[NationalHarbor] Fwd: [LetsTalkTech] 5 Things You Need to Do After Updating to Windows 11

Fri Feb 11 13:00:00 UTC 2022

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Steve & Shannon Cook <cookcafe at sc.rr.com>
Date: Thu, Feb 10, 2022 at 5:52 AM
Subject: [LetsTalkTech] 5 Things You Need to Do After Updating to Windows 11
To: <LetsTalkTech at groups.io>

MUO - Feed - Monday, February 7, 2022 at 2:18 PM
5 Things You Need to Do After Updating to Windows 11

Just got a shiny new Windows 11 PC? Don't dive in just yet; be sure to get
these things squared away first.

Setting up your new Windows 11 system is pretty easy; all you need to do is
click through various dialog boxes and adjust a few things. But don’t be
deceived. While the entire process seems straightforward, you need to
modify a few things to ensure it’s ready for use.

Remember, Microsoft's default settings aren’t exactly made for you,
especially since the default setup comes with a lot of things that you
don’t need. The experience won’t be as personalized if you don’t adjust its
settings. That’s why you need to do these X things after updating to
Windows 11.
1. Don’t Forget to Use a Microsoft Account

With the latest versions of Windows, you have two options to set up your
primary user account: a local account or a Microsoft account. If you have
been using Windows for a while, you probably prefer using a local account
as it is what you’re used to. Unfortunately, it’s not as secure anymore.

If you care about your computer's security, it’s better to use a Microsoft
account, especially with the advantages it can give you. First, Windows
Hello allows you to sign using fingerprint or face recognition for easier
log-in. It also allows you to set up two-factor authentication, which is
perfect if you’re always traveling where there's a risk of losing your
laptop.

Related: The Pros and Cons of Using a Microsoft Account With Windows
<https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/pros-cons-using-microsoft-account-windows/>You
can also encrypt your drive without using any third-party app, even if
you’re using the Windows 11 Edition. A Microsoft account also allows you to
recover your data if you forget your password. Lastly, if you have any
existing Microsoft 365 subscription, you can access Office apps and cloud
storage on your computer.

One last thing, you don’t need a Microsoft email address to create a
Microsoft account. You can use any email address. If you don’t like to use
any of your personal email addresses, you can create a Microsoft email
<https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/hotmail-no-microsoft-outlook-email-services-explained/>
in just a few steps.
2. Remove Bloatware

Apart from selling software, Windows also makes money by adding different
apps on the Start menu on every new installation. That’s why you can see
third-party programs installed on your system, even if you haven't added
them yourself.

On Windows 10, you can see Candy Crush and other games installed, but on
Windows 11, streaming apps like Spotify and social media apps like
Instagram and TikTok replaced the games.

This can be frustrating, especially for new users who do not know that
there’s bloatware installed on their PC. But the good news is they are not
installed by default, and they don’t take up much of your storage. You can
also remove them in just a few clicks, so it’s not so much of a hassle.

All you have to do is right-click on the unwanted app and click *Uninstall.
*Then, confirm your choice and repeat the steps on all programs.

Related: Tired of Ads on Your Windows 11 Device? Here’s How to Get Rid of
Them <https://www.makeuseof.com/windows-11-remove-ads/>
3. Create Folder Shortcuts

Compared to the Windows 10 Start menu, Windows 11 is much simpler. You also
have control to pin icons on top and create shortcuts to apps and lists of
documents you’ve opened recently. You can also see your profile photo and
the power button on it. The whole interface is straightforward. However,
many Windows 10 users don’t agree.

Even though the Start menu looks so much different from its previous
iteration, you can easily customize it for efficiency. For example, you can
add folders you usually use on it, so you won’t have to click on many
locations to find it.

All you have to do is go to *Settings > Personalization > Start > Folder*.
On this page, you’ll find an option that allows you to add shortcuts at the
bottom of your Start menu. This option is the equivalent of the shortcuts
that you can find on the right side of the Start menu of your Windows 10.
4. Declutter the Windows Taskbar

Microsoft is notorious for finding new ways to clutter up the taskbar with
every new version. Thankfully, you can remove them and create a cleaner
interface. The Windows 11 default taskbar has several things that can make
it look messy.

First, it has a search button that includes an unnecessary search box. It
also has a Task View button, which you don’t need since you can open it by
pressing *Win *+ *Tab*. There are also widgets that aren’t needed, and
last, a chat button that forces users to use Microsoft Teams.

If you don’t find these annoying, good for you. But if you’re like most
users who want nothing to do with it, you can easily make them all
disappear. Just go to *Settings > Personalization > Taskbar*, and turn off
all the options under Taskbar items, so you can have a cleaner taskbar.

This Settings page also has other options that can personalize your taskbar
experience. For example, you can expand the *Taskbar corner overflow *setting
to change which icon will appear on the right side of your taskbar.

If you’re using multiple displays, you can change how the taskbar works on
your second monitor by clicking the *Taskbar behaviors *option.

Related: How to Personalize the Windows 11 Taskbar
<https://www.makeuseof.com/windows-11-personalize-taskbar/>
5. Set Up OneDrive

When you sign in with a Microsoft account, you’ll get a free 5GB of cloud
storage in Microsoft OneDrive. If you haven’t used it before, configuring
it can be a little confusing, but don’t worry. You can quickly familiarize
yourself with it.

If you open the app, Windows will open a window that looks exactly like
your regular File Explorer with your Desktop, Documents, Downloads, and
Picture folders in it. This is the part where it gets confusing, but these
folders are part of the OneDrive app
<https://www.makeuseof.com/what-is-onedrive/>, and everything you save in
them will be backed up in your account. However, if you have backup storage
in place, disable this feature.

To change the settings of OneDrive, open OneDrive from your notification
area and click *Help & Settings > Settings > Backup > Manage OneDrive
backup*. This will direct you to OneDrive backup settings.
Personalized Your Windows 11 Experience

Unfortunately, Windows often comes with unnecessary settings that can be
frustrating for new users. But in just a few clicks, you can personalize
the system and create a better interface that is perfect for your needs.
Remember, customizing Windows 11 is easy, especially if you know which
settings you can change.
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https://www.makeuseof.com/windows-11-things-to-do-after-updating/

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