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After installing Windows 11, start with updates and security, then tailor privacy, startup apps, power behavior, and backup to your needs. These built-in settings can help you manage your PC, but there is no universal “debloat” checklist that guarantees a speed boost: results depend on the device, its hardware, and what is slowing it down.
Use the steps below in order. Windows labels can shift between releases, and a work- or school-managed PC may hide or control some options.
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1. Install updates and restart
- Open Start > Settings > Windows Update.
- Select Check for updates, install available updates, and restart if Windows asks you to.
- If Windows reports that the device is up to date, open Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates to check for optional drivers. Install one only if it applies to your device or addresses a specific issue; optional drivers are not a required batch of updates.
Microsoft says Windows updates often include fixes and performance improvements. Updating is a sensible first check, not a promise that a settings change will make every PC faster.
2. Confirm Windows Security is active
Open Windows Security from Start and review its protection status. It brings together Microsoft Defender Antivirus, Windows Firewall, and Smart App Control. If another antivirus app is installed and active, Defender Antivirus switches off automatically; if that app is uninstalled, Defender turns back on. Avoid stacking antivirus products or turning off protection as a routine optimization.
#1 Best Overall
- Reliable Plug and Play: The USB receiver provides a reliable wireless connection up to 33 ft (1), so you can forget about drop-outs and delays and you can take it wherever you use your computer
- Type in Comfort: The design of this keyboard creates a comfortable typing experience thanks to the low-profile, quiet keys and standard layout with full-size F-keys, number pad, and arrow keys
- Durable and Resilient: This full-size wireless keyboard features a spill-resistant design (2), durable keys and sturdy tilt legs with adjustable height
- Long Battery Life: MK270 combo features a 36-month keyboard and 12-month mouse battery life (3), along with on/off switches allowing you to go months without the hassle of changing batteries
- Easy to Use: This wireless keyboard and mouse combo features 8 multimedia hotkeys for instant access to the Internet, email, play/pause, and volume so you can easily check out your favorite sites
Keep the firewall on and identify your network
In Windows Security, check that the firewall is enabled. Choose a network profile based on trust: a Private profile can suit a home network whose devices you trust, while Public is appropriate for a place such as a coffee shop. Turning off the firewall can leave the PC more vulnerable to unauthorized access.
3. Set app permissions and privacy preferences
Go to Settings > Privacy & security. Review categories such as location, camera, microphone, contacts, and calendar, and allow access only for apps that need each capability for something you use. Microsoft’s guidance is direct: “If you turn off access for an app, that app can’t use the related data or feature.”
Rank #2
- Connect in seconds: Fast, easy Bluetooth wireless technology—pair and play this Logitech Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo without the need for a dongle or USB port
- Durable and reliable: Built for quality, MK250 Bluetooth keyboard offers long-lasting keys, a spill-resistant design (2), and a 12-month keyboard battery life (1)
- Comfort is key: Deep-profile keys and an adjustable tilt-leg design make typing feel great
- Space-saving: with a compact layout that still includes number pad, arrow keys, and handy F-key shortcuts
- Made responsibly: Designed to last, MK250 plastic parts are durably made with a minimum of 66% (mouse) and 64% (keyboard) recycled plastic (3)(4)
These permission lists mostly apply to Store apps. Traditional desktop programs may not appear there, so check those apps’ own settings as well; one Windows switch does not control every program’s access.
Reduce personalized suggestions if you prefer
If you want fewer personalized prompts or suggestions, inspect the privacy options for app-launch tracking and suggested content. The General privacy settings page is being replaced by Recommendations & offers in newer Windows 11 versions, so the label or location you see may differ by build.
Rank #3
- 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
4. Choose which apps start or run in the background
Review sign-in startup apps
- Open Settings > Apps > Startup, or open Task Manager > Startup apps.
- Review each app and its startup impact in Task Manager.
- Disable only apps you do not want launching at sign-in. Keep essential device, security, accessibility, and sync software enabled.
A leaner sign-in can mean fewer apps launching automatically, but disabling a sync app may also delay the service it provides. Avoid disabling every entry or editing the registry for routine cleanup; registry changes can have unintended consequences.
Limit background activity selectively
For supported apps, open Settings > Apps > Installed apps > [app] > Advanced options > Background app permissions. Power optimized lets Windows balance power use with periodic updates and notifications. Never can stop that app’s background updates or notifications. Choose per app: limiting background activity may save resources, but it can also make an app less timely.
Rank #4
- 【Ergonomic Wireless Keyboard And Mouse Combo】EDJO Full-sized wireless keyboard is ergonomically designed with Palm Rest and folding holder that can keep it at an optimum slope，prevent your wrists from hurting while long sessions of typing. Keyboard is also designed with anti-slide pads so it will stay in place when you're typing quickly. Note: The USB receiver is in the battery compartment of mouse, you can find it when open the mouse battery cover.
- 【Plug & Play 2.4G Wireless Connection】One 2.4 GHz USB receiver can connect both the keyboard and mouse, can also be used separately, plug & play, no need to download any software. 2.4 GHz wireless provides a powerful and reliable connection up to 33 feet(10m) without any delays.
- 【Automatic Power Saving Function】The EDJO wireless keyboard and mouse combo has the function of automatically entering the power-saving state. When you stop using the keyboard more than 30 minutes, stop using the mouse more than 25 seconds, they will enter sleep mode respectively to save power. This feature greatly extends the battery life, you can click any button to activity the device. The keyboard need 1 x AA battery, the mouse need 1 x AA battery. (Battery Not Included)
- 【Wireless Optical Mouse】The mouse was optical design, even on some smooth surfaces, precise control can be obtained. 3-level adjustable DPI (800/1600/2400) allows you to choose your favorite moving speed of cursor. In addition, this wireless mouse is symmetry design, no matter you are Right handed Left handed, both hands are available, suitable for all people.
- 【Universal Compatibility & After-Sales Service】This wireless keyboard and mice combo compatible with windows XP/Vista/7/8/10/X, Mac and other operating system. Works well with desktops, Chrome-book, PC, Laptop, Computer and more. If you encounter any problems during use, please contact us via Amazon email, we will provide a satisfactory solution.
Desktop apps may not be listed in this control. Configure their background behavior inside the app when that option is available.
5. Balance power, screen, and sleep behavior
Select a power mode
On a laptop, open Settings > System > Power & battery > Power mode. The available modes are Best power efficiency, Balanced, and Best performance. Balanced is a reasonable starting point for mixed use; choose efficiency when conserving battery matters or performance when a demanding task calls for it. The right choice depends on your workload, and a particular mode does not guarantee a specific battery-life increase.
Best Value
- Dependable wireless connection: Enjoy the reliability and convenience of 2.4 GHz connectivity with your logitech wireless keyboard and mouse combo, wireless range up to 10 meters away at home, or work.
- Full-Size Wireless Keyboard: Comfortable, quiet typing on a familiar keyboard layout with palm rest, spill-resistant design, and media keys. This wireless keyboard and mouse logitech has easy-access to media keys
- Plug and Play: MK345 works seamlessly with Windows, macOS, and ChromeOS. Experience hassle-free setup with the logitech mk345 wireless combo and wireless keyboard mouse combo for various operating systems.
- Long-lasting Battery: The MK345 combo offers a full size keyboard battery life of up to 3 years and a mouse battery life of 18 months (1); batteries included
- Comfortable Right-handed Mouse: This wireless USB mouse with dongle works well for this wireless mouse and keyboard combo, featuring a contoured shape for all-day comfort and smooth, precise tracking and scrolling for easier navigation.
| Mode | Choose it when | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Best power efficiency | Battery conservation is the priority. | Favors efficiency over performance. |
| Balanced | You want a general-purpose starting point for mixed use. | Balances power use and performance. |
| Best performance | You need performance for a demanding task. | Favors performance over power efficiency. |
Set screen and sleep timeouts
Go to Settings > System > Power & battery > Screen, sleep, & hibernate timeouts. Shorter timeouts can suit battery conservation or shared environments; longer ones can be more convenient for stationary work. Microsoft’s documented defaults vary by device type, so set times that fit how and where you use the PC rather than treating one number as best for every device.
6. Verify that your backup is actually configured
Open Windows Backup from Start or go to Settings > Accounts > Windows backup. Review which folders and preferences are selected, then check the visible backup status instead of assuming that signing in protected every file.
Windows Backup can sync selected folders—including Desktop, Documents, Pictures, Videos, and Music—to OneDrive, along with certain settings and preferences. This is cloud syncing, not the same choice as keeping a separate local copy. The feature is focused on personal Microsoft accounts; some options depend on signing in to OneDrive and having available storage. Work- or school-account behavior may be limited or controlled by an organization.
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Consider a separate local copy
Microsoft’s Windows reinstall guidance also lists an external hard drive or USB flash drive as a backup option. An external hard drive for PC backup is an optional local-copy choice; configuring Windows does not require buying one. The guidance cited here does not establish a required capacity or a particular model.
Quick Recap
| Backup choice | What it does | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Selected folders and settings synced to OneDrive | Keeps selected items and certain preferences associated with your Microsoft account. | Confirm the folders selected, OneDrive sign-in, available storage, and the status shown in Windows Backup. |
| Copy to an external hard drive or USB flash drive | Provides a local copy on removable storage. | Confirm that the copy completed and that the drive is available when you need it. |
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