Get rid of Windows 11 bloatware in just a few easy steps
Windows 11 is a great operating system, but it’s not perfect. One of the biggest complaints about Windows 11 is the number of bloatware it comes with. This can slow your computer down and take up valuable disk space. In this article, we will show you how to remove Windows 11 bloatware for good. What is bloatware? Bloatware is a term used for unwanted software that comes pre-installed on your Windows 11 computer. Bloatware apps take up hard drive space and consume system resources that slow down your PC. Some of the software that comes pre-installed on a new computer can be useful, like Calculator, Calendar, and Paint. But often, users find they don’t need or want the other extra programs. Fortunately, there are ways to easily remove bloatware from your Windows 11 computer to make it perform better. From the Control Panel If you want to get rid of bloatware on your Windows 11 PC, one way to do it is through the Programs and Features option in Control Panel. It works just like uninstalling any other type of application. Here are the steps: Open the Control Panel app. Choose the app you want to remove from a list of installed programs. Double click on the application you want to remove. You can also right click on the app and choose the uninstall option. Click Yes on the confirmation box to proceed with the uninstallation. From the Settings app Removing bloatware from the Settings app is the method preferred by most users because it displays all the pre-installed software that can be removed. Just follow these steps: Open the Settings app then go to Apps > Apps & features. On the App list, click on the three dots next to the bloatware you want to remove and click on Uninstall. If a confirmation message appears, just click on Uninstall again. Using PowerShell Some bloatware cannot be removed using the methods mentioned above. The best way to uninstall these types of applications is through Windows PowerShell. Note that PowerShell is extremely complex and should only be used by people with advanced technical skills and knowledge of PowerShell functions. Here are instructions for using PowerShell to remove bloatware. Run PowerShell with administrative rights. After Windows PowerShell opens, type get-appxpackage and press Enter. Scroll through the list of bloatware you want to remove. Once you find the bloatware you want to uninstall, type get-appxpackage | remove-appxpackage. is the name of the app you want to remove. For example, if you want to remove Skype, simply type get-appxpackage skypeapp | remove-appxpackage and hit Enter. To remove all bloatware at once, type get-appxpackage | remove-appxpackage and press Enter. Using a bloatware removal tool If manually removing bloatware takes too much time and effort, you can use bloatware removal tools. These programs are a quick and convenient way to automatically remove bloatware with a click of a button. Some bloatware removal tools can even detect malware hiding in pre-installed apps. Remember to restart your computer after removing bloatware to ensure the changes have taken effect. To learn more about optimizing Windows 11, give our specialists a call today. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
Microsoft Edge: 9 Most useful features
There are plenty of reasons why Microsoft Edge is a great choice for professionals: its speed, security, and compatibility with Microsoft Office make it an ideal choice for business users. If you’re one of those who prefer Edge over other browsers, you might find more reasons to like it when you realize that it can do even more. Here, we list some of its most notable features and updates. Browser tab sharing Edge Workspaces is a new feature that enables teams to share browser tabs. This function makes it easier to share files and links within teams. Instead of giving members individual access to files and links, teams can simply save a single link on an Edge Workspace. This functionality will come in handy for teams that usually collaborate on projects and are bringing in new members to work on them. Vertical Tabs You’ll find Vertical Tabs to be a very useful feature if you often open numerous tabs at once. Instead of hovering over or clicking on a tab to see which page it’s on, you can easily find the tabs on the left edge of the browser where they’re much easier to see and manage. This makes opening and moving pinned tabs as well as creating new tabs much easier, so you never have to accidentally close or lose track of tabs again. With the recent Microsoft Edge update, users will be able to conceal the horizontal title bar at the top of the screen, giving them more vertical space to work with. To enable Vertical Tabs, go to Settings > Appearance > Customize toolbar and toggle on “Hide title bar while in vertical tabs.” Tab groups Microsoft Edge allows you to categorize related tabs so you can better organize your web browser. For instance, you can group all project-related tabs together and designate another tab group for YouTube video watching. To use tab groups, right-click on an open tab and select Add tab to a new group. Then, create a label and choose a color to identify the tab group. When the tab group is set up, you can add tabs to the group by clicking and dragging. Collections Collections allows you to gather information from different sites, then organize, export, or return to it at a later time. To use Collections, click on the Collections button at the top-right corner of the screen and a pane will open on the right side of your browser window. You can then drag and drop web pages, text, images, videos, and other elements into a group, which you can then import into an Excel workbook or a Word document. Tracking prevention Whenever you visit a site, online trackers can collect information about your internet activity, including the pages you visit, the links you click on, your search history, and more. Companies can then use the data collected to target you with personalized advertisements and experiences. The tracking prevention feature in Microsoft Edge is designed to keep you from being tracked by sites that you aren’t accessing directly. It’s enabled by default, and it gives you control over the types of third-party trackers to be detected and blocked, thereby enhancing your online privacy. Typo protection Users who type in the website on a browser’s address bar may sometimes misspell the website URL and be led to a fraudulent site. To prevent this, Microsoft Edge has introduced typo protection for website URLs, a security feature that many users will find most useful. Password Monitor Due to data breaches, millions of online personal credentials are frequently exposed and end up being sold on the dark web. To keep your online accounts safe from hackers, Microsoft developed the Password Monitor. When enabled, this feature notifies you if the credentials you’ve saved to autofill are on the dark web. It then prompts you to take action, allowing you to view a list of all the leaked credentials and then leading you to the respective sites to change your password. Immersive Reader Immersive Reader makes reading online easier and more accessible by removing clutter from the page and simplifying web page layouts. Built into the new Microsoft Edge, this feature also provides access to a variety of capabilities, including hearing text read aloud or adjusting the text size. This feature is specially designed for those who have dysgraphia and dyslexia. Easy switching You can download Microsoft Edge on your Windows, Mac, iOS, and/or Android device. What’s great is that you can easily copy or migrate your bookmarks, form-fill information, passwords, and basic settings to the new Microsoft Edge with just a single click. To learn more about the latest features of Microsoft Edge and how to enjoy their benefits on your business computers, give us a call today. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
Windows 11 update: New features you need to know about
On September 20, 2022, Microsoft released the first major update for Windows 11 in line with the operating system’s upcoming first anniversary. This free upgrade will make PCs more accessible, convenient, secure, and eco-friendly. Here are some features that come with the Windows 11 update. Improved Start Menu Windows 11 22H2 update features three new settings for customizing the Recommended section in the Start menu. Although you cannot disable or remove the Recommended section, you can now choose to show fewer recommended items or more pins by choosing from one of these options: Default – Displays three rows of pinned items and three rows of recommended items. More Pins – Only displays a list of pinned items. More recommendations – Displays more recommended items and two rows of pinned items. Tabs in File Explorer With the new update, File Explorer will be capable of supporting tabs. This new tab system is similar to how tabs work in Microsoft Edge. When you open File Explorer, a plus sign (+) is now included on the Ribbon. Clicking on the plus sign lets you open multiple folders in one window. This prevents your screen from getting cluttered with too many open windows, which can be distracting. Better video calls If your PC or mobile device has artificial intelligence chips built into it, the new Windows 11 update can remove background noise during video chats, allow the camera to track you as you move around, and even change your video feed to make it appear like you’re making eye contact with others on the call at all times. Smart App Control Windows 11 version 22H2 comes with Smart App Control, a new security feature that prevents untrustworthy or unapproved applications, dangerous macros, and script files from running on your computer. Built using the same AI found in Windows Defender Application Control, Smart App Control can analyze an application’s safety in real time before it runs on your computer. This is an ideal security solution for companies not using a modern device management tool like Microsoft Intune. Do Not Disturb mode The new Do Not Disturb mode turns off application notifications and taskbar badges, allowing you to focus on your work. You can turn this feature on by right-clicking on the date and time section on the taskbar and selecting Notification settings. From there, you can set rules and conditions that will automatically turn on Do Not Disturb mode. For example, you can set Do Not Disturb before a conference call or video meeting. You can also set which reminders can break through Do Not Disturb mode, such as a call or meeting reminder. Eco-friendly features Windows 11 version 22H2 was designed to reduce your computer’s carbon emissions. For example, when your computer is on, Windows will schedule updates at points in the day that may result in lower carbon emissions. If regional carbon intensity data is available, it can further optimize when to install updates so they have less of an impact on the environment. Microsoft has also changed the default power setting for Sleep and Screen off to help reduce emissions when your computer is idle. How to install the Windows 11 version 22H2 update? Computers already running Windows 11 can install the new update by going to Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates. The update will automatically be downloaded and installed onto the devices. Those still using Windows 10 can check if their computer is compatible with Windows 11 by going to Settings > Update & Security. A download and install button will be present for computers that are eligible for the new OS. For more information on the new Windows 11 update, get in touch with our experts today. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
Here’s how to remove unwelcome notifications in Windows 11
Don’t be surprised if you see some ads while using your Windows 11 computer. Microsoft designed its operating systems to show notifications and ads, regardless of the version. Some users don’t mind the ads, but if you do and are wondering if there’s any way to remove such notifications, wonder no more. Here’s how to get rid of unwanted ads in Windows 11. Turn off suggested content in Settings You may find Microsoft subtly suggesting some of its products or services to you while you use certain built-in apps. If you don’t like that, you can disable this feature by going to Settings > Privacy & security > General. Then, toggle off the switch button beside Show me suggested content in the Settings app. With this feature off, the Settings app will stop displaying suggested content. Disable system notifications Microsoft has programmed Windows 11 to send push notifications of tips and tricks that introduce users to more of the company’s products. If you find these suggestions random or unwelcome, you can disable them entirely. Go to Settings > System > Notifications. Then, uncheck two boxes: the one beside Offer suggestions on how I can set up my device and the one beside Get tips and suggestions when I use Windows. This will prevent the system from showing notifications about certain Windows features or offers. Remove ads on the Lock screen Your Lock screen may display ads from time to time depending on your background settings. To prevent this, simply go to Settings > Personalization > Lock screen and choose either the Picture or the Slideshow option under Personalize your background. Then, scroll down the page and deselect the “Get fun facts, tips, tricks, and more on your lock screen” option. Your Lock screen should now be ad-free. Uninstall pins from the Start menu Microsoft uses the pin feature on the Start menu to place ads for its own products and services or other apps found on the Microsoft Store. The apps typically vary depending on the user’s region, but some of the common ones include Prime Video and Adobe Express. They’re designed to be highly visible to lure users into clicking and subscribing to them. To remove these pins, open Start, right-click the app you want to get rid of, then select Uninstall. Keep File Explorer ad-free Microsoft also uses File Explorer to promote certain services like OneDrive. To stop getting such ads in File Explorer, open File Explorer and click the three-dotted menu on the command bar. Choose Options, then go to the View tab. Look for the “Show sync provider notifications” option, then deselect the checkbox beside it. This turns off advertisements in File Explorer. This blog is a good starting point if you want to learn about Windows 11. But if you need something a little more advanced, our managed IT services experts are second to none. Get in touch with one of our specialists today to maximize Windows 11’s full potential. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
What your business needs to know about Microsoft Exchange Online
Email server platforms help businesses keep track of communications, schedule appointments and meetings, and manage tasks. These platforms are typically hosted on premises, but businesses are increasingly using cloud-based versions of email servers. Microsoft Exchange Online is one of these cloud-based options, and it offers some distinct advantages for businesses. What is Microsoft Exchange Online? Microsoft Exchange Online is a cloud-based email server that helps businesses keep track of communications, manage calendars, and schedule appointments and meetings. Unlike with the original Exchange Server where you install the program on your own server, Exchange Online is hosted in Microsoft’s data center. This means that Microsoft provides the infrastructure and computing resources required to run the email solution. They’re also largely responsible for securing, backing up, and maintaining your Exchange Online environment. Since Exchange Online isn’t installed locally, companies must instead sign up for the following subscription plans: Exchange Online (Plan 1): $4/user/month – A standalone email server platform with 50 GB mailbox, Outlook on the web, message archiving, and focused inbox features Exchange Online (Plan 2): $8/user/month – A more robust solution that includes all the features of the first plan including 100 GB mailbox, data loss prevention, automated attendant, and cloud voicemail capabilities Microsoft 365 Business Standard: $12.50/user/month – The most comprehensive plan that comes with Exchange Online, Office Online, SharePoint Online, OneDrive, and Microsoft Teams Benefits of hosted Exchange Companies that use Exchange Online can enjoy a slew of benefits: 1. Predictable and lower costs Exchange Online is charged on a monthly basis per user. This makes it easier for businesses to budget for their email needs in the long run. What’s more, you don’t need to purchase dedicated servers and expensive licenses for your email platform. And since Microsoft is responsible for the infrastructure and maintenance, there are no additional costs associated with keeping the email solution running. 2. Plug-and-play simplicity With Microsoft Exchange Server, you would have to allocate physical space for an email server, install the software, and configure user accounts manually. If you experience technical difficulties with Exchange Server, you’ll also have to troubleshoot the issue yourself. In contrast, everything is taken care of with Exchange Online. Your cloud services provider will usually handle the hosting, management, installation, and configuration processes. That means your company can use and enjoy everything Exchange Online has to offer as soon as you sign up for a subscription plan. 3. Increased scalability and flexibility As your business grows, you might need to add more users to your email platform. Fortunately, Exchange Online allows you to accommodate more users with ease. All you have to do is contact your provider when your server requirements change. You can add or remove users with a few clicks, and you’re only charged for what you use. 4.Greater security and compliance What’s great about Exchange Online is you gain access to enterprise-grade security features like data loss prevention policies, intelligent anti-spam filters, and advanced malware detection. These features are constantly updated by Microsoft to ensure that your data is always protected against the latest security threats. Plus, Exchange Online stores your emails and data in Microsoft’s data centers, protected with cutting-edge network security and physical security measures. These benefits merely scratch the surface of what Exchange Online is capable of. If you want to see how this email platform can power up your business, call us now! Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
How to personalize Windows 11
Windows 11, Microsoft’s latest operating system for personal computers and tablets, comes with a lot of features. But it can be even better with a little bit of customization. In this blog post, we will show you how to personalize your Windows 11 devices so you can make the most of its many features. Tweak the Taskbar On Windows 11, the Taskbar is located at the center of the screen. If you prefer the old layout, you can simply right-click anywhere on the Taskbar to access Taskbar settings. From there, click on Taskbar behaviors > Taskbar alignment > Left. If you want to further customize the Taskbar settings, you can also try using Taskbar11. With Taskbar11, you can move the Taskbar to the top of your screen, instead of just to the left or center, and even change the sizes of the icons on the Taskbar. Organize with Fences With its many features and customization options, Fences is a great way to personalize your Windows 11 experience. It lets you easily create resizable frames where you can place custom categories for your files and folders right on your desktop. Fences also allows you to add shortcuts to your favorite programs so you can quickly access them without having to search through the Start menu. Fences lets you put files or programs within customizable frames that you can roll up in a mini-window. This way, you can have a more organized and less cluttered desktop. Search with PowerToys Run If you’re in a hurry and want the easiest way to access specific programs or files, you can use PowerToys Run. Installing PowerToys Run allows you to quickly access the search function. Simply press the Alt and Space shortcut keys, and a search bar will appear on your screen. This feature eliminates the need to dig through the menus, saving you precious time. You can download PowerToys Run here. Whether you want to make a bold statement or simply make your computer more comfortable to use, personalization is the key. So go ahead and experiment with different settings until you find the perfect combination for you. And if you have any questions about Windows 11, feel free to contact us and our experts will be happy to guide you. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
Your guide to Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts
It’s been almost a year since Microsoft released its latest operating system, Windows 11. And while some features and keyboard shortcuts were carried over from Windows 10, several new ones have been added. Here’s a list of handy keyboard shortcuts to help you get the most out of Windows 11 General Windows 11 shortcuts These shortcuts are for general functions, such as copy, cut, paste, and more. Command Function Ctrl + A Highlights all items in the active window Ctrl + C Copies the highlighted items Ctrl + X Cuts the highlighted items Ctrl + V Pastes the cut or copied items Ctrl + Z Undoes recent changes Ctrl + Y Redoes recent changes Ctrl + Shift + Drag an icon Creates a shortcut Shift + Left mouse click Selects multiple items Ctrl + O Opens a file Ctrl + S Saves a file or folder Ctrl + Shift + S Opens the Save As dialog box Ctrl + N Opens a new window Alt + Tab Switches between active tabs or windows Alt + F4 Closes an active window Shift + Delete Deletes a file or folder without going through the recycle bin F5 Refreshes the active window Windows 11 Command Prompt shortcuts These shortcuts will help you navigate the Command Prompt terminal faster. Command Function Ctrl + A Selects all items Ctrl + M Activates Mark mode Ctrl + F Opens the Find dialog box Esc Deletes everything you typed Up and Down arrow keys Cycles through the command history Page Up/Down Moves the cursor up or down a whole page Shift + Home Repositions the cursor at the start of the current line Windows 11 File Explorer shortcuts Use these File Explorer shortcuts to manage your files and folders more efficiently. Command Function Win + E Opens File Explorer Ctrl + N Opens another File Explorer window while you’re in File Explorer Ctrl + E Goes to the Quick access search bar Ctrl + W Closes File Explorer Ctrl + Mouse scroll Changes how files and folders can be viewed F4 Goes to the File Explorer address bar F5 Refreshes the current File Explorer window F6 Toggles between the left and right pane Ctrl + Shift + N Creates a new folder Alt + P Shows/Hides the preview panel Alt + Enter Shows the Properties window of the selected item Alt + Left or Right arrow keys Toggles between the next and previous folders Alt + Up arrow key Goes to the parent folder or directory Num Lock + Plus (+) key Expands the selected folder Num Lock + Minus (-) key Collapses the selected folder New Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts Here are keyboard shortcuts you’ll find only in Windows 11. Command Function Win + C Opens the Microsoft Teams chat app Win + H Opens Voice Typing Win + A Launches the Quick Settings flyout Win + N Opens the Notification Center Win + W Brings up the Widgets pane Win + Z Launches the Snap Layouts flyout Remembering all these keyboard shortcuts can be difficult, but learning them can save you significant time and effort while working on tasks on a Windows 11 computer. Having a printed copy of these shortcuts next to your computer will help you remember them or serve as a quick reference. If you want to find more ways to increase your productivity using Windows 11, call our experts today. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
How to secure your data using File History in Windows 10
Whether you use a Windows 10 laptop or desktop for work or personal use, you’ll realize that it can quickly accumulate a large amount of data. Hardware failure, cyberattacks, and natural disasters can put this data at risk of being lost forever. Backing up your data regularly is the best way to prevent data loss, and here’s how you can do it. Setting up File History in Windows 10 File History is a Windows feature that allows you to create scheduled backups of your data on a removable storage device (e.g., external hard drive, flash drive). To set up File History, click Start > Settings > Update & Security > Backup > Back up using File History > Add a drive. Windows will search and display a list of drives connected to your computer. Choose the one you want to use, then click on More options. This will take you to the Backup options screen where you can set up the parameters for your backup. Under Back up my files, you can choose how frequently Windows will backup your files. Keep my backups lets you determine how long you want to keep your saved data. File History is designed to save common folders such as Downloads, Desktop, and Music by default. If you want to add more folders to save, scroll down the Backup options window and click Add a folder. A list of folders will appear and you can choose which ones you want to add. To remove a folder, just review the list of folders under Backup options, select the folders you want to exclude and click Remove. After setting up your backup parameters, click Back up now. Windows will create a backup of the folders you included in the Backup options. Once done, the system will give you an overview of the size of the backup and the time and date it was created. Restoring your files in Windows 10 If one or more of your files disappear or get corrupted, you can use the File History backup you created to restore them. Click Start > Settings > Backup > More options > Restore files from a current backup. You’ll see a list of all the saved folders. Choose the ones you want to restore, then click the green button at the bottom of the window to restore the folders. If the original files and folders on your computer disappeared, Windows will restore them to their previous locations. If the original files and folders still exist but are corrupted or inaccessible, Windows will give you the option to keep the original files, replace them, or compare them. Replacing corrupted files with the ones from your File History backup will allow you to access the most recent version of the file before it was backed up. In case you want to stop using File History, just go to Start > Settings > Backup > Back up using File History, and turn off the Automatically back up my files option. Backing up your data is an essential task that needs to be done regularly. Call our experts today to learn more about saving and restoring data in Windows. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
How to tweak and maximize Windows 11 on your laptop
Windows 11 is available as a free upgrade for Windows 10 users, and many people — including laptop users — are taking advantage of this new operating system. If you’re one of them, then you need to know how to properly tweak Windows 11 features on your laptop so you can make the most of Windows 11. 1. Set up how your device checks for updates New laptops usually automatically check for updates, but you can also manually do this. Click the gear icon above the Start button to go to Settings, choose Windows Update, and then click Check for updates. You can also type “updates” into the search box and click Check for updates. 2. Create a restore point It is ideal to set up your laptop’s restore point, which is the backup of your entire operating system. Doing this can save you a lot of time, effort, and even money in case something goes wrong with your device. To set up a restore point, simply type “restore” into the search bar and click Create a restore point. You’ll be taken to the System Protection tab of the System Properties window. From there, you can choose what you want to be included in the backup. Click the Configure button to apply your choices. Enable “Turn on system protection” if it’s not already on. Finally, choose how much disk space to reserve, which is ideally not more than 2–3% of your total disk space. 3. Choose a power plan To help prolong your laptop’s battery life, you can choose from Windows 11’s Power Saver, High Performance, and Balanced power plans. Type “power plan” in the search button and choose either “Edit power plan” or “Choose a power plan.” Choosing the Edit power plan option allows you to set when the laptop display will be automatically turned off and when it will go to sleep. When you pick “Choose a power plan,” it will take you to a page where you can create and customize your power settings. The default recommended plan is Balanced, but if you want to create your own, click on the “Create a power plan” option on the left part of the screen. You can choose from three options depending on how you plan to use your laptop: Balanced, Power Saver, and High Performance. After selecting your preferred plan, give your new power plan a name, then click Next to set the display and sleep settings for your laptop. Once done choosing your preferred power settings, click on Create and you’re good to go. 4. Set app installation tolerance level For added security, you can restrict which apps can be installed on your laptop. Do this by going to Settings > Apps > Apps & features. From here, you can configure the “Choose from where to get apps” settings. You can choose whether to permit installations from only the Windows Store, any app installations (with a warning), or unrestricted app installations. 5. Remove bloatware Some vendors package new laptops with bundled apps and software, which are mostly unnecessary and unwanted programs called bloatware. Windows 11 offers an easy way to see which apps are installed on your new laptop and a quick way to uninstall those you don’t need. Head to Settings > Apps > Apps & features and peruse the list of installed apps. If you don’t want an app and are 100% certain that your computer doesn’t need it, click on the hamburger menu to the right of the app, then choose Uninstall. 6. Activate anti-ransomware Ransomware is a form of malicious software that locks all your data until you pay a ransom to hackers. To minimize the risk of ransomware attacks, type “Windows Security” into the search bar at the bottom of your screen and click on the Windows Security result. Go to Virus & threat protection, click Manage settings under “Virus & threat protection settings”, and go to “Controlled folder access”. From there, click the Manage Controlled folder access option and enable Controlled folder access; this protects you against ransomware attacks. By default, the Desktop, Documents, Music, Pictures, and Videos folders are protected, but you can add other folders that you’d like to be protected from ransomware. There are myriad ways Windows 11 can be configured for optimization and security. This article barely scratches the surface of Window 11’s security and efficiency settings. Call us today for a quick chat with one of our Microsoft experts about taking your operating system to the next level. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.
6 Ways to customize your Windows 11 PC
Windows 11 offers a new and improved way to customize your PC. Whether you’re looking to improve your computer’s efficiency or just want to try different settings, there are plenty of options in Microsoft’s latest operating system that will suit you. Read on to find out the many ways you can personalize your Windows 11 PC. Change your theme The easiest way to customize Windows 11 is by changing your theme, including your desktop background and lock screen image. Just right-click anywhere on your desktop, then click on Personalize. This will lead you to the Personalization menu, where you can preview and choose different backgrounds and themes. You can even create new themes by using images from your gallery. You can also see more themes in the Microsoft Store by clicking “Browse more”. Use dark mode If light or bright colors are not your thing, Windows 11 is here to the rescue. To change your desktop’s colors, right-click on your desktop, choose Personalize, and click Colors. Then, select Dark under “Choose your default Windows mode”. This changes the colors of your taskbar and Start menu. If you want to change the color of your apps from white to black, pick Dark under “Choose your default app mode”. To restore your default settings, follow the same procedure under “Choose your default app mode” but click Light. Create virtual desktops Having trouble separating work files from personal files? Try creating a virtual desktop. You can do this by clicking on the Task view icon on the taskbar. This will display all your open windows. Just drag any window to the “New desktop” space on the lower part of the screen to create another desktop. Repeat the process if you want to add more windows to the new desktop. To add more virtual desktops, hover over the Task view icon and click on the + sign. To remove a virtual desktop, hover over the Task view icon and click the X button on the desktop you want to delete. Try snap layouts Snapping is not a new feature, but Windows 11 makes it more efficient by letting you snap any app or window wherever you are on your PC. Access snap layouts by hovering over a window’s maximize button or pressing Win + Z. You can then see which layouts are available to you, and pick the one that best suits your needs. Reorganize your Start Menu You can also personalize how your apps are arranged on the Start menu. For one, you can rearrange applications by dragging them anywhere around the Start menu. Or, if you won’t be using a particular application, simply right-click the tile and select Unpin from Start. On the other hand, if you want even faster access to your most-used apps, right-click on an app and choose Pin to taskbar. Disable all your notifications Some people prefer to receive notifications, but some don’t. If you’re one of the latter and wish to never see notifications ever again, click on the gear icon on the taskbar to open Settings. Then, choose System > Notifications. From there, you can switch off whatever app notifications you don’t want popping up on your screen. Personalize your Windows 11 PC however you like by using some or all of these options. If you want more ways to customize your device or if you need information on anything Windows 11-related, give us a call. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.