Sometimes using Windows is inevitable.
Windows 11 has gotten pretty annoying with loads of weird default settings, ads, tracking and a general infantilization of users.
This is my personal collection of registry tweaks, which I apply to fresh Windows 11 installations to make the system more usable.
Most tweaks were either created by me personally or have a comment with a source/link.
You probably shouldn’t apply the whole file, instead read through it carefully, pick out the patches you like and then apply them manually.
It’s not possible to revert these settings! You might need to re-install Windows!
These are not well tested/curated and just my personal settings. They might break your system.
You have been warned!
Copy into .reg file, apply to registry and reboot.
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
; Reenable anonymous/guest SMB usage
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\LanmanWorkstation\Parameters]
"AllowInsecureGuestAuth"=dword:00000001
; Disable Input Experience (20% idle CPU usage in Windows Explorer)
; https://borncity.com/win/2022/12/08/windows-11-input-experience-consumes-20-cpu-power-in-file-explorer/
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\input]
"IsInputAppPreloadEnabled"=dword:00000000
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Dsh]
"IsPrelaunchEnabled"=dword:00000000
; Disable automatic folder type discovery
; https://x.com/timonsku/status/1764306103720989115
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Classes\Local Settings\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Shell\Bags\AllFolders\Shell]
"FolderType"="NotSpecified"
; Interpret RTC time as UTC (dual-boot with Linux)
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\TimeZoneInformation]
"RealTimeIsUniversal"=dword:00000001
; Re-enable classic context menu
; https://administrator.de/tutorial/windows-11-quicky-klassisches-kontextmenue-aktivieren-1377777282.html
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID\{86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}\InprocServer32]
@=""
; Disable Windows Spotlight on Desktop Background
; https://www.elevenforum.com/t/enable-or-disable-windows-spotlight-on-desktop-background-in-windows-11.18246/
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\CloudContent]
"DisableSpotlightCollectionOnDesktop"=dword:00000001
; Disable 5x shift key / Sticky Keys popup
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Accessibility\StickyKeys]
"Flags"="510"
; Use 100% JPEG quality for wallpapers (default 85%)
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop]
"JPEGImportQuality"=dword:00000064
; Disable animations
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop\WindowMetrics]
"MinAnimate"="0"
; Set NTP server to PTB (instead of time.windows.com)
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\W32Time\Parameters]
"NtpServer"="ptbtime1.ptb.de,0x9"
; Show Systemsteuerung in Windows Explorer sidebar
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID\{26EE0668-A00A-44D7-9371-BEB064C98683}]
"System.IsPinnedToNameSpaceTree"=dword:00000001
; Disable "Mit Windows Defender ueberpruefen" context menu entry
; https://www.windowspage.de/tipps/023168.html
[-HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers\EPP]
[-HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers\EPP]
[-HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Drive\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers\EPP]
; Disable lockscreen ads
; from https://winaero.com/how-to-disable-ads-in-windows-11/
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ContentDeliveryManager]
"RotatingLockScreenEnabled"=dword:00000000
; Turn off Microsoft consumer experiences
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\CloudContent]
"DisableWindowsConsumerFeatures"=dword:00000001
; Disable chat icon in taskbar
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Windows Chat]
"ChatIcon"=dword:00000003
; Disable news and interests on the taskbar
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Windows Feeds]
"EnableFeeds"=dword:00000000
; No auto-restart with logged on users for scheduled automatic updates installations
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate\AU]
"NoAutoRebootWithLoggedOnUsers"=dword:00000001
; From https://github.com/Raphire/Win11Debloat/tree/master/Regfiles
; Align_Taskbar_Left.reg
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced]
"TaskbarAl"=dword:00000000
; Disable_AI_Recall.reg
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsAI]
"DisableAIDataAnalysis"=dword:00000001
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsAI]
"DisableAIDataAnalysis"=dword:00000001
; Disable_Bing_Cortana_In_Search.reg
; Disable bing in search
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Explorer]
"DisableSearchBoxSuggestions"=dword:00000001
; Disable cortana in search
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\Windows Search]
"AllowCortana"=dword:00000000
"CortanaConsent"=dword:00000000
; Disable_Chat_Taskbar.reg
; Windows 11
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced]
"TaskbarMn"=dword:00000000
; Windows 10
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer]
"HideSCAMeetNow"=dword:00000001
; Disable_Copilot.reg
; Disable Copilot button on taskbar
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced]
"ShowCopilotButton"=dword:00000000
; Disable Copilot service for current user
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsCopilot]
"TurnOffWindowsCopilot"=dword:00000001
; Disable Copilot service for all users
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsCopilot]
"TurnOffWindowsCopilot"=dword:00000001
; Disable_DVR.reg
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\System\GameConfigStore]
"GameDVR_Enabled"=dword:00000000
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\GameDVR]
"AllowGameDVR"=dword:00000000
; Disable_Lockscreen_Tips.reg
; Get fun facts, tips and more from Windows and Cortana on your lock screen
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ContentDeliveryManager]
"SubscribedContent-338387Enabled"=dword:00000000
"RotatingLockScreenOverlayEnabled"=dword:00000000
; Disable_Telemetry.reg
; Let Apps use Advertising ID for Relevant Ads in Windows 10
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\AdvertisingInfo]
"Enabled"=dword:00000000
; Tailored experiences with diagnostic data for Current User
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Privacy]
"TailoredExperiencesWithDiagnosticDataEnabled"=dword:00000000
; Online Speech Recognition
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Speech_OneCore\Settings\OnlineSpeechPrivacy]
"HasAccepted"=dword:00000000
; Improve Inking & Typing Recognition
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Input\TIPC]
"Enabled"=dword:00000000
; Inking & Typing Personalization
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\InputPersonalization]
"RestrictImplicitInkCollection"=dword:00000001
"RestrictImplicitTextCollection"=dword:00000001
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\InputPersonalization\TrainedDataStore]
"HarvestContacts"=dword:00000000
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Personalization\Settings]
"AcceptedPrivacyPolicy"=dword:00000000
; Send only Required Diagnostic and Usage Data
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\DataCollection]
"AllowTelemetry"=dword:00000000
; Disable Let Windows improve Start and search results by tracking app launches
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced]
"Start_TrackProgs"=dword:00000000
; Disable Activity History
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\System]
"PublishUserActivities"=dword:00000000
; Set Feedback Frequency to Never
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Siuf\Rules]
"NumberOfSIUFInPeriod"=dword:00000000
"PeriodInNanoSeconds"=-
; Disable_Widgets_Taskbar.reg
; Windows 11
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced]
"TaskbarDa"=dword:00000000
; Windows 10
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Feeds]
"ShellFeedsTaskbarViewMode"=dword:00000002
; Disable widgets service
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\PolicyManager\default\NewsAndInterests\AllowNewsAndInterests]
"value"=dword:00000000
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Dsh]
"AllowNewsAndInterests"=dword:00000000
; Disable_Windows_Suggestions.reg
; Show me the Windows welcome experience after updates and occasionally when I sign in to highlight what's new and suggested
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ContentDeliveryManager]
"SubscribedContent-310093Enabled"=dword:00000000
; Occasionally show suggestions in Start
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ContentDeliveryManager]
"SubscribedContent-338388Enabled"=dword:00000000
"SystemPaneSuggestionsEnabled"=dword:00000000
; Show recommendations for tips, shortcuts, new apps, and more in start
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced]
"Start_IrisRecommendations"=dword:00000000
; Get tips, tricks, and suggestions as you use Windows
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ContentDeliveryManager]
"SubscribedContent-338389Enabled"=dword:00000000
"SoftLandingEnabled"=dword:00000000
; Show me suggested content in the Settings app
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ContentDeliveryManager]
"SubscribedContent-338393Enabled"=dword:00000000
"SubscribedContent-353694Enabled"=dword:00000000
"SubscribedContent-353696Enabled"=dword:00000000
; Disable Show me notifications in the Settings app
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\SystemSettings\AccountNotifications]
"EnableAccountNotifications"=dword:00000000
; Suggest ways I can finish setting up my device to get the most out of Windows
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\UserProfileEngagement]
"ScoobeSystemSettingEnabled"=dword:00000000
; Sync provider ads
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced]
"ShowSyncProviderNotifications"=dword:00000000
; Automatic Installation of Suggested Apps
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ContentDeliveryManager]
"SilentInstalledAppsEnabled"=dword:00000000
; Disable "Suggested" app notifications (Ads for MS services)
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Notifications\Settings\Windows.SystemToast.Suggested]
"Enabled"=dword:00000000
; Disable Show me suggestions for using my mobile device with Windows (Phone Link suggestions)
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Mobility]
"OptedIn"=dword:00000000
; Disable Show account-related notifications
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced]
"Start_AccountNotifications"=dword:00000000
; Hide_3D_Objects_Folder.reg
[-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{0DB7E03F-FC29-4DC6-9020-FF41B59E513A}]
[-HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\{0DB7E03F-FC29-4DC6-9020-FF41B59E513A}]
; Hide_Gallery_from_Explorer.reg
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes\CLSID\{e88865ea-0e1c-4e20-9aa6-edcd0212c87c}]
"System.IsPinnedToNameSpaceTree"=dword:00000000
; Hide_Onedrive_Folder.reg
[-HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{018D5C66-4533-4307-9B53-224DE2ED1FE6}]
"System.IsPinnedToNameSpaceTree"=dword:0
[-HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Wow6432Node\CLSID\{018D5C66-4533-4307-9B53-224DE2ED1FE6}]
"System.IsPinnedToNameSpaceTree"=dword:0
; Hide_Search_Taskbar.reg
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Search]
"SearchboxTaskbarMode"=dword:00000000
; Show_Extensions_For_Known_File_Types.reg
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced]
"HideFileExt"=dword:00000000
; Show_Hidden_Folders.reg
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced]
"Hidden"=dword:00000001