The Tool Desk
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1. Advertising ID and personalized offers
To limit ad personalization tied to Windows’ advertising identifier, open Settings > Privacy & security > Recommendations & offers and review the available controls. On older Windows 11 builds, related options may instead appear under Settings > Privacy & security > General. The advertising ID lets participating apps and advertising networks associate activity with an identifier for ad personalization. Turning it off does not reduce the number of ads or disable every form of Microsoft or third-party advertising. Microsoft’s general privacy settings guidance and its Recommendations & offers guidance describe the controls.
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2. Diagnostic data and personalized experiences
Go to Settings > Privacy & security > Diagnostics & feedback to review diagnostic-data choices and any personalized-experience options shown on your PC. Required diagnostic data supports Microsoft’s work on updates, security, compatibility, troubleshooting, reliability, and performance; it is not a universally switchable-off setting. Optional diagnostic data adds details such as app activity and device health when enabled. If minimizing data sharing is your priority, turn off optional data where the control is available. Review personalized or tailored experiences separately: those use diagnostic and account or device information to provide tips, ads, and recommendations. Work or school policy may manage these settings. See Microsoft’s explanation of diagnostics, feedback, and privacy.
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3. App permissions
Under Settings > Privacy & security, review the capability pages for location, camera, microphone, contacts, calendar, and other listed permissions. Allow access only where it serves a feature you use. These Windows controls mostly apply to Microsoft Store apps. Desktop apps may not appear in the lists or may manage access through their own settings, so check the privacy settings inside each desktop app too. Microsoft explains the distinction in its Windows app privacy settings overview and app permissions guidance.
#1 Best Overall
- 【COMPATIBILITY】Designed for the 13-inch Surface Pro 12th11/10/9/8/X released in 2019-2026, with precise dimensions and a perfect fit. If you have questions about product dimensions, please contact us or ask a question. We have 24-hour online professional pre-sales and after-sales customer service to ensure you have a satisfactory shopping experience.
- 【EASY TO INSTALL】Peslv has innovatively designed a new installation method - MagicSuction. We designed nano-adsorption strips on the four sides of the Surface privacy screen. Just align it with the Surface screen frame and press it gently, and it can be installed in one second. With Peslv Privacy Screen Surface Pro 13 inch, you will never be in the embarrassing situation of not knowing how to install it!
- 【ABSOLUTE PRIVACY PROTECTION】Peslv Surface Pro 13inch privacy screen uses the most advanced grating technology, and conducts quality inspection on every factory Surface pro privacy screen, so that the contents of the laptop are only visible from the front, filtering side views to ensure the security of your data.
- 【PROTECT SCREEN AND EYES】Surface pro privacy screen 13 inch uses AG anti-glare technology imported from Germany and base material imported from Japan. The frosted surface layer effectively intercepts 95% of reflected light and glare; the high-quality filter layer can filter 92% of blue light; the anti-scratch layer prevents scratches during daily use. Protect your screen while protecting your eyesight.
- 【SUPER PORTABLE】 The privacy screen Surface pro 10 13 inch adopts the most advanced nano-adsorption process, which has strong adsorption force and is removable, washable, and reusable. The four-sided adsorption perfectly solves the problem of the bottom lifting. Package contents include a storage clip for easy storage of the Surface screen protector. A great Surface accessory to protect your screen privacy in public.
4. Location access and its effects
Open Settings > Privacy & security > Location to review location services and individual app access. Windows may estimate location using GPS, nearby Wi-Fi access points, cell towers, an IP address, or a default location. Location can support features such as automatic time-zone setting and Find my device, so disabling it may affect those functions. Windows also provides indicators when an app is currently using, or recently used, location. For details, see Microsoft’s Windows location service and privacy page.
5. Startup apps
If sign-in or startup feels slow, inspect what launches automatically before disabling anything. Use either Settings > Apps > Startup or Task Manager > Startup apps. Prioritize apps marked as having high startup impact, then disable only those you do not need running immediately. Doing so may delay an app’s sync, notifications, or other expected behavior.
Rank #2
- Enhanced Privacy Protection: Protect your privacy with an Welinc privacy screen filter that makes on-screen data visible only to individuals sitting in front of the monitor. The privacy screen filter makes the screen appear dark when looking at it from an angle (the angle is 30 Each - Both 60), but bright when looking directly at it. The monitor screen protector features multiple layers of thick film with revolutionary micro-louver technology
- Precise Dimensions for 11.6 Inches Widescreen: Designed for 11.6 inches (16:9) diagonally measured widescreen monitor with Aspect Ratio 16:9. Filter Size: Width: 10 1/8 inches, Height: 5 11/16 inches (257mm x 144mm)
- Blue Light and Anti-Glare Eye Protection: The filter protects your login and other data from prying eyes while reducing harmful blue light. Its high hardness rating also provides a layer of physical protection to your screen
- Easy Installation Options: Includes two easy-to-attach options - Attachment strips and Slide-mount tabs. Package contains extra installation kits (option 1 and 2). All screen filters have 100% quality due to hand checking
- Reversible Screen and Eye Protector: Features a reversible privacy screen filter, giving you the flexibility to choose glossy or matte finish. Choose the matte to reduce external glare. The filter is Anti-Glare and Scratch Resistant
Task Manager classifies startup impact using CPU and disk activity: Low Impact is under 300 milliseconds of CPU time and under 292 kilobytes of disk activity; Medium Impact is above the low thresholds but below one second of CPU time or three megabytes of disk activity; High Impact is over one second of CPU time or over three megabytes of disk activity. These are classification thresholds in Microsoft’s startup-app guidance, not promises about how much faster your PC will boot after a change.
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6. Background app permissions
For supported apps, look under Settings > Apps > Installed apps > [app menu] > Advanced options > Background app permissions. The menu and control are not available for every app. Where offered, Power optimized lets Windows balance battery use while still permitting periodic updates and notifications. Always allows background activity and may use more power. Keep background access enabled for apps whose timely syncing or notifications matter. Microsoft outlines these controls in its background apps and privacy guidance.
Rank #3
- 11.6-27" Laptop Screen Privacy Shield: 11.6-27 inch privacy screen filter provides you with a clear view. After applying the anti-peeping film, only the user facing the screen can see the content on the screen. If viewed from the side or back, the content on the screen will become blurred or completely invisible. In this way, whether in public or in the office
- Data Privacy: With unique, ultra-fine microlouver technology, our laptop privacy screen added a layer of security by keeping prying eyes away from password and document info while work around others, in public places, or near customers. A clear vision for you while others see a black screen – it gives you peace of mind knowing that your information and your computer are as safe as possible
- Two Installation Option: Installs in minutes. Option 1 uses clear adhesive strips that securely attach to any screen. Option 2 uses slide mount tabs that easily stick to the display frame, allowing you to slide the filter on and off the screen as needed
- Applicable Scenarios: Our computer screen privacy filters are with anti-glare and privacy filters for travel, privacy, screen protection, work, flight control, and home use
- Important: to double check your screen's Width and Height excluding frame before ordering. It's not recommended to make your selection based solely on your screen's diagonal size
7. Storage Sense and cleanup
When the system drive is running low, open Settings > System > Storage > Storage Sense to review cleanup settings. Storage Sense can remove temporary files and Recycle Bin contents according to its schedule and configuration; it operates on the system drive, usually C:. With its defaults, it does not clean Downloads or cloud files unless you opt in. Check those selections carefully before enabling or changing cleanup. Low disk space can slow a PC and make Windows updates difficult to install.
You can also use Settings > System > Storage > Cleanup recommendations to inspect suggested temporary files, large or unused files, cloud files, and unused apps before removing anything. Microsoft explains Storage Sense, ways to free drive space, and space needed for Windows updates.
Rank #4
- 🔒 Premium Privacy Protection 🔒 Keep your work safe from prying eyes with this laptop privacy screen filter. Designed for Microsoft Surface Pro 11/10/9/8/X 13 inch, it ensures only the user directly in front can view the display—perfect for travel, office, or public spaces.
- 🌞 Double-Sided Anti-Glare Effect 🌞 Featuring an upgraded double-sided AG (anti-glare) design, this privacy filter minimizes reflections under bright lighting while delivering a smooth, matte viewing surface. Whether indoors or outdoors, your screen remains crisp and easy to see.
- 🌙 Blue Light & Eye Comfort 🌙 Reduce digital eye strain with advanced blue light blocking technology. This screen filter helps protect your vision during long hours of work or study, making screen time more comfortable and healthier for your eyes.
- 🛡️ Scratch & Dust Resistant 🛡️ Crafted from durable materials, this laptop screen protector shields your device from scratches, dust, and fingerprints. A reliable companion for professionals and students, it extends the life of your laptop screen.
- 💼 Easy Installation & Travel-Friendly 💼 Lightweight and simple to install, this privacy filter slips on and off effortlessly without leaving residue. Its slim profile fits neatly into any laptop bag, making it the ideal privacy solution for on-the-go users.
8. Visual effects
If the interface feels sluggish or the PC has limited resources, search Windows for Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows and open the matching dialog. On the Visual Effects tab, Adjust for best performance turns off visual effects that use system resources. This can make Windows look less polished; it is an option to try on a constrained or sluggish system, not a setting every user needs to change. Microsoft includes visual effects among its PC performance recommendations.
9. Power mode
On supported PCs, choose a power mode at Settings > System > Power & battery > Power mode. The available choices are Best power efficiency, Balanced, and Best performance. Best performance may provide more headroom for demanding work, but it uses more power; on a laptop, that can shorten battery life and make the device warmer. Consider it when plugged in or when performance matters more than battery runtime. The choices depend on the PC and manufacturer. See Microsoft’s power-mode instructions.
Best Value
- Compatible Model: Fit for 13-inch Microsoft Surface Pro 12 (2026 Release) / Surface Pro 11 & Pro 10 (2024) / Surface Pro 9 (2022) / Surface Pro 8 (2021)/ Surface Pro X (2021/2019). Attention: NOT Compatible with Surface Pro 12-inch (2025 Release) or any other Surface Models
- Privacy Protection: Our anti-spy screen protector blocks side views when the tablet is in horizontal orientation, creating a secure visual tunnel straight. While maintaining clarity from the front, it prevents side peeping – ideal for work and entertainment during public spaces
- Dust-free Installation: Installation tray provides a seamless and efficient installation process. With innovative design, it eliminates the inconvenience of dust particles, ensures a bubble-free installation
- Surface Pen Compatibility: High sensitivity with the Surface Pen, ensures quick app launch, smooth games and video playing
- Scratch Resistant: This 9H hardness screen protector can effectively protect your device from unwanted scuffs and scratches
10. Measure changes and keep Windows current
Use Task Manager to investigate actual resource use rather than guessing which setting or app is slowing the PC. Check Processes for current CPU, memory, disk, and network activity; Performance for system-wide resource patterns; and Startup apps for sign-in impact. Change one setting at a time, then use the PC normally and check whether the expected problem improved. If it did not, restore the previous setting before trying another change.
Install Windows updates through Settings > Windows Update. Updates can include fixes and performance improvements. Avoid treating scripts that indiscriminately remove built-in components, or disabling security and update services, as routine optimization: they can remove useful features or interfere with protection, compatibility, and servicing. Microsoft’s performance guidance includes checking for updates and using Task Manager to identify resource use.
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