# **How to Optimize Windows 11 for an Enhanced Experience**
Windows 11 presents a stylish and contemporary interface, but it also includes a variety of bloatware, invasive settings, and superfluous features. Whether you are configuring a new Windows 11 PC or upgrading from Windows 10, you might find it beneficial to tidy up the operating system to enhance performance, minimize distractions, and boost privacy. This guide outlines the crucial steps to streamline Windows 11 and fine-tune it for a more seamless experience.
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## **1. Bypassing Microsoft Account Sign-In During Setup**
One significant point of contention in Windows 11 is the obligation to sign in with a Microsoft account during installation. If you wish to use a local account instead, here are several methods to avoid this requirement:
### **Method 1: Command Line Approach**
1. During the Windows 11 installation, before establishing a network connection, press **Shift + F10** to launch the command prompt.
2. Input `OOBEBYPASSNRO` and hit **Enter**.
3. Your PC will reboot, and after the restart, you will encounter the option to choose **”I don’t have Internet”** and continue with a local account.
### **Method 2: For Users of Windows 11 Pro**
1. Connect to the internet and continue with the setup process.
2. When prompted to select whether the PC is for **personal use** or **work/school**, opt for **”work or school.”**
3. Click **”Sign-in options”** and choose **”Join a domain.”**
4. This will enable you to create a local account rather than a Microsoft account.
### **Method 3: Modifying Installation Media with Rufus**
If you regularly install Windows 11 and want to circumvent the Microsoft account requirement, you can utilize **Rufus** to alter the installation media:
1. Download **[Rufus](https://rufus.ie/en/)** alongside a **Windows 11 ISO** from the Microsoft website.
2. Use Rufus to craft a bootable USB drive.
3. Prior to commencing the installation, Rufus will present choices to **disable the Microsoft account requirement** and various system checks.
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## **2. Eliminating Bloatware and Unwanted Applications**
Windows 11 is bundled with numerous pre-installed applications that you might not require. To remove them:
### **Uninstalling Applications from the Start Menu**
1. Access the **Start Menu**.
2. Right-click on any application you wish to remove and select **Uninstall**.
### **Removing Applications through Settings**
1. Navigate to **Settings > Apps > Installed Apps**.
2. Browse the list and uninstall applications you don’t need, such as:
– Microsoft Teams
– Xbox
– OneDrive (if it’s not in use)
– Clipchamp
– Solitaire & Casual Games
– News
– Weather
– Microsoft 365 Copilot
### **Disabling Pre-installed Third-Party Applications**
Windows 11 might automatically install third-party applications like **Spotify** or **Grammarly**. To get rid of them:
1. Open the **Start Menu** and right-click on the application.
2. Select **Uninstall**.
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## **3. Streamlining the Start Menu, Taskbar, and Search**
### **Personalizing the Start Menu**
1. Open **Settings > Personalization > Start**.
2. Turn off **”Show recommendations for tips, shortcuts, new apps, and more.”**
3. Modify the layout to display **more pinned apps** or **more recent files**, based on your preference.
### **Tidying Up the Taskbar**
1. **Right-click the Taskbar** and choose **Taskbar settings**.
2. Disable unwanted features such as:
– **Widgets** (if not utilized)
– **Search bar** (set to “Search icon only” for a neater appearance)
– **Task View** (if virtual desktops are not in use)
### **Clearing Up Windows Search**
1. Navigate to **Settings > Privacy & Security > Search Permissions**.
2. Disable **”Show search highlights”** to eliminate unnecessary content from the search menu.
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## **4. Disabling Unwanted Notifications and Advertisements**
Windows 11 often promotes Microsoft services and features. To reduce these distractions:
### **Turning Off Suggested Notifications**
1. Access **Settings > System > Notifications**.
2. Scroll down and switch off **”Suggested notifications.”**
### **Disabling Ads in the Settings App**
1. Go to **Settings > Privacy & Security > General**.
2. Toggle off:
– **”Let apps show me personalized ads”**
– **”Show me suggested content in the Settings app”**
### **Stopping “Finish Setting Up Your PC” Prompts**
1. Open **Settings > System > Notifications**.
2. Scroll
