5 Essential Windows 11 Default Settings to Enhance Your User Experience

Introduction

Windows 11, Microsoft's latest operating system, offers a sleek interface and a host of new features designed to improve productivity and user satisfaction. However, to fully harness its capabilities, certain default settings should be activated or adjusted. This article explores five key settings that, when enabled, can significantly enhance your Windows 11 experience.

1. Enable System Protection (System Restore)

System Protection, commonly known as System Restore, is a vital feature that allows users to revert their system to a previous state in case of system failures or unwanted changes. Surprisingly, this feature is disabled by default in Windows 11.

1. Press INLINECODE0 , type "Create a restore point," and select the corresponding result.
2. In the System Properties window, under the "Protection Settings" section, select your system drive (usually INLINECODE1 ) and click "Configure."
3. Choose "Turn on system protection" and allocate the desired disk space for restore points.
4. Click "Apply," then "OK."

Activating System Protection ensures that you can recover from unforeseen issues without resorting to a complete system reset, thereby safeguarding your data and installed applications.

2. Show File Name Extensions in File Explorer

By default, Windows 11 hides file extensions in File Explorer, which can be inconvenient and pose security risks, as malicious files can masquerade as harmless ones.

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Click on the "View" tab in the ribbon.
3. Hover over "Show," then select "File name extensions."

Displaying file extensions allows users to quickly identify file types, reducing the risk of executing potentially harmful files and improving file management efficiency.

3. Add Hibernate Option to the Power Menu

The Hibernate feature saves the current state of your system to the hard drive, allowing for a complete shutdown while preserving your session. This option is not readily available in the Windows 11 power menu by default.

1. Press INLINECODE2 , type "Control Panel," and open it.
2. Navigate to "Hardware and Sound" > "Power Options."
3. Click on "Choose what the power buttons do" from the left pane.
4. Click "Change settings that are currently unavailable."
5. Under "Shutdown settings," check the box for "Hibernate."
6. Click "Save changes."

Adding Hibernate to your power options provides a convenient way to save your work and power down your device completely, combining the benefits of shutdown and sleep modes.

4. Customize the Taskbar Alignment

Windows 11 introduces a centered taskbar by default, a departure from the traditional left-aligned layout familiar to long-time Windows users.

1. Right-click on the taskbar and select "Taskbar settings."
2. Scroll down to "Taskbar behaviors."
3. Under "Taskbar alignment," choose "Left" from the dropdown menu.

Aligning the taskbar to the left restores the classic Windows interface, potentially improving workflow efficiency for users accustomed to previous versions.

5. Enable Night Light for Reduced Eye Strain

Extended screen time, especially during nighttime, can cause eye strain due to blue light emission. Windows 11's Night Light feature reduces blue light, promoting better sleep and reducing discomfort.

1. Press INLINECODE3 to open Settings.
2. Navigate to "System" > "Display."
3. Under "Brightness & color," toggle on "Night light."
4. Click on "Night light settings" to schedule activation times and adjust intensity.

Activating Night Light can lead to a more comfortable viewing experience during late hours, potentially improving sleep quality and overall eye health.

Conclusion

By enabling and customizing these five settings, Windows 11 users can significantly enhance their computing experience, achieving a balance between functionality, security, and personal comfort. Regularly reviewing and adjusting system settings ensures that your operating system aligns with your individual needs and preferences.