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Windows10 edition

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Tweaks to make Windows10 less annoying and more usable

This is a collection of default settings in Windows that I change to make computers less annoying. It reduces the number of ads for Microsoft disguised as “tips” and “suggestions,” and it softens some of Windows’ rough edges. There are tips below in these categories:

  • Taskbar cleanup
  • Notifications
  • More Microsoft ads AKA “fun facts,” “tips,” & “suggestions”
  • Startup & background programs
  • A few other changes to default settings

There are a nearly infinite number of Windows settings that might strike you as problems. Cool! We don’t have to agree. In particular, I am not going to get into the privacy settings, which drive some people to distraction. I’m fine with Microsoft getting diagnostic feedback, and if we’re going to see ads (and we are), I would rather have them be targeted so there’s at least a faint chance that they’ll be relevant to me. Track down articles about Windows privacy if that stuff bothers you.

  • Unpin Edge After you install Chrome, right-click and unpin the Edge icon. (You’ll have to do it again after you get the new Edge update.)
  • Unpin Store Right-click and unpin the Store icon.
  • Unpin Mail If you’re an Outlook user and you’re not going to use the built-in Mail program, right-click and unpin Mail.
  • Remove unused features Right-click an open space on the Taskbar. Uncheck Cortana, Task View, People, and Windows Ink Workspace.
  • Remove or reduce the search box In the same right-click menu, you can set the Search box in the lower left to be an icon or hidden completely.
  • Remove manufacturer toolbars In the same right-click menu, you can turn off Toolbars installed by the computer manufacturer. HP, Lenovo, and others are fond of putting toolbars in the lower right corner.