Podcast Summary: Hands-On Windows 126: Paul's Top Windows 11 Tips

Release Date: February 6, 2025
Host: Paul Fratt
Podcast: All TWiT.tv Shows (Audio)

Introduction

In the latest episode of Hands-On Windows, host Paul Fratt takes a reflective approach to usher in the new year by sharing his top 11 tips for optimizing the Windows 11 experience. Organized by topic, these tips aim to enhance usability, security, and customization for both everyday users and tech enthusiasts.

1. Focus on Core Customizations

Paul emphasizes the importance of prioritizing customization efforts on the elements you use most. Instead of overwhelming yourself by tweaking every aspect of the OS, concentrate on personalizing the interfaces that you interact with daily.

“Don’t sweat the small stuff. Customize the things that you actually use.” (01:30)

• Taskbar Customization: Paul customizes the taskbar extensively since it serves as his primary UI for launching applications.
• Start Menu Simplicity: He opts not to modify the Start menu, highlighting that users who prefer the Start menu over the taskbar might want to focus their customization efforts there instead.

2. Utilize Personalization Themes

Windows 11 offers robust personalization options under the Personalization settings, allowing users to tailor the look and feel of their OS.

“Themes are constructed of these four elements here... you can save this as a custom name, which I do.” (04:00)

• Color Schemes: Paul uses a colorful display with dark mode to reduce glare during video recordings.
• Sound Settings: He disables default Windows sounds to minimize distractions.
• Translucency Effects: Useful for app development, Paul explores and customizes visual effects to suit his needs.
• Custom Themes: After setting preferences, users can save their personalized themes for easy access.

3. Optimize OneDrive Configuration

OneDrive remains a core component of Windows 11, and proper configuration can significantly enhance productivity and security.

“I strongly recommend, if you're using OneDrive, that you do use Personal Vault.” (07:15)

• Folder Backup: Paul advises configuring folder backup according to individual use cases, noting that while he personally disables it, others might find it beneficial.
• Notification Management: He turns off non-essential notifications like daily photo summaries to reduce interruptions.
• Personal Vault: A secure, encrypted area within OneDrive for sensitive documents such as two-factor authentication codes, credit card information, and IDs. Accessible across devices, it offers an added layer of security even for users who rely on other cloud services like Google Drive.

4. Manage Startup Applications

Controlling which applications run at startup can enhance system performance and user experience.

“You can sort this by status. So enabled or disabled.” (10:00)

• Task Manager: Paul's go-to for managing auto-start applications, where he disables unnecessary apps like Microsoft Edge and Phone Link.
• Settings App: Offers a modern interface for the same purpose, though Paul finds it less efficient compared to Task Manager.
• Examples of Disables: Microsoft Edge, OneDrive, and Phone Link are common targets for disabling to streamline the startup process.

5. Enhance Security Measures

Security is paramount, and Paul outlines several strategies to safeguard Windows 11 systems.

“Most people should sign into Windows with a Microsoft account... and protect that account with secondary authentication.” (12:45)

• Account Types: Encourages using Microsoft accounts or work/school accounts over local accounts for enhanced security features.
• Multi-Factor Authentication: Recommends adding secondary authentication methods, such as authenticator apps or facial recognition via Windows Hello.
• Windows Hello: Facial recognition and fingerprint authentication (if available) provide secure and convenient sign-in options.

6. Keep Windows Updated

Regular updates are crucial for system security and functionality. Paul outlines three primary methods to manage updates in Windows 11.

“There are three ways to check for updates... Windows Update, Microsoft Store, Winget.” (15:30)

• Windows Update: The main hub for system and security updates, including optional driver updates.
• Microsoft Store: Ensures that both apps and essential system components are up to date.
• Winget: A command-line utility for advanced users to manage applications and updates more granularly.

7. Configure Microsoft Edge Effectively

Whether you use Microsoft Edge or prefer another browser, proper configuration is essential for security and privacy.

“It's important on any browser to have the right security extension... Privacy Badger or Ublock Origin.” (18:00)

• Security Extensions: Installing ad blockers and tracker blockers to enhance privacy (e.g., Privacy Badger, Ublock Origin).
• Password Management: Utilizing third-party password managers like Proton Password for secure credential storage.
• Search Engine Selection: Changing the default search engine from Bing to alternatives like Google or DuckDuckGo.
• Feature Tweaks: Disabling unnecessary features such as the Copilot sidebar and Sleep Tabs to optimize browser performance.

8. Leverage Phone Link Integration

Integrating your smartphone with Windows 11 can streamline communication and enhance productivity.

“The greatest reason to use this is accessing your messages and calls while on the computer.” (20:10)

• Message Management: Respond to text messages directly from the PC, reducing the need to switch devices.
• Call Handling: Manage incoming calls without reaching for your phone.
• Cross-Platform Support: While more feature-rich on Android, basic functionalities are available for iPhone users as well.

9. Utilize Snipping Tool’s OCR Capabilities

The Snipping Tool in Windows 11 offers more than just screenshot functionality, including Optical Character Recognition (OCR).

“Snipping tool has some additional features built in... you can copy all the text and then I can run any text editor.” (21:30)

• Screenshot and Recording: Capture high-quality screenshots and screen recordings effortlessly.
• OCR Functionality: Extract text from images, making it easy to transfer information into documents or editors like Notepad and Word.

10. Take Advantage of Clipchamp for Video Editing

Clipchamp, now integrated into Windows 11, serves as a powerful video editing tool suitable for both beginners and seasoned content creators.

“Clipchamp is a web app, but it's surprisingly full featured... it's actually pretty good.” (22:00)

• User-Friendly Interface: Simplifies the video editing process with intuitive controls.
• Exporting Capabilities: Easily export and upload edited videos to platforms like YouTube.
• Unexpected Quality: Paul praises Clipchamp for elevating the video editing experience on Windows, which he felt was previously lacking.

11. Enhance Productivity with PowerToys

PowerToys offers a suite of utilities designed to boost productivity and customize the Windows experience further.

“There’s a lot going on in PowerToys and I think there’s something in there for everyone.” (24:50)

• Awake: Keeps the PC or screen awake for specified periods, useful for long tasks or presentations.
• ZoomIt: Allows users to zoom into their screen for better visibility during presentations or detailed work.
• Find My Mouse: Helps locate the mouse cursor quickly, especially useful during screen sharing or large displays.
• Future Features: Some tools within PowerToys preview functionalities that may be integrated into future Windows updates.

Conclusion

Paul Fratt wraps up the episode by acknowledging that while these 11 tips cover substantial ground, there are always more ways to customize and optimize Windows 11. He encourages listeners to explore these features to tailor their computing experience to their specific needs, ensuring a more efficient and enjoyable interaction with their PCs.

Notable Quotes:

• “Don’t sweat the small stuff. Customize the things that you actually use.” (01:30)
• “I strongly recommend, if you're using OneDrive, that you do use Personal Vault.” (07:15)
• “Most people should sign into Windows with a Microsoft account... and protect that account with secondary authentication.” (12:45)
• “It’s important on any browser to have the right security extension... Privacy Badger or Ublock Origin.” (18:00)
• “There’s a lot going on in PowerToys and I think there’s something in there for everyone.” (24:50)

Note: Timestamps are approximate and correspond to the sections discussed.

Learn More

For more tips and detailed discussions on optimizing your Windows 11 experience, tune into future episodes of Hands-On Windows available through TWiT's platform.