Efficient Setup Tips for Your New Windows 11 Laptop

03 Mar 2025

Setting up a new Windows 11 laptop can be both exciting and overwhelming. The software offers a myriad of features, but wading through settings that don't enhance your experience can be frustrating. Streamlining these settings not only makes using Windows enjoyable, but provides a more tailored interface suited to your needs.

Focus on Privacy and Customization

Among the first steps to a more personalized Windows experience is the adjustment of privacy settings. Windows 11 utilizes location services and an advertising ID by default, which might not appeal to everyone. Reducing location permissions helps safeguard your privacy, and disabling the advertising ID ensures you're not targeted with personalized ads based on your activities.

Customization doesn't stop at privacy: consider modifying the placement of the Start Menu to suit your workflow. Changing its position can significantly improve accessibility and user comfort. With Windows 11 allowing such personalization, make sure to adjust the Start Menu to a location that feels intuitive to you.

Managing Notifications and Unnecessary Features

Another area worth tackling is notifications. By trimming down notifications to only those essential to your daily routine, you can minimize distractions and maintain focus. Windows 11 provides a plethora of apps competing for attention, so set priorities and disable alerts that don't serve a real-time purpose.

The lock screen is often one of the first elements encountered when powering up your laptop. Customize or clean this surface to remove clutter, ensuring that only pertinent information is at hand. Removing unwanted apps or bloatware that come pre-installed with the operating system can significantly enhance both startup time and overall device performance.

A Streamlined Experience

  • Clean the lock screen for a more focused starting point.
  • Move the Start Menu to improve accessibility.
  • Reduce notifications to eliminate daily distractions.
  • Disable the advertising ID to maintain privacy.
  • Adjust location permissions according to comfort.

Taking the time to modify these key settings can make your new Windows 11 laptop more efficient right from the start. By focusing on privacy, customization, and trimming unnecessary notifications, users can enjoy a more serene working environment. These changes transform a sometimes overwhelming interface into an efficient tool that works exactly the way you want.

Close All Windows

Close All Windows download for free to PC or mobile

Latest update Close All Windows download for free for Windows PC or Android mobile

4
556 reviews
3247 downloads

News and reviews about Close All Windows

08 Nov 2025

Microsoft Releases Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 28000

Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 28000 targets new silicon support, released in the Canary Channel. Impacts 2026 updates.

Read more

08 Nov 2025

Windows 11 26H1 Build 28000 Debuts on Canary Channel

Microsoft rolls out Windows 11 26H1 build, focused on platform changes, for Insiders exploring Qualcomm's latest silicon.

Read more

08 Nov 2025

Windows 11 Update Focuses on Platform Improvements

Microsoft begins testing Windows 11 26H1 with Canary build 28000, focusing on platform improvements, fixing bugs, and addressing known issues.

Read more

08 Nov 2025

Microsoft Introduces Windows 11 Version 26H1 for Next-Gen Silicon

Microsoft unveils Windows 11 26H1 for next-gen silicon, not a 25H2 update. Available via Canary Channel for select devices.

Read more

08 Nov 2025

Former Microsoft Engineer Calls for Changes to Windows

Ex-Microsoft engineer Dave Plummer suggests 'hardcore mode' for Windows to better serve power users.

Read more

08 Nov 2025

Windows 11 Context Menu Redesign to Reduce Clutter

Microsoft plans a redesigned context menu for Windows 11, introducing sub-menus to tackle clutter.

Read more

07 Nov 2025

Windows 11 Updates May Trigger BitLocker Issues in 2025

Microsoft reports Windows 11 and 10 updates could cause BitLocker recovery. Businesses must prepare for potential data access issues.

Read more

07 Nov 2025

Windows 10 Still on 41% of Devices Post-Support Deadline

Despite end of support, Windows 10 remains on 41.71% of devices, slowing migration to Windows 11.

Read more

07 Nov 2025

Microsoft Fixes Windows 10 Support Error Message Bug

Microsoft addressed a Windows 10 support error affecting users of Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions, ensuring continued updates.

Read more

07 Nov 2025

Microsoft Patches Windows 'Update and Shutdown' Reboot Glitch

Windows 'update and shutdown' glitch resolved in Windows 11 updates, effective from 2025-11-11.

Read more