10 Bad Default Settings You Need to Change in Windows
Windows is a powerful and versatile operating system, but it's not always the most user-friendly out of the box. Fortunately, with a little tinkering, you can fix many of its unfortunate choices and get the best performance and experience from your PC.
1. Wrong Power Mode
Windows 11 has a "Power Mode" option in its Settings window that defaults to "Balanced" mode on high-performance desktop PCs. This likely makes your CPU perform worse than it otherwise would. To fix this, head to Settings > System > Power and change the power mode to "Best Performance". On laptops, make sure the power mode is set to run at maximum performance when plugged in.
2. Low Refresh Rate
A modern monitor with a high refresh rate can greatly improve your gaming and video-watching experience, but Windows often defaults to a low 60Hz refresh rate. To check available refresh rates on Windows 11, head to Settings > System > Display > Advanced display and look at the "Choose a refresh rate" box. On Windows 10, go to Settings > System > Display, scroll down, and click "Advanced display settings". If your hardware supports variable refresh rates, be sure to activate the "Dynamic refresh rate" option.
3. File Extensions
File extensions are an important part of file identification and security, but Windows still doesn't show them by default in 2025. To unhide file extensions in Windows 11, launch File Explorer, click the "View" button on the toolbar, point to "Show", and activate "File name extensions". On Windows 10, do the same or use the "Hidden items" option in File Explorer.
4. HDR Content
Some modern desktop displays (and laptop displays) support HDR content, but it may be deactivated by default until you hunt it down. To check whether HDR is available for your display on Windows 11, head to Settings > System > Display and toggle the "HDR" switch on or off. If HDR is activated, download and run Microsoft's Windows HDR Calibration app to calibrate your display.
5. OneDrive Syncing
OneDrive is built right into Windows and can be convenient for cloud syncing, but it often seems to make choices to sync data on its own. To control what OneDrive is syncing, look for the "Manage backup" option in its Settings window. You may want to limit syncing of specific folders like Desktop, Documents, Pictures, Music, or Videos.
6. Taskbar and Start Mess
The standard Windows taskbar, Start menu, and Widgets pane are packed with unnecessary features that can make your PC feel cluttered and noisy. To trim this down and make Windows leave you alone, follow my guide to turning off ads in lots of places throughout Windows.
7. App Selection
Windows includes a variety of default apps that work fine, but many of them aren't the best. You don't have to pay for alternatives! Check out my list of favorite free upgrades for built-in Windows applications, from better search tools to powerful image editors and Notepad replacements.
8. Disappointing Default Apps
Windows includes some default apps that work fine, but many of them aren't the best. You can swap out these default apps with ones you might prefer, and enjoy an enhanced Windows experience from start to finish. From better search tools to surprisingly powerful image editors, there are plenty of alternatives available.
9. Notifications
The standard Windows notifications can be distracting and noisy. To trim this down and make Windows leave you alone, follow my guide to turning off ads in lots of places throughout Windows.
10. Widgets Pane
The standard Windows Widgets pane is packed with unnecessary features that can make your PC feel cluttered and noisy. To trim this down and make Windows leave you alone, customize the taskbar and Start menu as I mentioned earlier.
By changing these default settings, you can get a better experience from your Windows PC and enjoy a more personalized computing environment.
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