7 Windows features that drive you nuts (and how to fix them)

Ever feel like your Windows PC is working against you? Between the noisy widgets, intrusive Bing searches, and taskbar clutter, it’s easy to get frustrated. But fear not, fellow Windows warriors! Here are 7 common annoyances you can easily fix to create a smoother, more productive workflow.

1. Silence the Windows widgets

Those new Windows widgets can be handy, but their constant updates can be distracting. Here’s how to mute them:

Windows 11

• Right-click an empty spot on the taskbar.
• Select Taskbar Settings.
• Turn off Widgets under Taskbar items.

Windows 10

• Right-click an empty space on your taskbar.
• Select News and interests.
• Click Turn off.

2. Ditch the Bing Hijack:

Tired of Bing taking over your Start menu searches? Here’s how to stop it:

• Open the Start menu and click the gear icon to go to Settings.
• Navigate to the Personalization section, then Start.
• Find the switch beside “Show web search results” and toggle it off.

3. Speed up your startup:

Does your PC take forever to boot up? Annoying startup apps might be the culprit. Here’s how to streamline your startup routine:

• Lighten the load with these steps:
• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
• Under the Startup tab, disable any apps that you don’t need running at startup.

4. Declutter your taskbar:

A cluttered taskbar is a productivity nightmare. Here’s how to clean it up:

Windows 11

• Right-click an empty spot on the taskbar.
• Select Taskbar Settings.
• Under Taskbar behaviors, turn off “Show badges on taskbar buttons.”
• To remove specific icons, right-click them and select Unpin from taskbar.

Windows 10

• Right-click an empty spot on the taskbar.
• Select Taskbar settings.
• Under the Notification area, click Select which icons appear on the taskbar.
• Toggle off any unwanted icons.

5. Silence the notification noise:

Notifications may keep you informed about various activities, but they can also be unnecessary distractions. To tame your notifications:

Windows 11

• Go to Settings and click on System.
• Under the Notifications section, toggle off any apps you don’t want sending notifications.
• To customize specific app notifications, click on an app and adjust the settings.

Windows 10

• Open Settings and navigate to System > Notifications & actions.
• Toggle off any apps you don’t want sending notifications.
• To customize specific app notifications, click on an app and adjust the settings.

6. Manage OneDrive’s cloud sync:

OneDrive can be a great backup tool, but its syncing can be intrusive. Here’s how to manage it:

To manage OneDrive’s data sync features:

• Look for the OneDrive icon (a cloud) in the system tray at the bottom right corner of your screen. If it’s not visible, click the up arrow to reveal it.
• Click the gear icon at the top-right corner of the OneDrive pane, then select Settings.
• In the Settings window, select Sync and backup in the left pane, then click the Manage backup button.
• From here, you can select the folders you wish to sync to OneDrive.

7. Disabling Sticky Keys if you don’t need it:

Sticky Keys can be helpful for accessibility, but accidental activation can be frustrating. Here’s how to disable it:

Windows 11

• Head to Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard.
• Disable the toggle next to “Sticky keys.”

Windows 10

• Go to Settings > Ease of Access > Keyboard.
• Find and disable the “Use Sticky Keys” option.

With these simple tweaks, you can transform your Windows experience from frustrating to focused. Take control of your settings and reclaim your productivity!

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