Resetting Windows 11 is a great way to start fresh, but the default settings aren’t always optimized for performance, usability, or productivity.
Whether you’re a gamer, remote worker, or casual user, tweaking a few key settings can significantly enhance your experience. Here are five essential adjustments to make right after resetting Windows 11.
Tweak Settings Soon After Resetting Windows 11
Follow the steps below to fine-tune your Windows 11 setup for a smoother, quieter, and more responsive computing experience.
1. Disable Enhanced Pointer Precision
Mouse acceleration, known as “Enhanced Pointer Precision,” can make your pointer move inconsistently relative to your hand’s movements. Disabling it ensures better accuracy, especially for gaming or precise tasks. Here’s how to do it:
- Open the Settings app and navigate to Bluetooth & Devices then Mouse.
- Click Additional Mouse Settings to open the Mouse Properties dialog.
- Go to the Pointer Options tab, and uncheck the box for Enhance Pointer Precision.
- Click Apply and OK to save your changes.
If the mouse feels sluggish after disabling this, increase the pointer speed in the same menu to find your preferred setting.
2. Disable Notification Sounds
Frequent notification sounds can become overwhelming during work or study. Muting them allows you to stay focused without the constant audio interruptions. Here is how you can do so:
- Open Settings and go to System then Notifications.
- Click the down arrow next to the Notifications toggle to expand its options.
- Uncheck the box for Allow Notifications to Play Sounds.
- You can also disable notifications on your lock screen for added privacy in public spaces.
3. Remove Web Results from the Start Menu
The Windows 11 Start Menu includes web search results by default, which can be distracting and add unnecessary overhead when you’re only looking for files or apps on your device. However, if your Start menu is showing issues then fix it first and then proceed with the method gievn below.
Disabling Bing in the Start Menu requires a registry edit. To disable Bing using the Registry Editor on Windows, follow these steps:
- Click the Start button, type “regedit” into the search bar, and press Enter or select Open.
- In the Registry Editor, navigate to this path:
Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows
- Right-click on the Windows key, hover over New, then select Key.
- Name the new key “Explorer”.
- Right-click on the newly created Explorer key, hover over New, then select DWORD (32-bit) Value.
- Name this new DWORD “DisableSearchBoxSuggestions”.
- Double-click on the DWORD “DisableSearchBoxSuggestions”. Set its value to 1 and click OK.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Find Windows Explorer under the Processes tab, right-click, and select Restart.
- Once done, your Start Menu should only show local results, giving you a cleaner and more efficient search experience.
4. Turn Off Animation Effects
Animations in Windows 11, while visually appealing to some, can feel intrusive and use unnecessary system resources. Turning them off can create a snappier user experience.
- Open Settings and navigate to Accessibility then Visual Effects.
- Toggle off the switch for Animation Effects.
- This simple change can slightly improve your system’s responsiveness, especially on devices with less powerful hardware.
5. Customize DNS Settings
By default, Windows uses your ISP’s DNS servers to resolve website requests, but you can customize the DNS setting to enhance speed and privacy.
- Open Settings and go to Network & Internet then expand the Wi-Fi or Ethernet section, depending on your connection. Or, click on Properties on your active network connection.
- Scroll down to the DNS Server Assignment section and click Edit.
- Switch to Manual. Then turn the toggle on for IPv4 or IPv6.
- Now, input the preferred DNS server addresses for example for Google Public DNS, under Preferred DNS add 8.8.8.8 and Alternate DNS add 8.8.4.4. You can use Cloudflare’s DNS and set the value to this 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1.
- Click Save to apply changes. Restart your browser.
- Save the changes and enjoy faster, more secure internet browsing!
Wrapping Up
So, there you’ve it! Performing a fresh reset of Windows 11 offers a clean slate, but taking a few extra steps to tailor your system can make a big difference in daily performance and comfort.
By adjusting mouse settings, silencing distractions, decluttering the Start Menu, boosting responsiveness, and optimizing your DNS, you create a faster, quieter, and more efficient environment tailored to your needs.
These simple tweaks take just minutes but can greatly enhance your overall Windows 11 experience—whether you’re working, gaming, or just browsing.
