Windows 11 tweaks & usability improvements

My personal (and very opinionated) tweaks to make a Windows 11 installation more bearable

By Manawyrm | Tuesday, August 20, 2024

Why?

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.

List of tweaks

Disable automatic folder type discovery (significant Windows Explorer speedup)
Interpret RTC time as UTC (dual-boot with Linux)
Classic context menu
Disable Windows Spotlight on Desktop Background
Disable 5x shift key / Sticky Keys popup
Use 100% JPEG quality for wallpapers (default 85%)
Disable animations
Set NTP server to PTB (instead of time.windows.com)
Show Systemsteuerung in Windows Explorer sidebar
Disable “Mit Windows Defender ueberpruefen” context menu entry
Disable lockscreen ads
Turn off Microsoft consumer experiences
Disable chat icon in taskbar
Disable news and interests on the taskbar
No auto-restart with logged on users for scheduled automatic updates installations
Align taskbar to the left side
Disable AI recall
Disable Bing in search
Disable Cortana in search
Disable Chat in taskbar
Disable Copilot button on taskbar
Disable Copilot service for current user
Disable Copilot service for all users
Disable Game DVR
Disable “fun facts, tips and more from Windows and Cortana on your lock screen”
Disable Advertising ID for Relevant Ads in Windows 10
Disable Online Speech Recognition
Disable Inking & Typing Telemetry
Send only Required Diagnostic and Usage Data
Disable Let Windows improve Start and search results by tracking app launches
Disable Activity History
Set Feedback Frequency to Never
Disable widgets
Disable “Windows welcome experience after updates”
Disable suggestions in Start Menu
Disable tips, shortcuts, new apps, and more in start
Disable suggested content in the Settings app
Disable notifications in the Settings app
Disable provider ads
Disable installation of Suggested Apps
Disable “Suggested” app notifications (Ads for MS services)
Disable Phone Link suggestions
Disable account-related notifications
Hide 3D objects folder from Windows explorer
Hide gallery from Windows explorer
Hide OneDrive
Hide Search in taskbar
Show extensions for known file types
Show hidden folders

Tweaks

Warning!

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

; 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