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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Windows 11’s built-in settings can help you cut unwanted notifications, review app access, reduce unnecessary startup activity, and make the interface easier to use. The best changes depend on what you want to improve: there is no universal set of toggles, and software adjustments cannot overcome every hardware limitation.
Open Settings and choose changes that fit your needs. Paths and labels can vary by Windows version or by settings managed by work or school; if a label is missing, search for it within Settings.
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Which Windows 11 settings should you change first?
Start with the problem you notice most. Use the table to find a relevant setting and weigh its tradeoff before changing it.
| If you want to… | Start here | Tradeoff to consider |
|---|---|---|
| See fewer suggestions | Privacy & security > Recommendations & offers | Some Windows tips and recommendations may be less personalized. |
| Reduce interruptions | System > Notifications | Turning off alerts can make important messages easier to miss. |
| Limit an app’s access to a capability | Privacy & security, then choose a capability such as camera or location | Some apps may not work as expected without access; desktop apps may not appear in these lists. |
| Reduce apps launching after sign-in | Apps > Startup | An app you disable may no longer be ready immediately after sign-in. |
| Make Windows easier to use | Accessibility | Choose options that suit your needs; there is no single best configuration. |
How can you make Windows 11 less distracting?
Review recommendations and personalization
Go to Settings > Privacy & security > Recommendations & offers. Review the controls for personalized offers, app-launch tracking used to personalize Start and search, and suggested content in Settings. Microsoft says personalized offers can use device and usage information, diagnostic data, account information, and data from other Microsoft products and services to show tips, ads, and recommendations. Turn off preferences you do not want; you may then see less-personalized suggestions. See Microsoft’s Recommendations & offers privacy settings guide.
#1 Best Overall
- KEYBOARD: The keyboard works for Windows with hot keys that enable easy access to Media, My Computer, Mute, Volume up/down, and Calculator
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Choose notifications by app
Open Settings > System > Notifications. Rather than disabling everything, review apps individually. Depending on the app and Windows version, you can adjust whether notifications appear as banners or in Notification Center, show on the lock screen, play a sound, or receive priority.
Do Not Disturb can silence notifications during selected times or activities. Keep alerts enabled for apps whose messages you need to see promptly. Microsoft’s notifications and Do Not Disturb guide explains these controls.
How do you control app permissions in Windows 11?
Open Settings > Privacy & security, then choose a capability such as Location, Camera, Microphone, Contacts, or Calendar. Review the available controls and app list, and turn off access for apps that do not need the capability.
Rank #2
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These lists have an important limit: Microsoft says the controls mostly apply to Store apps. Some desktop apps may not appear, and desktop software can handle access differently. A missing app in a list is not proof that it cannot access related data. For details, consult Microsoft’s guides to changing privacy settings and privacy settings apps use.
How can you stop apps from opening at startup?
Disable only apps you do not need to launch automatically after signing in. You can manage startup apps in Settings or Task Manager:
Rank #3
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- Built to Last: The spill-proof (2) design and durable print characters keep you on track for years to come despite any on-the-job mishaps; it’s a reliable partner for your desk at home, or at work
- Long-lasting Battery Life: A 24-month battery life (4) means you can go for 2 years without the hassle of changing batteries of your wireless full-size keyboard
- Simply plug the USB receiver into a USB port on your desktop, laptop or netbook computer and start using the keyboard right away without any software installation
- Simply Wireless: Forget about drop-outs and delays thanks to a strong, reliable wireless connection with up to 33 ft range (5); K270 is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later
- Open Settings > Apps > Startup, or open Task Manager and select Startup apps.
- Look at the listed apps and, in Task Manager, use the startup impact information to help decide what to inspect first.
- Turn off or disable an app only if you do not need it ready at sign-in. If you later miss its automatic launch, return to the same list and enable it again.
Disabling a startup app does not guarantee a noticeable speed increase; the effect depends on what was running and the computer. Microsoft’s startup applications guide describes the available controls and impact categories.
Can changing Windows settings make your PC faster?
Sometimes. The steps below can address particular sources of sluggishness, but results depend on the cause, the apps running, and the PC’s hardware. Try the relevant checks rather than treating every performance setting as a guaranteed upgrade.
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Rank #4
- Durable and Reliable: This USB keyboard features a curved space bar, spill-resistant design (2), durable keys that can withstand 10 million keystrokes, and sturdy, adjustable tilt legs
- Comfortable, Familiar Typing: You’ll enjoy a comfortable and familiar typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and standard layout with full-size F-keys and number pad
- Full-size Sculpted Mouse: The high-definition optical USB mouse puts comfort and control in your hands with smooth, accurate tracking and an ambidextrous shape that feels good hour after hour
- Simple Set-Up: Simply plug the keyboard and mouse into the USB ports on your desktop, laptop, or netbook and you're ready to work; compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later
- Clear and Convenient: The bold, bright white and long-lasting characters make the keys on this PC or laptop keyboard easy to read and extra durable
- Check what is using resources: Open Task Manager and review resource usage. Close apps you are not using if they are consuming resources you need.
- Free storage: Uninstall apps you no longer use and review available storage.
- Review background activity: Where an app allows it, limit background activity if it does not need to keep working when you are not using it.
- Check for updates: Install applicable Windows updates and review optional driver updates when appropriate.
- Consider hardware limits: Microsoft notes that older PCs with outdated hardware may see little improvement from software steps alone.
Microsoft’s PC performance guidance covers these troubleshooting options.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which accessibility settings are worth exploring?
Go to Settings > Accessibility to explore options for vision, hearing, and interaction. Choose settings based on what makes the computer easier for you to use; these are personal adjustments, not performance tweaks. Microsoft’s Windows Settings accessibility guide describes how to find settings.
Best Value
- 7 Unique Backlight Color: 7 Elegant LED backlight with 3 brightness level.
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- Ultra Thin and Light: Compact size (16.7 X 4.5 X 0.24in) and light weight (17.4oz) but provides full size keys, arrow keys, number pad, shortcuts for comfortable typing.
- Package contents: Arteck Backlit USB wired Keyboard, welcome guide, our 24-month warranty and friendly customer service.
You can also review Settings > Personalization > Device usage. Selecting how you use the PC can shape the tips, recommendations, and ads Windows shows. Set it according to your preferences, or leave it alone if the suggestions are not useful. See Microsoft’s Device usage settings guide.
Should Windows warn before installing apps outside the Microsoft Store?
Windows includes app recommendation settings that can warn you before installing a non-Store app or, with a stricter choice, restrict installations to the Microsoft Store. A stricter setting may prevent software you need from being installed. Review Settings > Apps for the available app recommendation options, and choose a level that matches the software you use. Microsoft documents them in its app recommendation settings guide.
Where should you start?
Pick one change that addresses a real annoyance, then use the computer as usual before making more. For fewer interruptions, tune notifications; for app access, review the relevant privacy capability; for startup activity, disable only unneeded launches. If the issue is sluggishness, investigate resource use and storage, while keeping hardware limits in mind.
Windows Settings brings system, app, accessibility, privacy and security, and update options together. Microsoft’s Settings overview and guide to finding settings can help when you are unsure where to look.
Quick Recap
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