Best Windows 11 Settings You Should Change Right Now (2026)
Windows 11 ships with many default settings that are not optimal for most users. Some affect your privacy, others slow down your system, and some are just annoying. Here are the most important changes to make right after installing.
1. Disable Ads and Tracking
Go to Settings → Privacy & security → General and turn off all options: personalized ads, app launch tracking, etc. Also go to Diagnostics & feedback and set diagnostic data to Required (not Optional).
2. Enable High Performance Mode
Go to Settings → System → Power & battery → Power mode and select Best performance. On desktop PCs this makes a real speed difference.
3. Disable Startup Apps
Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) → Startup apps tab. Disable everything you don’t need: Spotify, Teams, OneDrive, Discord, etc. This significantly reduces boot time.
4. Enable Enhanced Protection in Windows Security
Settings → Privacy & security → Windows Security → Virus & threat protection. Make sure Real-time protection and Cloud-delivered protection are on.
5. Set Active Hours for Updates
Settings → Windows Update → Active hours. Set the hours when you use your PC so Windows doesn’t restart while you’re working.
6. Enable Clipboard History
Settings → System → Clipboard → turn on Clipboard history. Press Win + V to access everything you’ve copied. Essential for productivity.
7. Set Up Storage Sense
Settings → System → Storage → enable Storage Sense. Windows will automatically clean temporary files and the Recycle Bin periodically.
8. Clean Up the Taskbar
Right-click the taskbar → Taskbar settings. Disable the Chat button (Teams) and Widgets if you don’t use them. A clean taskbar improves focus.
9. Set Up File History
Search for File History in Start and configure it with an external or network drive. It’s the easiest backup to set up on Windows.
10. Configure Windows Hello Sign-In
Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options. Set up Windows Hello with fingerprint or face recognition if your hardware supports it. Faster and more secure than a PIN.
What is the first setting I should change in Windows 11?
The most important is disabling tracking and personalized ads: Settings → Privacy and security → General → turn everything off. Also enable Clipboard History (Win+V) for an immediate productivity boost.
How do I make Windows 11 faster by changing settings?
The three most effective speed changes: (1) enable Best Performance power mode, (2) disable startup apps in Task Manager, (3) adjust visual effects by searching Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows and selecting Best performance.
Is it safe to change Windows 11 privacy settings?
Yes, completely. Disabling telemetry and personalized ads does not affect how Windows works. You are simply reducing the amount of data Microsoft collects about your system usage.
Conclusion
With these 10 settings you will have a faster, more private and more comfortable Windows 11. Most take less than 15 minutes total. Start with disabling tracking and startup apps, which have the biggest immediate impact.
