After upgrading to Windows 11, you probably will be excited and want to start using it right away. However, it is better to perform some checks and customizations. Here are four actions you might consider taking.
After you upgrade to Windows 11, you probably will be tempted to immediately use it. You might want to resist that temptation, though. A better plan is to make sure everything is working correctly and to make some customizations so that you have the best possible experience. Here are four actions you might consider taking:
- Make Sure Your Desired Antivirus Solution Is Running
Windows 11 comes with Windows Security (formerly known as Windows Defender Security Center). It includes an antivirus program called Microsoft Defender Antivirus. You can choose to use this program or a third-party antivirus solution instead.
Microsoft Defender Antivirus is designed to automatically turn on if you do not have a third-party antivirus solution installed. If you are using another antivirus solution, Microsoft Defender Antivirus is supposed to turn off so your desired solution can run.
No matter your preferred solution, it is a good idea to make sure it is running. Go to the Privacy & Security tab of Window 11’s Settings app, select “Windows Security” in the left menu, click the “Open Windows Security” button, and choose “Virus & threat detection”. The page that appears will state if a third-party antivirus solution is turned on and display its status. If Microsoft Defender Antivirus is being used, the page will show its status. You will also see options that let you manage Microsoft Defender Antivirus settings and run scans.
- Check Privacy Settings
When you upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11, the privacy settings you set in Windows 10 should automatically transfer to Windows 11. However, glitches can occur, so you might want to check your privacy settings. This check will also give you a chance to review those settings and make sure they still align with your comfort level. You can find the privacy settings in the Privacy & Security tab of Windows 11’s Settings app.
- Test Third-Party Apps and Peripherals
Windows 11 contains significant changes, so it is important to make sure your third-party apps are working after the upgrade. There are many reasons why an app might not work. For example, a service that the app needs might not be running, the app might be incorrectly installed, or the app might not be supported on Windows 11. Learning why an app is not working will take time, so the sooner you know about a problematic app, the better.
You should also make sure your peripherals (e.g., mouse, keyboard, external hard drives) are working. A common cause of problems is drivers. Although Windows 11 is designed to automatically update drivers, problems can occur. For example, Windows 11 will only install drivers that have been tested and verified by Microsoft. If a device manufacturer releases an updated driver but Microsoft has not tested it, Windows 11 will not install it.
- Customize the Startup Apps
A common complaint about Windows 11 is that it takes longer to launch than its predecessor. One factor that affects bootup performance is the number of high-impact startup apps. Startup apps are programs that are configured to automatically launch when you turn on your computer. For example, the startup apps in Windows 11 include Slack, Spotify, Microsoft OneDrive, and Microsoft Teams. The higher a startup app’s impact, the longer it takes for the app to launch — and the longer it takes for the computer to boot up.
You can see the list of starter apps and their impact level in the Settings program (select the Apps tab and choose “Startup” in the left menu). If you do not want a certain app to automatically start, you can move its slider to “Off” to disable it. When you do this, you are not uninstalling the app. You are just stopping it from automatically launching when you turn on your computer. If you later change your mind, you can enable it again by moving its slider to “On”.
Disabling a high-impact startup app can improve bootup performance. However, it is important to avoid disabling all the high-impact startup apps. Some of those apps might be needed to keep your computer running properly or keep it secure. So, before changing the status of a startup app with which you are not familiar, check with us first. We can let you know whether or not it is a good idea to change its status.
Windows 11 flickr photo by okubax shared under a Creative Commons (BY) license