Setting up a new Windows 11 PC, or resetting an old one, is simple. After the initial setup, you will see the Windows 11 desktop. But your work is not done yet. Default settings may not suit your needs, and some built-in features can be annoying. Spend a few minutes fixing these issues for a better experience. Here are some essential steps to take before using your new PC.
Essential Steps to Optimize Your Windows 11 PC
1. Secure Your PC with a Microsoft Account
When setting up your Windows 11 device, you can choose between a Microsoft account and a local account. Many users prefer a local account out of habit, but a Microsoft account is the safer choice. Here’s why:
- Better security: You can enable two-factor authentication and Windows Hello for fingerprint or face recognition login.
- Data encryption: Even Windows 11 Home allows you to encrypt your system drive when signed in with a Microsoft account. Check this under Settings > Privacy & Security > Device Encryption.
- Recovery options: If you forget your password, Microsoft’s recovery tools help you regain access.
A Microsoft account also gives you access to Microsoft 365, including Office apps and 1TB of OneDrive storage. Be aware that OneDrive may move your Desktop, Documents, and Pictures folders to the cloud. If this is inconvenient, you can turn off OneDrive backup in its settings.
2. Remove Unwanted Apps and Shortcuts
New Windows 11 PCs come with shortcuts to third-party apps and games. Microsoft places these in the Start menu, often for apps like Spotify, TikTok, and Disney+. These shortcuts take up little space and are easy to remove:
- For Recommended apps: Right-click the shortcut and select “Remove from list.”
- For Pinned apps: Right-click the icon, choose “Uninstall,” and confirm.
Windows 11 also includes Microsoft apps you may not need. Some can be uninstalled the same way. Cleaning up these apps makes your PC feel less cluttered.
3. Enable Windows Sandbox for Security
Windows Sandbox is a great tool if you have Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education. It lets you run suspicious apps in a secure, isolated environment. This means you can test software without affecting your main system. To enable it:
- Open Search and type Windows Features.
- Click “Turn Windows features on or off.”
- Scroll down and check Windows Sandbox.
- Restart your PC.
Once enabled, you’ll find Windows Sandbox in the Start menu. Open it to test apps or visit untrusted websites safely. When you close it, everything inside disappears.
4. Customize the Start Menu
The Windows 11 Start menu is minimal compared to older versions. It includes pinned icons, a Recommended section, your profile picture, and a power button. You can adjust it to suit your needs:
- Go to Settings > Personalization > Start.
- Adjust the space between pinned and recommended items.
- Use the Folders option to add shortcuts like Downloads and Documents.
- Enable dark mode under Settings > Personalization > Colors to reduce eye strain.
These changes make the Start menu more useful and improve your workflow.
5. Clean Up the Taskbar
By default, Windows 11 adds extra icons to the taskbar. These include Search, Task View, Widgets, and Copilot. You can remove them to declutter your screen:
- Open Settings > Personalization > Taskbar.
- Disable Search, Task View, and Widgets.
- Right-click Copilot and select “Unpin from taskbar.”
For more customization, expand “Other system tray icons.” This lets you choose which icons appear in the system tray. If you have multiple monitors, adjust settings under “Taskbar behaviors.”
6. Back Up Your BitLocker Recovery Key
If you signed in with a Microsoft account, your system drive is encrypted by default. Encryption protects your data, but you’ll need a recovery key if something goes wrong. To back it up:
- Visit microsoft.com/recoverykey.
- Sign in with your Microsoft account.
- Save the recovery key in a secure location.
If you use Windows 11 Pro, Enterprise, or Education, you can encrypt additional drives manually. Even if you don’t use BitLocker, it’s always a good idea to back up important data.
7. Adjust Privacy Settings
Windows 11 collects a lot of data by default. You can limit this by adjusting privacy settings:
- Open Settings > Privacy & Security.
- Disable unnecessary tracking under Diagnostics & Feedback.
- Turn off Advertising ID to stop personalized ads.
- Go to Location settings and disable it if you don’t need location-based services.
These small changes improve privacy and reduce unnecessary data collection.
8. Configure Windows Updates
Windows updates help keep your system secure, but automatic updates can sometimes restart your PC at inconvenient times. To manage updates:
- Open Settings > Windows Update.
- Click Advanced options.
- Adjust Active Hours to prevent automatic restarts while you work.
You can also choose whether to receive feature updates immediately or delay them until they are more stable.
9. Set Up File Backups
Regular backups prevent data loss. Windows 11 offers several ways to back up your files:
- OneDrive: Automatically syncs important folders.
- File History: Saves copies of files so you can restore older versions.
- External Drive: Use an external hard drive for offline backups.
To enable File History:
- Open Settings > System > Storage.
- Click Advanced storage settings > Backup options.
- Turn on File History and select a backup drive.
Having a backup ensures you don’t lose important files if something goes wrong.
10. Optimize Power Settings
To improve battery life or performance, adjust your power settings:
- Go to Settings > System > Power & battery.
- Choose Best performance for speed or Best power efficiency for longer battery life.
- Click Advanced power settings to customize further.
If you use a laptop, these settings help extend battery life and improve efficiency.
Final Thoughts
Following these steps will improve your Windows 11 experience. You’ll have better security, more privacy, and a cleaner interface. Taking the time to adjust these settings now will save you frustration later. Enjoy your newly optimized PC!
