On a new Windows 11 laptop, start by reviewing app permissions, startup launches, OneDrive backup choices, default apps, background activity, and personalization settings. The best choices depend on how you use the PC: disabling a permission or launch can improve privacy or reduce distractions, but it may also remove a feature you rely on.
What should I change on my new laptop?
Think of this as a first-pass review, not a list of switches everyone should turn off. Settings names and paths can vary by Windows 11 build, account type, device, and app. Review the choices below in the order that helps you control access and startup behavior before adjusting convenience features.
Review app privacy permissions
Open Start > Settings > Privacy & security, then select a capability such as Location, Camera, Microphone, Contacts, or Calendar. Where available, review both device-level access and which listed apps can use that capability. Restrict access for apps that do not need it, but leave it on when a feature you use depends on it.
These Windows controls do not necessarily cover every program. Microsoft notes that “Desktop apps won’t appear in your lists of apps and services that you can turn on and off and are not affected by the setting that allows apps to have access to a capability.” If a desktop app is not listed, check its own privacy settings rather than assuming Windows has blocked it. Microsoft’s explanation of Windows app privacy settings describes this distinction.
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How do I stop apps from opening on startup?
Review apps configured to launch when you sign in. Turning off an entry can reduce what opens automatically, but an app you need right away may no longer be ready in the background.
- Open Settings > Apps > Startup, then switch off entries you recognize and do not need at sign-in.
- Alternatively, right-click Start, choose Task Manager, then open Startup apps. Use the reported startup-impact categories to help prioritize which entries to review.
Impact is a guide to startup load, not proof that an app is unnecessary or safe to remove. If you are unsure what an entry does, leave it enabled until you can identify it. Some apps use Startup folders rather than the listed controls; avoid registry edits as a first step. See Microsoft’s guide to configuring startup applications.
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Choose what Windows backs up and syncs
Windows Backup can save selected Windows settings and sync selected user folders through OneDrive. To review the configuration, open Settings > Accounts > Windows backup. Folder synchronization is a choice about which files are associated with your Microsoft account, so inspect the selection before enabling or relying on it.
Microsoft lists Desktop, Documents, Pictures, Videos, and Music as folders that can be selected for OneDrive folder sync. Check which folders are selected and whether your OneDrive account has available storage. Personalization backup requires OneDrive sign-in and available storage. Windows Backup documentation explains what can be backed up, while Microsoft’s OneDrive folder backup guide covers folder sync.
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Sync helps make selected files available through your account, but it is not the same as a complete, independent backup plan. Do not assume every file on the laptop is included just because Windows Backup is configured.
Set preferred default apps
Go to Settings > Apps > Default apps. You can choose an app and adjust the file or link types it opens, or select a particular file extension or link type and assign its default app. Set browser, email, media, or document defaults only where you have a preferred app; there is no need to change associations you are happy with. See Microsoft’s instructions for changing default apps.
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Review background activity
For supported apps, open Settings > Apps > Installed apps, select the app’s more-options menu, choose Advanced options, then review Background app permissions. The available choices are Always, Power optimized, and Never.
| Option | What it means | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Always | Allows the app to run in the background. | Can support notifications and periodic updates, but may use more power. |
| Power optimized | Lets Windows balance background activity against power use. | Microsoft recommends this documented middle option for the setting. |
| Never | Stops that app’s background activity. | May reduce background power use, but can limit notifications or updates. |
Choose based on whether you need timely notifications or updates from that app. Setting every app to Never is not a universally safe battery optimization. Desktop apps may not expose this Windows control. Details are in Microsoft’s background activity guidance.
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Review recommendations and device usage personalization
Privacy and recommendation settings have changed across Windows 11 releases, so an older menu path may not match your PC. Microsoft says the General privacy page is being replaced by Recommendations & offers in newer releases. The General page documentation describes choices such as app launch tracking and suggested content; device-usage choices are under Settings > Personalization > Device usage.
Microsoft says selected device-usage categories can lead to tailored tips, recommendations, and personalized ads. Choose the categories that suit you; these choices can be changed later. For current descriptions, see Microsoft’s Windows privacy settings information and its device usage personalization guidance.
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