Just Installed Windows 11? 100 Essential Settings

Your ultimate guide for the latest Windows 11 (Version 24H2) as of July 2025.

Whether you've just unboxed a new PC or completed a fresh OS installation, a small investment of time can unlock the full potential of Windows 11. By disabling unnecessary features and activating hidden conveniences, you can create a faster, more secure, and personalized computing environment. Here are 100 essential settings and optimization tips, curated by IT journalist Alex.

Part 1: First Impressions - Basic Setup & Personalization (1-25)

Let's start by changing what you see first. This is about reflecting your personal style and eliminating unnecessary distractions.

[Start Menu & Taskbar]

Align Start Button to the Left: Go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar > Taskbar behaviors and change 'Taskbar alignment' to 'Left'.
Resize Taskbar Icons (New!): In Settings > Personalization > Taskbar, enable the 'Show smaller taskbar buttons' option.
Remove Unnecessary Taskbar Icons: In Settings > Personalization > Taskbar, turn off 'Search', 'Task view', 'Widgets', 'Chat', etc.
Hide Recommendations in Start Menu: In Settings > Personalization > Start, turn off 'Show recently added apps', 'Show most used apps', and 'Show recently opened items'.
Add Folders to Start: In Settings > Personalization > Start > Folders, pin desired folders like 'File Explorer', 'Settings', 'Downloads'.

[File Explorer]

6. Change File Explorer's Starting Location: Open File Explorer, go to ... (See more) > Options, and change 'Open File Explorer to' to 'This PC'.

7. Show File Name Extensions: In File Explorer, check View > Show > File name extensions.

8. Show Hidden Items: In File Explorer, check View > Show > Hidden items.

9. Display Full Path in Title Bar: In Explorer Options View tab, check 'Display the full path in the title bar'.

10. Use Check Boxes to Select Items: In Explorer Options View tab, enable 'Use check boxes to select items' for easier multi-selection.

[Display & Visual Effects]

11. Enable Dark Mode: Go to Settings > Personalization > Colors and set 'Choose your mode' to 'Dark'.

12. Set Up Night Light: Schedule blue light reduction in Settings > System > Display > Night light.

13. Optimize Refresh Rate: In Settings > System > Display > Advanced display, select your monitor's highest refresh rate.

14. Check HDR Settings: If you have an HDR-capable monitor, enable 'Use HDR' in Settings > System > Display.

15. Turn Off Transparency Effects (Performance Boost): In Settings > Personalization > Colors, turn off 'Transparency effects'.

16. Turn Off Animation Effects (Performance Boost): In Settings > Accessibility > Visual effects, turn off 'Animation effects'.

[System & Notifications]

17. Rename Your PC: In Settings > System > About, select 'Rename this PC'.

18. Configure Notifications & Focus Assist: In Settings > System > Notifications, turn off unwanted app notifications and set up automatic 'Do Not Disturb' rules.

19. Enable Storage Sense: Turn on 'Storage Sense' in Settings > System > Storage for automatic disk cleanup.

20. Clean Up Temporary Files: In Settings > System > Storage > Temporary files, delete unnecessary files.

21. Enable Clipboard History: In Settings > System > Clipboard, turn on 'Clipboard history' (use with Win + V).

22. Adjust Sleep and Screen Off Times: In Settings > System > Power & battery, configure the timers.

23. Turn Off Automatic Restart of Apps: In Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options, turn off 'Automatically save my restartable apps...'.

24. Disable Remote Desktop: If not needed, disable it in Settings > System > Remote Desktop.

25. Enable Developer Mode (If needed): In Settings > Privacy & security > For developers, switch on Developer Mode.

Part 2: Performance Optimization - Speed Up Your PC (26-50)

Now it's time to seriously boost your PC's performance. You'll feel the difference in gaming, graphic design, and more.

[Power & Performance]

26. Set to Best Performance Power Plan: In Settings > System > Power & battery > Power mode, change it to 'Best performance'.

27. Prevent Hard Disk from Turning Off: In Control Panel > Power Options > Change plan settings > Change advanced power settings, set the hard disk to never turn off.

28. Verify Fast Startup is On: In Control Panel > Power Options > Choose what the power buttons do, ensure 'Turn on fast startup' is checked.

[Startup Programs & App Management]

29. Disable Unnecessary Startup Programs: In Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) > Startup apps, disable unnecessary apps.

30. Limit Background App Permissions: Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps, and for each app, go to ... > Advanced options and set 'Background apps permissions' to 'Never' or 'Power optimized'.

31. Debloat (Uninstall Unnecessary Default Apps): Run PowerShell as administrator and use commands to remove bloatware (e.g., Maps, News).

32. Identify Poorly Optimized Apps: Check Settings > System > Power & battery > Battery usage to see which apps consume the most power.

[Gaming Performance Optimization]

33. Enable Game Mode: Turn it on in Settings > Gaming > Game Mode.

34. Disable Xbox Game Bar: If you don't use it for gaming, turn it off in Settings > Gaming > Xbox Game Bar.

35. Turn On Hardware-accelerated GPU Scheduling: Enable it in Settings > System > Display > Graphics > Change default graphics settings.

36. Turn On Optimizations for Windowed Games: Enable it in the same location as above.

37. Disable VBS (Virtualization-based Security) for Gaming: In Windows Security > Device security > Core isolation details, turn off 'Memory integrity' (at the cost of reduced security).

38. Update to the Latest Graphics Drivers: Download and install directly from the NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel official websites.

39. Set Per-Game Graphics Performance: In Settings > System > Display > Graphics, assign specific games to 'High performance'.

[Storage Optimization]

40. Defragment and Optimize Drives: In Settings > System > Storage > Advanced storage settings > Drive optimization, check the scheduled optimization (TRIM for SSDs, Defrag for HDDs).

41. Change Downloads Folder Location: Right-click the Downloads folder, go to Properties > Location, and move it to another drive to free up space on C:.

42. Manage OneDrive Synced Folders: In OneDrive settings, differentiate between folders to 'Always keep on this device' and those 'Available online-only'.

[System Services & Advanced Settings]

43. Stop SysMain (Superfetch) Service (SSD users): In Services (services.msc), find 'SysMain' and set it to 'Disabled'.

44. Reduce Windows Search Indexing Scope: In Settings > Privacy & security > Searching Windows, exclude locations from indexing.

45. Configure Virtual Memory (Page File): In System Properties > Advanced > Performance Settings > Advanced > Change, consider moving it to a non-SSD drive.

46. Optimize Visual Effects: In System Properties > Advanced > Performance Settings, select 'Adjust for best performance', then re-enable only the effects you need.

47. Disable Delivery Optimization: In Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Delivery Optimization, turn off 'Allow downloads from other PCs'.

48. Adjust User Account Control (UAC) Settings: In Control Panel > User Accounts > Change User Account Control settings, adjust the notification frequency.

49. Enable System Protection (Restore Points): In System Properties > System Protection, 'Configure' protection for your C: drive and create a restore point.

50. Use Registry Cleaner Tools with Caution: It's best to avoid them. If you must, always back up your registry first.

Part 3: Enhancing Security & Privacy (51-75)

Your personal data is valuable. Limit data collection in Windows 11 and bolster your security.

[Privacy & Security]

51. Minimize Diagnostic Data: In Settings > Privacy & security > Diagnostics & feedback, turn off 'Send optional diagnostic data'.

52. Turn Off Tailored Experiences: In the same location, turn off 'Tailored experiences'.

53. Clear and Stop Storing Activity History: In Settings > Privacy & security > Activity history, uncheck 'Store my activity history on this device' and clear your history.

54. Disable Advertising ID: In Settings > Privacy & security > General, turn off 'Let apps show me personalized ads by using my advertising ID'.

55. Limit Location Services: In Settings > Privacy & security > Location, turn off location services or manage permissions on a per-app basis.

56. Manage Camera and Microphone Access: In Settings > Privacy & security > Camera/Microphone, review and turn off permissions for unnecessary apps.

57. Turn Off Feedback Notifications: In Settings > Privacy & security > Diagnostics & feedback, set 'Feedback frequency' to 'Never'.

[Windows Security]

58. Check Virus & Threat Protection: In Windows Security > Virus & threat protection, ensure Real-time protection is on.

59. Set Up Ransomware Protection (Controlled Folder Access): In Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Ransomware protection management, turn on 'Controlled folder access' and add folders to protect.

60. Secure Your Account: In Windows Security > Account protection, sign in with a Microsoft account and set up Windows Hello (fingerprint, face ID).

61. Verify Firewall & Network Protection: In Windows Security > Firewall & network protection, ensure the firewall is active.

62. Use App & Browser Control: In Windows Security > App & browser control > Reputation-based protection, enable all options.

63. Check Device Security: In Windows Security > Device security, ensure hardware-based security features like 'Core isolation' and 'Security processor' are enabled.

64. Enable BitLocker Drive Encryption (Pro edition or higher): In Control Panel > BitLocker Drive Encryption, encrypt drives with sensitive data (be sure to back up the recovery key).

[Account & Sign-in]

65. Switch to a Local Account (Optional): If you prefer not to link a Microsoft account, switch to a local account.

66. Set Up Dynamic Lock: In Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Dynamic lock, set your PC to lock automatically when your paired phone is out of range.

67. Use a PIN or Windows Hello Instead of a Password: Set up a more secure PIN for logging in.

68. Hide Account Details on Sign-in Screen: In Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options, turn off 'Show account details such as my email address on the sign-in screen'.

[Network & Internet]

69. Set Network Profile to 'Public' (for public Wi-Fi): In Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi/Ethernet, change the properties of the connected network to 'Public'.

70. Enhance Security with DNS-over-HTTPS: In Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi/Ethernet > Hardware properties, edit 'DNS server assignment' and set up a DoH-supported DNS (e.g., Cloudflare, Google).

71. Set Metered Connection: If you have a limited data plan, enable 'Metered connection' in the connection properties.

72. Use Random Hardware Addresses (Wi-Fi): Enable this in the Wi-Fi properties for enhanced privacy.

73. Disable Unused Network Adapters: In Control Panel > Network Connections, disable any adapters you don't use.

74. Disable SMBv1 Feature: In Turn Windows features on or off, uncheck 'SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support' (a security vulnerability).

75. Check Proxy Settings: In Settings > Network & internet > Proxy, ensure no unintended proxy is configured.

Part 4: Advanced Settings & Useful Tips (76-100)

Finally, here are advanced settings for power users and hidden tips to make Windows 11 even more convenient.

[Typing & Language]

76. Change Input Language Hot Keys: In Settings > Time & language > Typing > Advanced keyboard settings, change the hotkey to your preference (e.g., Shift + Space).

77. Remove Unused Keyboard Layouts: In Settings > Time & language > Language & region, go to ... > Language options for your language and remove unnecessary keyboard layouts.

78. Disable Automatic Touch Keyboard: In Settings > Time & language > Typing > Touch keyboard, uncheck 'Show the touch keyboard when there's no keyboard attached'.

[Apps & Features]

79. Change Default Apps: In Settings > Apps > Default apps, change your default web browser, media player, etc.

80. Change Offline Maps Storage Location: In Settings > Apps > Offline maps, change the storage location to another drive.

81. Manage Optional Features: In Settings > Apps > Optional features, remove unneeded features like 'Windows Media Player Legacy' or 'Internet Explorer mode'.

82. Manage App Execution Aliases: In Settings > Apps > Advanced app settings > App execution aliases, manage command-line aliases like python.exe.

[Mouse & Keyboard]

83. Adjust Mouse Pointer Speed: In Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Mouse, adjust the pointer speed.

84. Turn Off Enhance Pointer Precision (Acceleration): In Additional mouse settings > Pointer Options, uncheck 'Enhance pointer precision' for more accurate control.

85. Enable Scrolling of Inactive Windows: In Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Mouse, enable 'Scroll inactive windows when I hover over them'.

86. Prevent Accidental Activation of Sticky/Filter Keys: In Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard, disable the shortcuts for Sticky Keys, Toggle Keys, and Filter Keys.

[Other Useful Tips]

87. Create GodMode: Create a new folder on the desktop and rename it GodMode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C} to access all control panel functions.

88. Utilize Virtual Desktops: In Task View (Win+Tab), create new desktops to separate workspaces by purpose (e.g., work, personal).

89. Master Snap Layouts: Hover your mouse over a window's maximize button to choose a screen layout (Win + Z).

90. Use Focus Sessions: Start a 'Focus session' from the Clock app to work without distractions.

91. Enable Microsoft Store Auto-updates: Open the Microsoft Store, go to Settings, and turn on 'App updates'.

92. Use the Windows Tools Menu: Find 'Windows Tools' in the Start Menu to access a collection of system administration tools.

93. Install PowerToys: Install this suite of utilities for power users from Microsoft (includes FancyZones, Color Picker, etc.).

94. Set Up Windows Backup: In Settings > Accounts > Windows backup, configure backups for your files and settings.

95. Explore New Copilot+ PC Features (If applicable): Set up and use new AI-based features like Recall and Cocreator (requires 24H2 and specific hardware).

96. Change Recycle Bin Properties: Right-click the Recycle Bin, go to Properties, and configure it to permanently delete files immediately or adjust its maximum size.

97. Prepare for PC Migration (New!): Use the new PC migration feature in the Windows Backup app to prepare for data transfer to a new PC.

98. Link Your Phone: In Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Phone Link, connect your phone to manage calls, messages, and notifications on your PC.

99. Adjust Windows Update Active Hours: In Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Active hours, set the times you typically use your PC.

100. Perform Regular System File Checks: In Command Prompt (Admin), run sfc /scannow to check for and repair system file integrity.

With these 100 tips, your Windows 11 PC will transform from its factory state into a machine customized just for you. Enjoy your enhanced computing life!