Ways to Customize Windows 11 to Improve Productivity

 

Windows 11 has brought a fresh and modern interface to our PCs, making it both visually appealing and user-friendly. While the new operating system is designed to boost productivity, there are several ways you can customize Windows 11 to further enhance your efficiency and make your workflow seamless. By tailoring your system to suit your preferences and work habits, you can create a personalized computing experience that maximizes your productivity. Here are some ways to customize Windows 11 to optimize your workflow:

How to Turn off “Bing” Search from the Windows 11

Windows 11 comes with a sleek and modern interface, including a revamped Start Menu that offers quick access to apps, settings, and a search bar powered by Bing. While Bing search can be useful for some users, others may prefer to use alternative search engines or turn off the Bing integration for privacy reasons. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to disable the Bing search feature from the Windows 11 Start Menu.

Step 1: Open your Registry Editor.

Step 2: In the registry location, copy and paste the following:

Computer\KHEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows

Step 3: Create a new "Key" and name it "Explorer." 

Step 4: Inside this new key, create a new DWORD (32-bit) Value. Rename the value: "DisableSearchBoxSuggestions".

Step 5: Double-click to change the value to “1”. 

 Now, you can restart Windows, which will remove Bing Search from the start menu.

Restore the Windows 11 Context Menu

Windows 11 has introduced several new features and improvements to enhance the user experience. However, with the introduction of the new operating system, some users have noticed that the context menu has undergone changes, which might not be to everyone's liking. The context menu is a crucial element of the user interface that provides quick access to various options and functionalities. If you prefer the older version of the context menu in Windows 11 or are looking to customize it according to your preferences, there are several methods to restore the classic context menu.

Step 1: Go to the registry with the following path:

Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID

Step 2: Create a new key in this path with the following name:

{86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}

Step 3: To create a new key inside and rename it to InprocServer32.

Step 4: Once created, double-click on the Default file inside InprocServer32 and click OK without entering any value.

Close the registry, close any File Browser window and open the File Explorer again. When you right-click on any item, you will see the classic context menu without the need to click on show more.

Force Windows 11 Taskbar to Display Left and disable Unnecessary Elements

In the newest version of Windows, Windows 11 brings a slew of updates and changes to enhance user experience. One of the significant alterations is the placement of the taskbar, shifting it to the center by default. While some users may find this design visually appealing, others may prefer a more traditional look with the taskbar positioned on the left side of the screen for improved productivity and easier access.

Fortunately, it is possible to force Windows 11 to display the taskbar on the left side by tweaking some settings. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to move the taskbar to the left and hide unnecessary elements for a cleaner and more efficient desktop layout.

Step 1: Right-click on the taskbar and click Taskbar Settings.

Step 2: Begin by hiding everything in the Taskbar items section.

Step 3: Scroll down to “Taskbar behaviors" and choose the preferred alignment. In this example, I've chosen the left. 

Adjust Windows Device Monitoring Settings

Adjusting Windows device monitoring settings is crucial to ensure that your system operates smoothly and efficiently. By customizing these settings, you can optimize the way your devices interact with the operating system, improve performance, and enhance overall security. In this article, we will discuss the various aspects of Windows device monitoring settings and provide a step-by-step guide on how to adjust them.

Step 1: In the same “personalization” window, go to the Device Usage section.

Step 2: Turn off all tracking options.

In conclusion, Windows 11 offers a range of customization options that can be tailored to suit your preferences and work style, ultimately enhancing your productivity and efficiency. By optimizing your system settings, arranging your workspace, and utilizing the built-in features effectively, you can create a personalized computing environment that maximizes your workflow and boosts your overall productivity.