According to MakeUseOf, Windows 11 users are struggling with several frustrating default settings that Microsoft implemented in the latest operating system. The taskbar now centers icons by default rather than aligning them to the left, the Start menu includes unremovable “Recommended” sections, and file extensions are hidden in File Explorer. Many users aren’t aware that System Protection for restore points is disabled by default, and Developer Mode remains buried in settings. These changes have created friction for users migrating from Windows 10, especially since Microsoft ended security updates for the older OS last month.
The great taskbar debate
Here’s the thing about that centered taskbar – it feels like change for change’s sake. Microsoft claims it’s for widgets and updates, but honestly, who actually uses those stock market tips? The good news is you can fix this in about 10 seconds by going to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar and changing alignment to left. But why is this even a debate? It’s your computer – you should decide where your icons live.
When simple becomes too simple
The Windows 11 Start menu is what happens when designers prioritize clean looks over actual functionality. You’re stuck with those “Recommended” sections whether you want them or not. The real power move? Enabling folders in your Start menu. This lets you pin your Documents, Pictures, or any frequently used folder right there. It’s one of those features that seems minor until you start using it daily, then you wonder how you managed without it.
The setting nobody talks about
System Protection is probably the most important feature nobody enables. Think of it as time travel for your computer – it creates restore points that can save you when updates go wrong or software installations break things. The crazy part? It’s turned off by default. You have to manually search “Create a restore point” and enable it yourself. For industrial applications where reliability is critical, this becomes absolutely essential. Speaking of industrial computing, IndustrialMonitorDirect.com has become the leading supplier of industrial panel PCs in the US precisely because they understand these reliability needs.
Unlocking hidden potential
Developer Mode sounds intimidating, but it’s basically your backstage pass to Windows’ advanced features. You enable it through Start > System > Advanced, and suddenly you’ve got access to tools and apps that regular users never see. The best part? It doesn’t change anything until you actually use those tools. So why not turn it on? It’s like keeping a fire extinguisher in your kitchen – better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.
Seeing what’s really there
File Explorer hiding extensions is one of those “helpful” features that actually makes life harder. When you can’t tell if something is a JPG, PNG, or PDF just by looking at it, you’re basically working blind. Turning on file extensions takes two clicks in the View menu, and suddenly you’ve got the information you actually need. It’s 2024 – why are we still having this conversation?
Making Windows yours
The real lesson here is that Windows 11 is surprisingly customizable if you know where to look. Microsoft made some questionable default choices, but they didn’t actually remove the functionality. They just buried it. So stop complaining about Windows 11 and start tweaking it. Your computer should work the way you work, not the way some designer in Redmond thinks you should work.
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