Settings are the nervous system of your computer. It adjusts, aligns, helps, instructs, and keeps the rest of your computer system running in good shape. For new users venturing into the world of Windows 11, acquainting yourself with the Settings menu is paramount to customizing and controlling your experience.
Diving into the Settings area can appear scary, but is the key to customizing and controlling your experience. Here is a quick tour of some essential sections you may want to get familiar with. This article does not include everything in the Settings area but, some of the ones you may want to adjust. To get to them, right-click on your Windows start menu button and then left-click on the link to “Settings.”
- System: This is where you’ll adjust your display, sound, notifications, and power options. Want your screen brighter or are looking for better battery life? This section is your internet connection hub, where you can manage Wi-Fi settings, troubleshoot connection issues, and ensure you’re online. This is the place!
- Bluetooth & devices: As it sounds, these are the devices you may use to connect to your computer wirelessly. It could be a sound bar, your phone, wireless earbuds, a second monitor, etc.
- Network & Internet: Stay connected by managing your Wi-Fi networks, checking your data usage, and troubleshooting connection issues right here.
- Personalization: Make Windows 11 your own by changing background images, colors, and themes to suit your style. This is also where you’ll adjust the taskbar and start menu settings. This section is your creative zone, where you can personalize the look and feel of your computer. Change your wallpaper, choose a new color scheme, or even play around with different themes to make your computer truly yours.
- Accounts: Keep your personal information and sign-in options up-to-date here. Also, manage family settings and set up accounts for others who may use your device.
- Apps: Install, remove, and manage apps and features. Customize your default apps for specific tasks like emailing or web browsing as well.
- Privacy & security: Your digital well-being is paramount. Here, you manage your device’s security settings, user permissions, and app access to your information.
- Windows Update: Here you can get all the latest updates for Windows 11 and other security updates. You should take advantage of them whenever possible. These should happen automatically; however, your computer may be set up differently. You may still want to check occasionally. You may also click the Windows Menu button and type, “updates” to find it there.
- Display: This section acts like a dimmer switch and a paintbrush, allowing you to adjust your screen’s brightness, and resolution, and even change the overall visual theme.
Take your time exploring these settings to make your Windows 11 experience personal and powerful. Enjoy discovering all that you can do!
While Windows 11 offers a decent range of customization options, some additional programs, created by reputable companies, other than Microsoft, can further enhance the Start menu’s appearance and functionality. These programs are like add-ons that can extend the capabilities of your existing software.
Microsoft and I, advise exercising caution when using these third-party programs. Not all of them are created equal, and some might be unreliable or even pose security risks. It is recommended to thoroughly research the program’s reputation and source before installing it on your computer.
Lively Wallpaper is one of my favorite additions to Windows 11. If you want to try it out, download it here, ghtech.site/lively, and install it. Lively Wallpaper allows you to set animated wallpapers, adding a touch of dynamic movement to your background. I use a video of clouds moving across the sky on one monitor and a flowing stream on the other. That way I feel like I am enjoying the great out-of-doors…well, ok, maybe.
Think about it. When it comes to installing programs, especially from unknown sources, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Opting for programs from official sources like the Microsoft Store generally reduces the risk of encountering unreliable or harmful software.
