Windows 11: Get rid of these default settings

Windows 11 default settings are most often not suitable for your machine and your desires. A brief overview of the settings for adaptation.

Released in October 2021, Windows 11 continues to add new features to make everyday use easier. However, sometimes the best configuration is hidden behind the default settings. And in some cases, it can even seriously complicate your life. The article below provides a brief overview of the various settings that you should adapt to your liking.

Activate dark mode

The ability to switch from light mode to dark mode in Windows 11 is placed in an inconspicuous place. Instead of being hidden away in display options, it’s found in Settings > Personalization > Colors. Here you can also set transparency effects and accent colors.

Default browser

If you’re not a big fan of Microsoft Edge, you can change your default browser. Go to Settings > Apps and find the browser you want to use instead. Then click “Set as Default”in the top right corner and Windows will now use that browser to open links. You can also customize by file type, for example if you want to open PDFs in a different browser.

Manage update settings

Keeping your computer up to date is very important, Windows updates often include various fixes. That being said, an unexpected update can be problematic, especially if it results in a reboot. For more control, go to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced Options. From there, set your activity hours or ask Windows to give you 15 minutes before restarting automatically.

Change startup apps

There is nothing worse than starting a car and waiting for long seconds before it starts up. Often the culprits are applications that start automatically. The more of them, the more resources are required, the longer the process. To speed up the process, go to Settings > Apps > Startups and disable everything you don’t need immediately. You can still open them manually if needed.

Update frequency

Don’t let your new monitor get stuck with a bad refresh rate. Windows 11 defines a fairly low default to keep offline. To set it up, go to Settings > System > Display > Advanced Display. There is a drop-down menu called “Choose a refresh rate”. At your convenience.

sound quality

Like the refresh rate, the default audio settings are probably too low for your peripherals. To check, go to System > Sound > Properties and select the device you are using. Then, in the output settings, make sure that the “Format”is set to the highest possible value in order to get the best sound quality possible. If you have 3D headphones, make sure spatial audio is enabled (Windows Sonic for Headphones).

Confidentiality

Windows 11 gives Microsoft the option to integrate ads into your system by default. Fortunately, this behavior can be disabled. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > General and turn off anything you don’t like. This menu also allows you to change many other settings such as location services or applications that can access your camera.