Windows 11’s New Advanced Settings: A Power User’s Dream (No More Registry Hacks!)

Windows 11, with its sleek design and improved performance, has been a welcome update for many users. However, what often gets overlooked is the wealth of advanced settings that cater specifically to power users. Forget digging through the registry – Windows 11 puts a significant amount of customization options right at your fingertips. This blog post will delve into these advanced settings, turning you from a casual user into a Windows 11 master. We’ll cover everything from performance tweaks to security enhancements, all accessible without resorting to potentially damaging registry hacks.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: Windows 11 and the Power User
2. Unlocking Hidden Performance: Optimization for Speed and Responsiveness
   1. Visual Effects Adjustments: Tailoring the User Interface for Performance
   2. Startup App Management: Controlling Background Processes
   3. Disk Cleanup and Optimization: Maintaining a Healthy Storage Drive
   4. Power Options: Customizing Power Plans for Maximum Efficiency
   5. Game Mode: Optimizing Resources for Gaming Performance
3. Taking Control of Privacy and Security: Protecting Your Data and Identity
   1. Privacy Settings: Controlling Data Collection and Usage
   2. Windows Security: Configuring Antivirus and Firewall Settings
   3. User Account Control (UAC): Balancing Security and Convenience
   4. Device Encryption: Protecting Sensitive Data with BitLocker
   5. Controlled Folder Access: Shielding Important Files from Ransomware
4. Customizing the User Experience: Making Windows 11 Truly Yours
   1. Taskbar Customization: Tailoring the Taskbar to Your Needs
   2. Start Menu Personalization: Organizing and Accessing Your Apps
   3. File Explorer Tweaks: Optimizing File Management
   4. Notification Management: Filtering and Prioritizing Notifications
   5. Virtual Desktops: Enhancing Multitasking Capabilities
5. Advanced System Settings: Diving Deep into Windows Configuration
   1. Environment Variables: Configuring System-Wide Settings
   2. System Restore: Creating Restore Points for Disaster Recovery
   3. Remote Desktop: Accessing Your Computer Remotely
   4. Advanced Startup Options: Troubleshooting Boot Issues
   5. Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL): Running Linux Distributions on Windows
6. Networking and Connectivity: Mastering Network Settings for Optimal Performance
   1. Network Adapter Settings: Configuring IP Addresses and DNS Servers
   2. Wi-Fi Sense: Managing Wi-Fi Connections and Security
   3. Metered Connections: Controlling Data Usage Over Mobile Networks
   4. Network Reset: Troubleshooting Network Connectivity Issues
   5. VPN Configuration: Securing Your Internet Connection
7. Troubleshooting and Maintenance: Keeping Your System Running Smoothly
   1. System File Checker (SFC): Repairing Corrupted System Files
   2. Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM): Repairing the Windows Image
   3. Event Viewer: Analyzing System Logs for Errors and Warnings
   4. Resource Monitor: Identifying Performance Bottlenecks
   5. Task Manager: Monitoring System Resources and Processes
8. Conclusion: Unleashing the Power of Windows 11

1. Introduction: Windows 11 and the Power User

Windows has always been a versatile operating system, capable of adapting to the needs of a wide range of users. However, power users, those who demand granular control and optimized performance, often felt the need to delve into the registry – a complex and often risky process. Windows 11 changes that. Microsoft has recognized the need for more accessible advanced settings, bringing many of these tweaks out of the registry and into more user-friendly interfaces. This means you can now fine-tune your system’s performance, security, and customization options without the fear of accidentally breaking something. This article will guide you through these settings, providing practical advice and clear explanations to help you unlock the full potential of Windows 11.

2. Unlocking Hidden Performance: Optimization for Speed and Responsiveness

One of the primary goals for power users is to maximize system performance. Windows 11 offers several settings to achieve this, allowing you to prioritize speed and responsiveness over visual flair.

2.1 Visual Effects Adjustments: Tailoring the User Interface for Performance

Windows 11 is visually appealing, but these visual effects can consume system resources. Disabling or adjusting them can significantly improve performance, especially on older or less powerful hardware.

1. Accessing Visual Effects Settings:
   1. Press the Windows key, type “Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows,” and press Enter.
   2. Alternatively, navigate to System > About > Advanced system settings > Performance > Settings.
2. Understanding the Options: The Performance Options window provides a list of visual effects. Here are some key adjustments:
   • Adjust for best appearance: Enables all visual effects, providing the most visually appealing experience but potentially sacrificing performance.
   • Adjust for best performance: Disables most visual effects, prioritizing speed and responsiveness.
   • Custom: Allows you to selectively enable or disable individual visual effects.
3. Recommended Adjustments:
   • Disable “Animate controls and elements inside windows”: Reduces unnecessary animations.
   • Disable “Fade or slide menus into view”: Speeds up menu transitions.
   • Disable “Fade or slide tooltips into view”: Makes tooltips appear instantly.
   • Disable “Show shadows under windows”: Reduces visual clutter and processing overhead.
   • Disable “Smooth edges of screen fonts”: Can improve readability on some displays, but disabling it frees up resources. Experiment to see what looks best for you.
4. Applying Changes: After making your adjustments, click “Apply” and then “OK” to save the changes.

2.2 Startup App Management: Controlling Background Processes

Many applications automatically start when you boot up your computer. These startup apps can consume system resources and slow down boot times. Managing them effectively is crucial for optimal performance.

1. Accessing Startup Apps:
   1. Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager.
   2. Click on the “Startup apps” tab.
2. Analyzing Startup Impact: The “Startup impact” column indicates the effect each app has on startup time. “High” impact apps significantly slow down boot times.
3. Disabling Unnecessary Apps:
   • Select the app you want to disable.
   • Click the “Disable” button in the bottom right corner.
4. Identifying Essential Apps: Be cautious when disabling apps. Research unfamiliar programs online before disabling them. Essential system processes should not be disabled.
5. Delayed Startup: While Windows doesn’t natively offer a “delayed startup” feature within the Task Manager, you can achieve a similar effect by using the Task Scheduler (search for “Task Scheduler” in the Start Menu). Create a new basic task, trigger it “At startup,” and add a delay on the “Trigger” settings page (e.g., delay the task by 1 minute after startup). The action of the task could be to launch the desired application. This is a more advanced technique.

2.3 Disk Cleanup and Optimization: Maintaining a Healthy Storage Drive

Over time, your hard drive can become cluttered with temporary files, unnecessary data, and fragmented files. Regular disk cleanup and optimization can improve performance and free up storage space.

1. Disk Cleanup:
   1. Press the Windows key, type “Disk Cleanup,” and press Enter.
   2. Select the drive you want to clean (usually C:).
   3. Check the boxes for the types of files you want to remove (e.g., Temporary files, Recycle Bin, Thumbnails).
   4. Click “OK” to start the cleanup process.
   5. For a more thorough cleaning, click “Clean up system files” and repeat the process. This requires administrator privileges.
2. Disk Optimization (Defragmentation):
   1. Press the Windows key, type “Defragment and Optimize Drives,” and press Enter.
   2. Select the drive you want to optimize.
   3. Click “Optimize.” Windows will analyze the drive and defragment it if necessary. SSDs (Solid State Drives) should be “Trimmed” rather than defragmented. Windows will usually handle this automatically. Forcing a defragmentation on an SSD can reduce its lifespan.
3. Scheduling Optimization: You can schedule automatic optimization by clicking “Change settings” in the Optimize Drives window. This is recommended for HDDs.

2.4 Power Options: Customizing Power Plans for Maximum Efficiency

Windows 11 offers different power plans that prioritize either performance or energy efficiency. Customizing these plans can help you optimize your system for your specific needs.

1. Accessing Power Options:
   1. Right-click on the battery icon in the system tray and select “Power Options.”
   2. Alternatively, navigate to System > Power & battery.
2. Understanding Power Plans:
   • Balanced: The default power plan, offering a balance between performance and energy efficiency.
   • Power saver: Prioritizes energy efficiency, reducing performance to extend battery life.
   • High performance: Prioritizes performance, consuming more energy but providing the best responsiveness. (This option may be hidden. See below.)
3. Creating a Custom Power Plan:
   1. Click “Create a power plan.”
   2. Choose a base plan (e.g., High performance or Balanced).
   3. Give your plan a name.
   4. Customize the settings to your liking (e.g., screen timeout, sleep timeout).
4. Customizing Advanced Power Settings:
   1. Click “Change plan settings” next to your chosen power plan.
   2. Click “Change advanced power settings.”
   3. Here you can customize a wide range of settings, including:
      • Hard disk: Turn off hard disk after (adjust the idle time before the hard disk spins down).
      • Wireless Adapter Settings: Power Saving Mode (adjust the power saving mode of your Wi-Fi adapter).
      • Sleep: Adjust sleep and hibernation settings.
      • USB settings: USB selective suspend setting (enable or disable USB power saving).
      • Processor power management: Minimum and maximum processor state (control the range of CPU frequencies).
      • Display: Adjust display brightness and timeout settings.
5. Enabling the “High Performance” Power Plan (If Missing): Sometimes the “High Performance” power plan isn’t visible by default. To enable it:
   1. Open Command Prompt as administrator (search for “cmd” in the Start Menu, right-click, and select “Run as administrator”).
   2. Type the following command and press Enter: powercfg -duplicatescheme 8c5e7fda-e8bf-4a96-9a85-a6e23a8c635c
   3. The “High Performance” power plan should now be visible in the Power Options.

2.5 Game Mode: Optimizing Resources for Gaming Performance

Windows 11’s Game Mode is designed to improve gaming performance by prioritizing system resources for games.

1. Enabling Game Mode:
   1. Navigate to Settings > Gaming > Game Mode.
   2. Toggle the “Game Mode” switch to “On.”
2. How Game Mode Works: When enabled, Game Mode does the following:
   • Prioritizes CPU and GPU resources for the game.
   • Prevents Windows Update from installing drivers or sending notifications during gameplay.
   • May reduce background processes to free up system resources.
3. Xbox Game Bar: Game Mode is closely integrated with the Xbox Game Bar. You can access the Game Bar by pressing Windows key + G during gameplay. This allows you to monitor performance, record gameplay, and take screenshots.
4. Gaming Graphics Settings: You can further optimize gaming performance by customizing graphics settings for individual games. Navigate to Settings > Display > Graphics. Here, you can select a game and choose a graphics preference:
   • Let Windows decide: Windows will automatically choose the best graphics settings based on your hardware.
   • High performance: Forces the game to use the dedicated GPU (if available).
   • Power saving: Forces the game to use the integrated GPU, saving battery life but potentially reducing performance.

3. Taking Control of Privacy and Security: Protecting Your Data and Identity

Privacy and security are paramount in today’s digital world. Windows 11 provides a range of settings to help you protect your data and identity.

3.1 Privacy Settings: Controlling Data Collection and Usage

Windows 11 collects data about your usage patterns to improve its services and provide personalized experiences. However, you can control the amount of data that is collected.

1. Accessing Privacy Settings: Navigate to Settings > Privacy & security.
2. General:
   • Let apps show me personalized ads by using my advertising ID: Disabling this prevents apps from showing you personalized ads based on your advertising ID.
   • Let websites provide locally relevant content by accessing my language list: Disabling this prevents websites from accessing your language preferences.
   • Let Windows improve Start and search results by tracking my app launches: Disabling this prevents Windows from tracking which apps you launch.
   • Show me suggested content in the Settings app: Disabling this prevents the Settings app from showing you suggested content.
3. Speech:
   • Online speech recognition: Disabling this prevents Windows from using online speech recognition services.
4. Inking & Typing Personalization:
   • Turn off custom words list: Disabling this prevents Windows from learning your typing habits and improving its suggestions.
5. Diagnostics & feedback:
   • Diagnostic data: Choose between “Required diagnostic data” and “Optional diagnostic data.” Required data is essential for keeping Windows secure and up-to-date. Optional data includes information about your app usage and browsing habits.
   • Improve inking and typing recognition: Sending inking and typing data to Microsoft helps improve these features.
   • Tailored experiences: Enabling this allows Microsoft to use your diagnostic data to provide personalized experiences.
   • Feedback frequency: Choose how often you want to be asked for feedback.
6. Activity history:
   • Store my activity history on this device: Disabling this prevents Windows from storing your activity history.
   • Send my activity history to Microsoft: Disabling this prevents Windows from sending your activity history to Microsoft.
7. Location:
   • Location services: Disable location services to prevent apps from accessing your location.
8. Camera and Microphone:
   • Control which apps have access to your camera and microphone. It’s a good idea to review these permissions regularly.
9. Other Permissions: Review and manage permissions for other hardware and software features like Contacts, Calendar, Email, Phone Calls, Radios, and more.

3.2 Windows Security: Configuring Antivirus and Firewall Settings

Windows Security provides built-in antivirus and firewall protection. Configuring these settings properly is essential for protecting your system from malware and other threats.

1. Accessing Windows Security:
   1. Press the Windows key, type “Windows Security,” and press Enter.
   2. Alternatively, click the shield icon in the system tray.
2. Virus & Threat Protection:
   • Quick Scan: Performs a quick scan of your system for common threats.
   • Scan options: Choose from different scan types:
     • Full scan: Scans your entire system, taking longer but providing a more thorough check.
     • Custom scan: Allows you to select specific folders or drives to scan.
     • Microsoft Defender Offline scan: Scans your system offline, which can be useful for removing persistent malware.
   • Manage ransomware protection: Configure Controlled Folder Access (see section 3.5).
   • Virus & threat protection settings: Customize real-time protection, cloud-delivered protection, and automatic sample submission.
     • Real-time protection: Enables or disables real-time scanning for malware. This should always be enabled.
     • Cloud-delivered protection: Uses Microsoft’s cloud-based threat intelligence to improve detection rates.
     • Automatic sample submission: Automatically sends suspicious files to Microsoft for analysis.
     • Exclusions: Add files, folders, or processes to the exclusion list to prevent them from being scanned. Use this with caution and only for trusted files and folders.
3. Firewall & Network Protection:
   • Domain network, Private network, Public network: Configure firewall settings for each network type.
   • Allow an app through firewall: Allows specific apps to communicate through the firewall.
   • Network and Internet troubleshooter: Troubleshoots network connectivity issues.
   • Firewall notification settings: Customize firewall notifications.
   • Advanced settings: Opens the Windows Defender Firewall with Advanced Security, providing more granular control over firewall rules. This is for advanced users only.
4. App & Browser Control:
   • Check apps and files: Configures SmartScreen, which warns you before running potentially malicious apps and files.
   • SmartScreen for Microsoft Edge: Protects you from malicious websites and downloads in Microsoft Edge.
   • Potentially unwanted app blocking: Blocks potentially unwanted apps (PUAs) that may be bundled with other software.
5. Device security: Provides information about your device’s security features, such as Secure Boot and TPM (Trusted Platform Module).
6. Device performance & health: Provides information about your device’s performance and health, including storage capacity, battery life, and driver updates.

3.3 User Account Control (UAC): Balancing Security and Convenience

User Account Control (UAC) helps prevent unauthorized changes to your system by prompting you for confirmation before certain actions are performed. Balancing security and convenience is key when configuring UAC.

1. Accessing UAC Settings:
   1. Press the Windows key, type “UAC,” and press Enter.
   2. Alternatively, navigate to Control Panel > User Accounts > User Accounts > Change User Account Control settings.
2. UAC Levels: The UAC slider has four levels:
   • Always notify me: Notifies you whenever an app tries to make changes to your computer. This is the most secure option but can be disruptive.
   • Notify me only when apps try to make changes to my computer (default): Notifies you when apps try to make changes, but not when you make changes yourself. This is the recommended setting for most users.
   • Notify me only when apps try to make changes to my computer (without dimming my desktop): Same as the previous setting, but without dimming the desktop. This can be slightly faster but less secure.
   • Never notify me: Disables UAC. This is the least secure option and is not recommended.
3. Recommended Setting: The default UAC setting (Notify me only when apps try to make changes to my computer) provides a good balance between security and convenience.
4. Considerations: If you find UAC notifications too disruptive, you can try lowering the level to “Notify me only when apps try to make changes to my computer (without dimming my desktop).” However, disabling UAC entirely is not recommended as it significantly reduces your system’s security.

3.4 Device Encryption: Protecting Sensitive Data with BitLocker

BitLocker Drive Encryption encrypts your entire hard drive, protecting your sensitive data from unauthorized access if your device is lost or stolen.

1. Checking BitLocker Status:
   1. Press the Windows key, type “BitLocker,” and press Enter.
   2. Alternatively, navigate to Control Panel > System and Security > BitLocker Drive Encryption.
2. Enabling BitLocker:
   1. Click “Turn on BitLocker” next to the drive you want to encrypt (usually C:).
   2. You will be prompted to choose how to back up your recovery key. You can save it to your Microsoft account, save it to a file, or print it. It is crucial to back up your recovery key in a safe place, as you will need it to unlock your drive if you forget your password or if there is a problem with your system.
   3. Choose whether to encrypt the entire drive or just the used disk space. Encrypting the entire drive is more secure but takes longer.
   4. Choose whether to use the new encryption mode (XTS-AES) or the compatible mode. The new mode is more secure and faster but may not be compatible with older operating systems.
   5. Run the BitLocker system check.
   6. Click “Encrypt drive” to start the encryption process.
   7. Your computer will need to restart to complete the encryption process.
3. Important Considerations:
   • The encryption process can take several hours, depending on the size of your drive and the speed of your computer.
   • Ensure your computer is plugged in and will not run out of power during the encryption process.
   • Back up your important data before enabling BitLocker, just in case something goes wrong.
   • Store your recovery key in a safe and accessible location.
4. Suspending BitLocker: You can temporarily suspend BitLocker by clicking “Suspend protection” next to the drive in the BitLocker Drive Encryption window. This can be useful if you need to perform certain system maintenance tasks. Remember to resume protection after completing the task.

3.5 Controlled Folder Access: Shielding Important Files from Ransomware

Controlled folder access helps protect your important files from ransomware by restricting which apps can access them.

1. Accessing Controlled Folder Access Settings:
   1. Press the Windows key, type “Controlled folder access,” and press Enter.
   2. Alternatively, navigate to Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Manage ransomware protection > Controlled folder access.
2. Enabling Controlled Folder Access: Toggle the “Controlled folder access” switch to “On.”
3. Protected Folders: By default, Controlled folder access protects common folders like Documents, Pictures, Videos, Music, and Desktop.
4. Adding Protected Folders: You can add additional folders to the list of protected folders by clicking “Protected folders” and then clicking “Add a protected folder.”
5. Allow an App through Controlled Folder Access: If a trusted app is blocked from accessing your protected folders, you can allow it by clicking “Allow an app through Controlled folder access” and then clicking “Add an allowed app.” Be cautious when adding apps to the allowed list, as this can weaken your protection. Only allow apps that you trust and that you know are not malicious.

4. Customizing the User Experience: Making Windows 11 Truly Yours

Windows 11 offers extensive customization options, allowing you to tailor the user experience to your preferences.

4.1 Taskbar Customization: Tailoring the Taskbar to Your Needs

The taskbar is a crucial element of the Windows interface. Windows 11 allows for significant customization.

1. Accessing Taskbar Settings: Right-click on the taskbar and select “Taskbar settings.” Alternatively, navigate to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar.
2. Taskbar Items:
   • Search: Show or hide the search icon or search box. You can choose to show the search icon, the search box, or hide it completely.
   • Task View: Show or hide the Task View icon, which allows you to manage virtual desktops.
   • Widgets: Show or hide the Widgets icon, which provides access to news, weather, and other information.
   • Chat: Show or hide the Chat icon, which provides access to Microsoft Teams.
3. Taskbar Corner Overflow: Choose which icons appear in the taskbar corner overflow (the area to the left of the system tray).
4. Taskbar Behaviors:
   • Alignment: Choose to align the taskbar icons to the left or center.
   • Automatically hide the taskbar: Automatically hide the taskbar when it’s not in use. You can choose to automatically hide the taskbar in desktop mode, tablet mode, or both.
   • Show badges on taskbar apps: Show notification badges on taskbar app icons.
   • Share any window from any app: Allows you to quickly share any window from any app directly from the taskbar.
   • Select the far corner of the taskbar to show the desktop: Enables or disables the “Show desktop” button in the far right corner of the taskbar.
5. Taskbar Location: Unlike older versions of Windows, Windows 11 *does not* natively allow you to move the taskbar to the top, left, or right edges of the screen. This requires third-party software or registry hacks (which we’re trying to avoid!).
6. Combine taskbar buttons and hide labels: Controls how taskbar buttons are grouped and labeled. While not directly in the Taskbar settings, you can access older taskbar functionality via Registry Editor (use with caution!). The value to change is `HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\TaskbarGlomLevel`. Set to `0` to never combine, `1` to combine when taskbar is full, and `2` to always combine (the default). **Important:** This requires restarting Explorer.exe for the changes to take effect. This is NOT recommended for beginners and is provided for informational purposes ONLY.

4.2 Start Menu Personalization: Organizing and Accessing Your Apps

The Start Menu is another key element of the Windows interface. Windows 11 offers customization options to tailor it to your needs.

1. Accessing Start Menu Settings: Navigate to Settings > Personalization > Start.
2. Layout: Choose between “More pins” and “More recommendations.” “More pins” shows more pinned apps, while “More recommendations” shows more recently used apps and files.
3. Show recently added apps: Shows recently added apps in the Start Menu.
4. Show most used apps: Shows your most used apps in the Start Menu.
5. Show recently opened items in Jump Lists on Start, taskbar, and File Explorer: Shows recently opened items in Jump Lists, which appear when you right-click on a taskbar icon.
6. Folders: Choose which folders appear as icons in the bottom of the Start Menu (e.g., Settings, File Explorer, Documents, Pictures, Music, Videos, Downloads).
7. Pinning Apps: You can pin apps to the Start Menu by right-clicking on them in the Start Menu or in the All apps list and selecting “Pin to Start.”
8. Unpinning Apps: You can unpin apps from the Start Menu by right-clicking on them and selecting “Unpin from Start.”
9. Organizing Apps: You can organize your pinned apps into groups by dragging and dropping them. You can also name these groups.

4.3 File Explorer Tweaks: Optimizing File Management

File Explorer is the primary tool for managing files and folders. Windows 11 offers several tweaks to optimize its performance and usability.

1. Accessing File Explorer Options:
   1. Open File Explorer.
   2. Click on the “…” (ellipsis) menu in the command bar and select “Options.”
   3. Alternatively, navigate to Control Panel > File Explorer Options.
2. General Tab:
   • Open File Explorer to: Choose whether File Explorer opens to “Quick access” or “This PC.” “Quick access” shows frequently used folders and recent files, while “This PC” shows your drives and folders.
   • Privacy:
     • Show recently used files in Quick access: Shows recently used files in Quick access.
     • Show frequently used folders in Quick access: Shows frequently used folders in Quick access.
     • Clear File Explorer history: Clears your File Explorer history.
3. View Tab:
   • Always show icons, never thumbnails: Disables thumbnails and always shows icons. This can improve performance, especially when browsing folders with many images or videos.
   • Display file size information in folder tips: Shows file size information in folder tips.
   • Hide extensions for known file types: Hides file extensions for known file types. Disabling this can be helpful for identifying file types more easily.
   • Hidden files and folders: Choose whether to show hidden files and folders, or to hide them.
   • Show empty drives: Shows empty drives in File Explorer.
   • Hide folder merge conflicts: Hides folder merge conflicts.
   • Use check boxes to select items: Adds check boxes to items in File Explorer, making it easier to select multiple items.
   • Show drive letters: Shows drive letters in File Explorer.
   • Navigation pane: Customize the navigation pane, including showing or hiding the Quick access, This PC, and Network locations.
   • Restore Defaults: Click this button to reset File Explorer options to their default settings.
4. Search Tab: Customize search behavior, including whether to include system directories, compressed files, and non-indexed locations in search results.
5. Alternative: Use third-party file managers: Numerous third-party file managers offer extended functionality beyond what File Explorer provides. These programs often provide tabbed browsing, dual-pane views, and advanced search and filtering options.

4.4 Notification Management: Filtering and Prioritizing Notifications

Windows 11’s notification system can be overwhelming. Effective notification management is essential for staying focused and productive.

1. Accessing Notification Settings: Navigate to Settings > System > Notifications.
2. Notifications:
   • Notifications: Enable or disable notifications globally.
   • Show notifications on the lock screen: Shows notifications on the lock screen.
   • Show reminders and incoming VoIP calls on the lock screen: Shows reminders and incoming VoIP calls on the lock screen.
   • Play a sound when a notification arrives: Plays a sound when a notification arrives.
3. App Notifications:
   • Customize notification settings for individual apps, including enabling or disabling notifications, choosing the notification style (banner, notification center), and prioritizing notifications.
   • You can sort apps by name or by the most recent notification.
4. Do Not Disturb:
   • Enable or disable Do Not Disturb mode, which silences all notifications.
   • Customize the priority list, which allows certain notifications to bypass Do Not Disturb mode.
   • Set automatic rules for Do Not Disturb mode, such as enabling it during specific times or when you’re duplicating your display.
5. Focus Assist (replacing Quiet Hours): You can configure Focus Assist to automatically silence notifications during specific activities, such as gaming or presenting. Navigate to Settings > System > Focus assist. Choose from “Off,” “Priority only,” or “Alarms only.” You can customize your priority list.

4.5 Virtual Desktops: Enhancing Multitasking Capabilities

Virtual desktops allow you to organize your work into separate virtual workspaces, improving multitasking and productivity.

1. Accessing Virtual Desktops:
   1. Click the Task View icon on the taskbar (or press Windows key + Tab).
2. Creating a New Virtual Desktop: Click the “New desktop” button to create a new virtual desktop.
3. Switching Between Virtual Desktops:
   • Click the Task View icon and then click on the virtual desktop you want to switch to.
   • Press Windows key + Ctrl + Left arrow or Windows key + Ctrl + Right arrow to switch between virtual desktops.
4. Moving Windows Between Virtual Desktops:
   • Click the Task View icon.
   • Right-click on the window you want to move and select “Move to” and then select the virtual desktop you want to move the window to.
5. Renaming Virtual Desktops: Click the Task View icon. Click on the name of the virtual desktop you want to rename and type in a new name.
6. Closing Virtual Desktops: Click the Task View icon. Click the “X” button on the virtual desktop you want to close. All windows on the closed virtual desktop will be moved to the next virtual desktop.
7. Customizing Virtual