows 11 Start Backup Feature

Have you ever wondered what the most frustrating feature of Windows 11 is? A survey of users would probably reveal a myriad of concerns, but high on that list is likely the “Start Backup”feature found within File Explorer.

Upon accessing certain folders—like Pictures or Documents—you might notice “Start Backup”prominently displayed at the beginning of the address bar. This prompts users to back up their files to OneDrive, Microsoft’s cloud-based file hosting service.

Windows 11: Start Backup in File Explorer — Start Backup notification in File Explorer. Source: PhantomOfEarth

While the intention behind this notification is to promote backup practices, for users not utilizing OneDrive, it can be an unwelcome distraction. Even more frustrating is the challenge of disabling this feature, as straightforward options are scarce.

**Uninstall OneDrive:** Not an option for everyone, as most Windows 11 users have it integrated with their Microsoft accounts.
**Built-In Integration:** Many users are unaware they are using OneDrive due to its deep integration into the operating system.

Exciting News: Disable the Start Backup Feature in Windows 11

As reported by Windows-detective PhantomOfEarth, a recent beta update includes a highly anticipated option that allows users to disable the Start Backup reminders in File Explorer permanently. After nearly a year of requests, Microsoft has finally responded to user feedback with this user-friendly feature.

Turn off backup reminders — Option to disable backup reminders. Source: PhantomOfEarth

In the current stable builds, right-clicking on “Start Backup”produces no action. However, the beta build offers two new options:

**Remind me in 1 month:** This temporarily hides the option.
**Turn off reminder:** This option disables the feature permanently.

Choosing the latter will replace the Start Backup prompt with a generic PC icon instead. It’s important to note, however, that even after disabling the reminders, Microsoft still provides minimal information. Clicking on the new icon reveals a message stating that the “backup reminder is off,”complete with instructions for re-enabling the feature—which, oddly, cannot be done directly from File Explorer.

To reactivate the feature, users must venture into the OneDrive settings.

How to Enable the New Option

Although this feature is disabled by default in the beta release, it can be activated through the following steps. These instructions may also be beneficial once the feature is rolled out in stable updates:

Download the latest version of ViVeTool from its GitHub repository.
Extract the Zip file to a folder on your local system.
Open the Start menu and type cmd.
Right-click on the Command Prompt and select “Run as administrator.”
Use the CD command to navigate to the ViVeTool directory (e.g., C:\ViVeTool).
Enter the command vivetool /enable /id:47944061.
Restart your PC.

After rebooting, you should find the new option available via a right-click on the Start Backup listing in File Explorer.

Do you rely on OneDrive or prefer alternative solutions for file synchronization? We invite you to share your experiences in the comments below.

Additional Insights

1. Can I completely remove the Start Backup feature from Windows 11?

No, completely removing the Start Backup feature isn’t feasible as it’s integrated into the operating system. However, the upcoming beta update offers options to disable the reminders for a cleaner experience.

2. What happens if I accept the backup reminders?

If you accept the backup reminders, OneDrive will prompt you to back up your files regularly. This can be beneficial for users seeking an automatic file backup solution, but can be frustrating for those who prefer not to use OneDrive.

3. Are there alternatives to using OneDrive for backup in Windows 11?

Yes, there are several alternatives available, such as Google Drive, Dropbox, or local backup solutions like external hard drives and dedicated backup software. Each option has its own set of features that may better cater to your needs.

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