9 Windows 10 Settings you Must Change Immediately

9 Windows 10 Settings You Should Consider Tweaking for a Better Experience (Not All Must-Changes)

While the "must change" label might be a bit strong, there are definitely some Windows 10 settings worth revisiting to personalize your experience and potentially improve performance or privacy. It's important to remember that what works best for one user might not be ideal for another, so consider these suggestions as jumping-off points rather than absolute dictates.

Before we dive in, a quick disclaimer: Modifying settings can sometimes have unintended consequences. It's always a good idea to create a system restore point before making major changes, just in case you need to revert.

1. Update Settings (Not Really a "Tweak," But Important):

This might seem obvious, but ensuring your system is up-to-date with the latest security patches and bug fixes is crucial. Head to Settings > Update & security > Windows Update and check for updates regularly. You can also automate this process for even better peace of mind.

2. Privacy Settings:

Windows 10 collects a fair amount of data by default. While some of it is used for personalization and troubleshooting, you can adjust what information is shared. Go to Settings > Privacy and explore the various categories to control data collection and usage. Remember, privacy is a spectrum, so find the balance that works for you.

3. Default Apps:

Windows loves suggesting its own apps for various tasks like email, photos, and web browsing. If you prefer different software, head to Settings > Apps > Default apps and set your preferred defaults for specific file types and protocols.

4. Startup Apps:

Some programs automatically launch when you start your computer, potentially slowing down boot times. Manage these in Settings > Apps > Startup. Disable anything you don't need immediately upon startup.

5. Focus Assist:

Focus Assist helps minimize distractions while you're working or gaming. You can customize it to silence notifications or hide specific apps at certain times in Settings > System > Focus Assist.

6. Storage Sense:

This handy feature automatically frees up disk space by deleting temporary files and moving older files to OneDrive. Configure it in Settings > System > Storage to automate disk cleanup based on your preferences.

7. Personalization:

Make your Windows experience visually appealing! Adjust themes, backgrounds, colors, and fonts in Settings > Personalization. Don't be afraid to experiment and find what suits your taste.

8. Notifications:

Notification overload can be overwhelming. Control which apps can send notifications and how they appear in Settings > System > Notifications & actions.

9. Search:

Fine-tune your search experience by excluding specific folders or customizing how results are displayed in Settings > Search > Searching Windows.

Bonus Tip: Explore the Control Panel alongside the Settings app for more granular control over your system.

Remember:

• These are just suggestions, not mandates. Experiment and find what works best for you.
• Always back up your important data before making significant changes.
• If you're unsure about a setting, it's better to leave it alone or research further.

The YouTube video you linked (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oDKMIpxPEvw) offers a visual walkthrough of some of these settings, which might be helpful depending on your learning style. However, keep in mind that the video was created in 2019, and some settings or options might have changed since then.

I hope this helps!