Windows 11 has a ton to offer, and since its launch in October 2021, the operating system has been gradually adding even more features aimed at improving your computer a bit. However, not all of Microsoft’s default Windows 11 settings are winners. Some presets on your device are poor and in some cases they can even harm your Computer accessories. So the next time you start working or before your next gaming session, look for these settings and adjust them as needed.
Activate dark mode
The ability to switch between light mode and dark mode in windows 11 is not in the most obvious place. Instead of being listed under display options, it can be found under Settings > Personalization > Colors. There you can choose light mode, dark mode, or use different settings for Windows vs apps. You can also set transparency effects and accent colors in this menu.
Default browser
Not a fan of Microsoft Edge? You can modify Windows 11 to use the browser you prefer. Go to Settings > Apps and find the browser you want to use. Then just click “Set as default” in the upper right corner, and Windows will automatically use this browser when opening links from other applications. You also have the option to customize by file type if, for example, you want PDFs to open in another browser.
Manage update settings
Updating your computer is important for security, as Windows updates often include fixes to prevent security exploits. Still, unexpected updates can be annoying, especially if your computer forces a restart. To better control your Windows 11 Updatesgo to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options. From this menu, you can set your active hours (so your device doesn’t restart while you’re doing stuff) or have Windows give you a 15-minute warning before automatically restarting to apply updates. day.
Change startup applications
There is no inconvenience like buying a new device, but the feeling that it is slow as soon as you turn it on. Most of the time, the culprit is too many startup apps. The more applications your device launches at startup, the more resources it consumes. To save resources and make things a little faster, go to Settings > Apps > Startup and turn off anything you don’t need immediately after turning on your computer. (I recommend disabling OneDrive, as it consistently slowed down my PC.) You can always open these apps when you’re ready to use them, and if there’s something you typically do first after startup, you can always activate it to save you the step of opening it manually.
Refresh rate
Don’t let your fancy new monitor waste because you are using the wrong refresh rate. Windows 11 defaults to a low refresh rate, which can save power, but that default means you’re not getting the most out of your monitor. Go to Settings > System > Display > Advanced Display and search your screen. There will be a drop-down menu titled Choose a refresh rate and choose the highest option your monitor can support. You might choose a lower setting if, for example, your device can’t match your refresh rate while gaming, but if you’re playing shooters, you’ll want that refresh rate to be as high as possible.
Sound quality
As with the refresh rate, your default sound settings can hold back your accessories. To check, go to System > Sound > Properties and choose the audio device you are using. Then under Output parameters, make sure the format options drop-down list uses the highest available setting. This will ensure that you get the maximum audio quality. If you are using a headset for three-dimensional audio, make sure the spatial sound setting is enabled (Windows Sonic for headset).
Privacy settings
Some of Windows 11’s default privacy settings allow Microsoft to introduce advertisements into your experience. Luckily, you can disable these avenues in Settings. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > General and turn off any of the options you don’t like. (I particularly recommend disabling Allow apps to show me personalized ads using my advertising ID And Show me suggested content in the settings app.) The Privacy & Security menu also lets you change other options, like turning off location services or choosing which apps can access your camera.
To learn more about Windows 11, see how to take screenshots And our favorite keyboard shortcuts.
