6 Windows 11 settings you may lastly change after years of complaints
While Microsoft spent years specializing in efficiency and reliability in Windows 10 and 11, many customers wished options and customizations they didn’t get. Updates not often included person requests and suggestions until they concerned points that required consideration, like non-functioning units, BSODs, reminiscence leaks, unresponsive apps, safety loopholes, and different irritating issues. Some main launch updates included enhancements right here and there, or new options like Cortana or Start Menu adjustments, however Microsoft usually constructed them the way in which it wished.
Recently, Microsoft has centered extra on person suggestions (a.ok.a., complaints) so as to add new customizable options and choices to Windows 11. When you are not making Windows faster, you are most likely customizing it to fit your wants, and each can assist scale back frustration. Still, the corporate has began listening to what folks need in Windows 11, and what they miss from earlier variations like Windows 10. This 12 months, Sept. and Oct. have offered extra Windows 11 personalization choices than ever earlier than, at the very least evidently method. With that in thoughts, listed below are six of the newest, irritating settings you may customise.
Copilot key’s now configurable
Give the appropriate Ctrl key again to your laptop computer or different gadget
The Copilot key felt like a pressured function that customers had no alternative however to take care of, contemplating many laptops and keyboards began to incorporate it as a alternative for the Right Ctrl key. On some keyboards, it changed the Context Menu key primarily based on the design’s format. Many folks complained in regards to the change, so Microsoft listened and added an choice to configure the Copilot key, letting customers reclaim Right Ctrl or Context Menu performance. You might have already got a part of this function, however this week’s Patch Tuesday ensures you’ve all of the choices.
Even although you may reconfigure the Copilot key because the Right Ctrl key, it doesn’t work for hotkey mixtures that begin with RCtrl + Win or RCtrl + Shift, resembling RCtrl + Win + R. Microsoft says to make use of the Left Ctrl key for that particular function.
As a bonus, the Copilot key doesn’t should turn out to be the Right Ctrl key, however that’s what many Windows customers need. Microsoft took it a step additional, letting you select between Copilot, Right Ctrl, Search, and opening an app. Older construct variations might require the October 2026 Security Update to acquire the additional choices moreover RCtrl.
No extra two-finger actions required
One touch-screen function that frustrates folks is having to make use of two fingers to scroll, however now you should utilize one and select whether or not to scroll along with your proper or left finger. This function was formally added to this week’s Patch Tuesday launch for PCs and laptops on 24H2, 25H2, and 26H2. To entry the scroll choices, go to Settings -> Bluetooth & units -> Touchpad. From there, choose Scroll and zoom, then click on on Single-finger scrolling and select Disabled, Left facet, or Right facet. Exit the Settings menu, and it ought to work.
The Oct 13 Patch Tuesday launch is the final one for Windows 11 24H2 variations. Support has formally ended, and also you’ll have to improve to 25H2 or 26H2 to proceed receiving new options and updates.
Taskbar customization and placement choices finally
Finally, you may transfer your taskbar, separate all grouped home windows, and extra
While Windows 10 allow you to transfer the taskbar to the left, proper, high, or backside, Windows 11 did not. Finally, after many complaints and person requests, Microsoft added this function, together with different taskbar choices, within the September 2026 Windows 11 26H2 replace.
You might have already acquired elements of the function from preview builds or particular releases, however 26H2 ensures you get all aggregated updates. If you don’t see it, your PC might fit or purposeful restrictions, otherwise you simply haven’t received the function but, as Microsoft says it could possibly take weeks and even months. You can at all times obtain the Feature Update from their web site if desired, however that typically creates points with compatibility and gadget firmware.
While there are many hidden customization settings in Windows 11, one other function that raised eyebrows is the shortage of Taskbar controls. I usually don’t want this selection, however many embrace it for the reason that Sept. 26H2 Windows replace made it out there. You can now separate all energetic home windows within the Taskbar as a substitute of grouping them underneath every icon. You can even shrink the dimensions utilizing the “Small” choice. This function is nice you probably have a ton of home windows open and the Taskbar fills up.
Declutter your Start Menu, shrink it, and conceal your title and profile picture
Many folks complain that the Start Menu cannot be resized and you can’t management what seems. The September 2026 Windows 11 26H2 replace additionally introduced KB5120998 for 24H2 and 25H2, plus KB5124008 for 23H2. This replace provides you extra choices to customise your Start Menu. Shrinking the Taskbar is much like the misplaced function from Windows 10, besides it solely shrinks the peak, however you can too change what you see while you open it, which is a reasonably cool function.
Also, you may simply take away the “Recent” part fully or handpick what you don’t need to seem in that part. I like how I can even take away prompt information, ideas, and app suggestions. If you need, you may even take away the whole app record.
For these utilizing their laptop computer in public areas, or on a PC internet hosting a gathering, attending a convention, or every other scenario the place your display screen is shared, you may select to cover your title and profile icon from the Start Menu.
Clean up your Windows 11 Search Bar
Say bye to net outcomes, until you need them, and extra
One main criticism Windows 10 and 11 customers have is the Windows Search Bar displaying method too many pointless outcomes, together with net searches. Microsoft heard the suggestions and made it simpler to handle and use. The Sept. 26H2 Windows Update permits you to flip off net search and focus extra on inside performance. If you navigate to Settings -> Privacy and safety -> Search, you’ll discover the customizations there. You can even exclude particular folders.
The newest Patch Tuesday replace has additionally added inline actions, constructed on WinUI 3. If you do not have this function but, you most likely will quickly. This function permits you to sort particular directions, and the outcomes present an actionable choice on the high. If I sort set to darkish mode, I get a clickable button with out having to click on a Settings hyperlink and navigate via that. Other examples embody typing present desktop, mute vol, and flip off Bluetooth.
Customize your Lock Screen
More management and a cleaner interface
The Windows lock display screen was the place Microsoft pushed virtually the whole lot, and it appeared like a jumbled mess by default. It at all times appeared cluttered with climate data, sports activities, cash, MSN playing cards, occasions, and extra. You may go into Lock Screen settings and alter what appeared, however the lengthy record was irritating for a lot of customers. The Lock Screen is a part of Windows security settings. Although it is minor, it’s one choice you may customise to look tidy and clear whereas displaying helpful widgets and pictures of your selecting.
With the August 2026 preview replace, Microsoft lastly listened to shopper suggestions and eliminated all widgets from the settings record and the precise display screen, with solely Weather because the default widget. It was formally launched within the September 2026 patch replace. You can nonetheless add widgets, however now you’ve full management over what you need displayed and are not pressured to take away every one individually.
To customise your lock display screen, go to Settings -> Personalization -> Lock Screen. Once there, you’re good to go. All you do is click on the Add widgets button and add your most popular objects, or click on the three-dot icon subsequent to every one to take away or customise them. You can even flip off widgets utterly if you would like a clear and tidy lock display screen.
New, manageable options and choices are a superb begin, nevertheless it must preserve going
It’s good to lastly be capable to customise sure settings and options in Windows 11, however the ball must preserve rolling if Microsoft desires to maintain its person base. Complaints and frustration ought to by no means be ignored however really utilized. A remappable Copilot key, Start Menu management, Taskbar customization, Lock Screen personalization, improved Search Bar choices and options, and trackpad customization are simply among the issues folks need in Windows 11, however many extra exist.
