Best Windows 11 Privacy and Performance Tweaks

Setting up a new Windows 11 PC provides an ideal opportunity to optimize system responsiveness and protect your personal data before daily usage begins. Out of the box, Windows 11 enables numerous background telemetry services, targeted advertising features, and visual overhead that can drain system resources. This guide details the essential adjustments needed to disable invasive tracking, streamline background processes, eliminate bloatware, and maximize overall system speed.

Essential Privacy Tweaks

1. Disable Diagnostic Data and Telemetry

Windows 11 collects usage data to send back to Microsoft. To minimize this data collection: * Open Settings > Privacy & security > Diagnostics & feedback. * Turn off Send optional diagnostic data. * Expand Tailored experiences and toggle it to Off to prevent Microsoft from using your diagnostic data for personalized ads and recommendations. * Expand Delete diagnostic data and click Delete to wipe existing logs from Microsoft servers.

2. Turn Off Personalized Advertising and Tracking

• Navigate to Settings > Privacy & security > General.
• Toggle off all four options:
  • Let apps show me personalized ads by using my advertising ID.
  • Let websites show me locally relevant content by accessing my language list.
  • Let Windows improve Start and search results by tracking app launches.
  • Show me suggested content in the Settings app.

3. Restrict App Permissions

Prevent background applications from accessing sensitive hardware and location data: * Go to Settings > Privacy & security. * Scroll down to App permissions. * Review categories such as Location, Camera, Microphone, and Contacts. Revoke permissions for any applications that do not strictly require them.

4. Turn Off Activity History and Search Tracking

• Go to Settings > Privacy & security > Activity history and uncheck Store my activity history on this device.
• Go to Settings > Privacy & security > Search permissions.
• Set SafeSearch according to your preference, and toggle off Microsoft account and Work or School account under Cloud content search to keep local searches strictly offline.
• Scroll down and toggle off Search history on this device.

Essential Performance Tweaks

1. Disable Unnecessary Startup Programs

Startup programs significantly increase boot times and consume system memory in the background: * Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to launch the Task Manager. * Select the Startup apps tab from the left sidebar. * Right-click and select Disable on any non-essential apps (e.g., Spotify, Microsoft Teams, OneDrive, game launchers).

2. Remove Pre-Installed Bloatware

Windows 11 frequently installs promotional apps and shortcuts automatically: * Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps. * Review the list and click the three dots (...) next to any unwanted pre-installed software (such as trial software, news widgets, or games) and select Uninstall.

3. Optimize Visual Effects for Speed

Reduce interface latency and free up GPU/CPU cycles: * Press Win + R, type sysdm.cpl, and press Enter. * Go to the Advanced tab and click Settings under the Performance section. * Select Adjust for best performance, or choose Custom and enable only: * Show thumbnails instead of icons * Smooth edges of screen fonts * Click Apply and then OK.

4. Turn Off System Tips, Tricks, and Notifications

Windows 11 runs background processes to serve tips and product suggestions: * Go to Settings > System > Notifications. * Scroll to the bottom and click Additional settings. * Uncheck: * Show the Windows welcome experience after updates and when signed in to show what’s new and suggested. * Suggest ways to get the most out of Windows and finish setting up this device. * Get tips and suggestions when using Windows.

5. Enable Game Mode and Hardware Acceleration

For systems used for gaming and GPU-intensive workflows: * Go to Settings > Gaming > Game Mode and ensure it is toggled On to prioritize CPU and GPU allocation for active games. * Go to Settings > System > Display > Graphics > Change default graphics settings. * Toggle Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling (HAGS) to On to reduce input latency and optimize video memory management.

6. Adjust Power Mode Settings

Ensure your system hardware runs at its intended capacity: * Go to Settings > System > Power & battery. * Set Power mode to Best performance if you are on a desktop PC or connected to AC power on a laptop.