10 Features You Should Disable in Windows 11 (2024)

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through disabling ten non-essential features in Windows 11. By following these steps, you can reduce distractions, reclaim system resources, and enhance your overall computing experience. Whether you're looking to streamline your workflow or simply declutter your desktop, these adjustments are practical and straightforward.

Step 1: Disable the Search Box

To remove the search box from your taskbar:

1. Right-click on the taskbar.
2. Hover over "Search."
3. Select "Hidden" to completely remove the search box.

Practical Tip

Consider using the keyboard shortcut (Windows + S) to access the search function quickly when needed.

Step 2: Change Taskbar Alignment

If you prefer a different alignment for your taskbar icons:

1. Right-click on the taskbar and select "Taskbar settings."
2. Scroll down to "Taskbar behaviors."
3. Change the "Taskbar alignment" from "Center" to "Left."

Practical Tip

Aligning taskbar icons to the left can make it easier to access frequently used applications.

Step 3: Disable Widgets News Feed

To get rid of the widgets news feed:

1. Right-click on the taskbar.
2. Select "Taskbar settings."
3. Toggle off the "Widgets" option.

Common Pitfall

Widgets can use system resources, so disabling them can help improve performance.

Step 4: Manage Startup Apps

To prevent unnecessary applications from launching at startup:

1. Open "Settings" from the Start menu.
2. Go to "Apps" and then click on "Startup."
3. Toggle off any apps you don’t need to start automatically.

Practical Tip

Disabling startup apps can significantly reduce boot time and improve system responsiveness.

Step 5: Turn Off Notifications

To limit distractions from notifications:

1. Open "Settings."
2. Select "System" and then click on "Notifications."
3. Toggle off "Notifications" or customize which apps can send notifications.

Practical Tip

Consider setting "Focus Assist" to limit notifications during specific hours.

Step 6: Disable Ad ID

To stop personalized ads:

1. Open "Settings."
2. Go to "Privacy & security."
3. Click on "General."
4. Toggle off "Let apps use advertising ID."

Common Pitfall

Disabling the ad ID may lead to less targeted ads, but it enhances your privacy.

Step 7: Limit Diagnostic Data

To reduce the amount of data sent to Microsoft:

1. Open "Settings."
2. Select "Privacy & security."
3. Click on "Diagnostics & feedback."
4. Choose the option for "Required diagnostic data."

Practical Tip

This setting helps protect your privacy while still sending necessary data to improve the service.

Step 8: Disable Start Menu Recommendations

To stop seeing recommendations in the Start menu:

1. Open "Settings."
2. Select "Personalization."
3. Click on "Start."
4. Toggle off "Show recently added apps" and "Show most used apps."

Common Pitfall

Disabling recommendations can help declutter the Start menu, making it easier to navigate.

Step 9: Adjust Date and Time Settings

To ensure your date and time settings are correct and not distracting:

1. Open "Settings."
2. Click on "Time & language."
3. Under "Date & time," ensure the automatic settings are configured correctly.

Practical Tip

Manually adjusting these settings can help if you frequently travel across time zones.

Step 10: Turn Off Search Highlights

To disable search highlights that can clutter your search experience:

1. Open "Settings."
2. Select "Privacy & security."
3. Click on "Search permissions."
4. Toggle off "Show search highlights."

Practical Tip

This will keep your search experience focused and relevant to your needs.

Bonus Step: Disable Copilot

To disable Windows 11's Copilot feature:

1. Open "Settings."
2. Select "System."
3. Click on "Copilot" and toggle it off.

Practical Tip

Disabling Copilot can lead to a more straightforward user experience without additional prompts.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can streamline your Windows 11 experience by disabling features that may not serve your needs. This not only helps reduce distractions but also optimizes system performance. Consider revisiting these settings periodically to ensure your setup aligns with your current computing needs.