For a calmer, more private Windows 11 PC, start with Do not disturb, then review personalized recommendations, diagnostic-data choices, app permissions, and location access. These controls let you reduce interruptions and limit specific data uses; they do not make Windows or every app fully private. Menu names can shift with updates, and some settings may be managed by your organization.
Silence interruptions without losing every alert
Open Settings > System > Notifications. Turn on Do not disturb when you want notifications silenced, or set Windows to switch it on automatically. Notifications that are not allowed through are kept in Notification Center rather than appearing as banners; alarms, reminders, and apps you designate as priorities can still alert you.
Choose when Do not disturb turns on
In the Notifications settings, expand the automatic rules for Do not disturb. You can schedule a time, or have it activate during display duplication, gaming, full-screen app use, or the first hour after a Windows feature update. You can also turn it on manually from Notification Center.
Keep priority alerts
Use the priority-notifications options to select which calls, reminders, and apps may still interrupt. This is more selective than turning off notifications for every app. Microsoft describes the feature as designed to help users focus by silencing notifications during critical times: Notifications and Do Not Disturb in Windows.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Limit personalized suggestions and advertising-ID use
Go to Settings > Privacy & security > Recommendations & offers. If the path is different on your PC, search Settings for “Recommendations & offers.” Review these separate controls:
#1 Best Overall
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 14.1" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy ergonomic support with the integrated cushioned wrist rest.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a sleek black carbon color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.8 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
- Get personalized tips, ads, and recommendations based on my Windows activity controls personalized Windows suggestions.
- Let apps show my personalized ads by using my advertising ID controls use of the Windows advertising identifier for app ad personalization.
- Website access to your language list controls whether websites can use that list to provide locally relevant content.
- App-launch tracking controls a Windows activity signal used to improve Start and search results.
- Suggested content in Settings controls recommendations shown in the Settings app.
Turning off the advertising ID does not reduce the number of ads. Microsoft says it can make them less relevant, and the setting does not cover every other method of interest-based advertising. Personalized offers may also draw on diagnostic data, account information, and activity across other Microsoft products or services, subject to the applicable choices and permissions. See Microsoft’s Windows 11 privacy settings for details.
Review diagnostic data and tailored experiences
Open Settings > Privacy & security > Diagnostics & feedback. Check whether optional diagnostic data is enabled and whether Tailored experiences is on. Microsoft describes diagnostic data as supporting security, updates, troubleshooting, and product improvements; required and optional data are distinct categories.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
The delete diagnostic data control removes diagnostic data from the device, but it does not necessarily delete data associated with a Microsoft account or copies retained by an organization. Some controls may be unavailable on a work- or school-managed PC. Microsoft explains the categories and controls in Diagnostics, feedback, and privacy in Windows.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Audit app permissions by capability
Under Settings > Privacy & security, review permissions such as location, camera, microphone, contacts, and calendar. Open each capability and turn off access for apps that do not need it. Where Windows offers per-app controls, prefer those over a blanket change if you still rely on the capability in other apps.
Rank #3
- Note: Not suitable for MacBooks released after 2023 or devices with a protruding front camera; Not applicable to full-screen or notch-style tempered glass screen protectors; Do not use on the rear camera of the phone.
- 💻 Why Do You Need a Webcam Cover Slide? — Safeguard your privacy by covering your webcam with our reliable webcam cover when not in use. Don't let anyone secretly watch you. Stay protected!
- ✅ Thin & Stylish — Enhance your laptop's functionality and aesthetics with our 0.027" ultra-thin webcam covers. Seamlessly close your laptop while adding a touch of sophistication.
- ✅ Fits Most Devices — Compatible with laptops, phones, tablets, desktops! Keep your privacy intact on Ap/ple, Mac/Book, iPh/one, iP/ad, H/P, L/novo, De/ll, Ac/er, As/us, Sa/msung devices.
- ✅ 365 Days Protection — Our upgraded 3.0 adhesive ensures a strong hold that won't damage your equipment. Experience reliable, long-term privacy protection day in and day out.
These lists and controls do not cover every app equally. Desktop apps may not appear in the permission lists or use Windows privacy prompts; they may have their own access settings and privacy policies. Review the app’s own controls as well. Microsoft’s guidance on app permissions and privacy describes the distinction.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Decide how much location access to allow
Open Settings > Privacy & security > Location and check device-level and app-level access. Location can support directions, nearby services, automatic time-zone setting, and Find my device. Windows may estimate location using signals including GPS, wireless access points, cell towers, and IP address.
Rank #4
- Anti-Slip Surface - Transform your laptop into a mobile workstation with the AboveTEK portable laptop lap desk. The anti-slip surface provides a strong grip for laptops up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), while the double rubber strip on the bottom ensures a stable display or typing experience on your lap, couch, or bed.
- Retractable Mouse Pad - Retractable laptop mouse pad extends on both directions for the left/right handed with elevation along the edges for stopping mouse from falling off. The size of laptop tray is 14" X 9.7" and the size of mouse pad is 7.4" X 6.1".
- Effective Heat Shield - The effective heat shield made of sturdy and thick material protects your laptop from overheating. Prioritizes your comfort and safety, an ideal lap pad or board for working anywhere.
- EASY to Carry and Store - With an ergonomic and simplistic design, the lap desk is portable to store in a backpack. Only 15" in size, 2.2 lb of weight and with slim 0.6 inch thickness, it is ready to be easily carried around.
- Widely Applicable - The smooth platform accommodates laptops and tablets up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), making it a versatile accessory and one of the best gifts for mom, dad, students and professionals. Perfect for use as a laptop bed tray or tablet holder anywhere at home, library, or park.
If only certain apps need location, restrict access for those apps instead of switching it off for the whole device. Turning off Windows location does not guarantee that desktop apps or third-party services cannot infer location through other signals. Disabling wireless radios to limit those signals can also disrupt network connections and peripherals. Microsoft’s Windows Location Service and privacy explains location use and controls.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 12" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy laptop support with the integrated device ledge.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a blush pink color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.14 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
Make changes in the order that fits your priorities
- For fewer interruptions: configure Do not disturb and keep only essential priority alerts.
- For less personalization: review Recommendations & offers, including the separate advertising ID and Start/search controls.
- For tighter data choices: review optional diagnostics and Tailored experiences.
- For app-level privacy: audit sensitive permissions, then check desktop apps directly.
- For location privacy: restrict individual apps first and weigh location-dependent features before disabling device-wide access.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
