⚙️ 7 Essential Settings to Change Right After Installing Windows 11 💡
Just finished installing Windows 11? Great! 🎉
Before diving in, there are a few key settings you must tweak to make sure your PC runs faster, stays private, and works the way you want.
Here are 7 essential things to do right after installing Windows 11 — whether you’re a first-time upgrader or setting up a fresh install.
1️⃣ Turn Off Unnecessary Startup Apps
Windows 11 loves to load background apps at startup — many of which you don’t need.
These can slow down your boot time and overall performance.
How to fix it:
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Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
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Click the Startup apps tab
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Disable anything you don’t use regularly
💡 Tip: Apps like Discord, Spotify, or Teams can be turned off here without affecting your normal workflow.
2️⃣ Check for the Latest Windows Updates
Even after installation, your system might need critical driver or security updates.
Go to:
Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates
Make sure you’re fully updated before installing any new software.
This ensures stability and fixes bugs that could cause crashes or compatibility issues later.
3️⃣ Adjust Privacy & Telemetry Settings
By default, Windows 11 collects quite a bit of usage data.
If you prefer more privacy, turn off unnecessary data collection.
Go to:
Settings → Privacy & security → Diagnostics & feedback
Then:
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Set “Diagnostic data” to Basic
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Turn off “Tailored experiences”
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Disable “Send optional diagnostic data”
Bonus: Head to General and disable all ad and tracking options for a cleaner experience.
4️⃣ Enable Dark Mode or Personalize Your Theme
Windows 11’s visual refresh looks amazing — but it’s even better once you customize it.
Go to:
Settings → Personalization → Colors
Here you can:
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Enable Dark Mode
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Change accent colors
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Customize wallpaper and Start Menu appearance
💡 Pro Tip: Try “Dark Mode + Custom Accent Color” for a sleek, professional look that’s easy on your eyes.
5️⃣ Optimize Power Settings (Especially for Laptops)
Windows 11 sometimes defaults to “Balanced” mode, which can limit performance.
Go to:
Settings → System → Power & battery → Power mode
Select Best performance for desktops, or Balanced if you’re on a laptop and want longer battery life.
This change alone can make your system noticeably snappier.
6️⃣ Set Up Windows Security & BitLocker
Security should be a top priority after installation.
Do this immediately:
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Go to Settings → Privacy & security → Windows Security
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Run Quick Scan to ensure no threats slipped through
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If you’re using Windows 11 Pro, enable BitLocker Drive Encryption for extra protection
💡 Encrypting your drive keeps your personal data safe even if your laptop is lost or stolen.
7️⃣ Install Essential Apps & Remove Bloatware
Now that your OS is ready, it’s time to tailor it to your needs.
Recommended essentials:
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Browser: Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Brave
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File tools: 7-Zip, WinRAR
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Media: VLC Player, Spotify
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Utility: Notion, PowerToys, ShareX
To remove bloatware:
Right-click any unwanted Microsoft apps → Uninstall
For deeper cleanup, try Windows PowerShell with:
✅ Summary — Optimize Windows 11 in Minutes
⊙ Disable startup apps for faster boot times
⊙ Keep Windows and drivers fully updated
⊙ Lock down privacy settings
⊙ Enable dark mode and personalize your desktop
⊙ Adjust power mode for performance or battery life
⊙ Turn on Windows Security and BitLocker
⊙ Remove bloatware and install your essentials
Set these up once, and your Windows 11 will feel faster, safer, and truly yours. 💪
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