15 Annoying Windows 11 Quirks and How to Fix Them
Windows 11 looks fresh, but it brought some frustrating changes. Here’s a deep dive into the top annoyances and simple ways to fix them.
1. Centered Taskbar Icons
By default, icons float in the center. If you miss that classic look:
- Right-click the taskbar and choose Taskbar settings.
- Under Taskbar behaviors, set Taskbar alignment to Left.
2. Pesky Widgets Panel
Widgets pop up when you don’t want them. To turn them off:
- Right-click the taskbar, open Taskbar settings.
- Toggle Widgets off.
3. Huge Search Bar
The search box takes up space. To hide it:
- Right-click the taskbar, select Taskbar settings.
- Under Taskbar items, set Search to Hide.
4. Taskbar Can’t Move Sides
You can’t drag the taskbar to another edge. Advanced users can tweak the registry:
- Open Registry Editor and navigate to Explorer\StuckRects3.
- Edit the Settings value to move the taskbar top, left, or right.
- Restart Explorer.
5. Incomplete Dark Mode
Some dialogs ignore dark mode. There’s no perfect fix yet, but you can:
- Use a third-party theme that forces dark dialogs.
- Switch fully to light mode if mixed colors bother you.
6. “Finish Setting Up” Pop-Ups
Windows nags you to set up Microsoft services. To stop it:
- Go to Settings > System > Notifications.
- Turn off suggestions about finishing setup.
7. Notification Overload
Too many alerts can distract. To declutter:
- Open Settings > System > Notifications.
- Toggle Notifications off or enable Do Not Disturb.
8. Slow Startup Apps
Too many apps launch at boot. Speed up your PC by:
- Going to Settings > Apps > Startup.
- Disabling high-impact apps you don’t need immediately.
9. Taskbar Badges
Those red notification dots can clutter your view. Remove them by:
- Opening Settings > Personalization > Taskbar.
- Turning off Show badges on taskbar apps.
10. Unwanted Copilot Button
The Copilot icon sits on the taskbar even if you don’t use it. Hide it:
- Go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar.
- Toggle Copilot off.
11. Start Menu Recommendations
Recent files and suggested apps feel too personal. To stop them:
- Open Settings > Personalization > Start.
- Turn off Show recently added apps and Show recently opened items.
12. Sluggish File Explorer
Explorer can lag compared to Windows 10. Speed it up by:
- Disabling file thumbnails in Folder Options.
- Clearing File Explorer history.
- Setting “Open File Explorer to” This PC instead of Quick Access.
13. Choppy Virtual Desktops
Switching desktops can stutter. Smooth it out by:
- Updating your graphics drivers.
- Disabling transparency in Settings > Personalization > Colors.
- Using Win+Tab for keyboard navigation.
14. Forced Microsoft Account
Windows 11 pushes you to sign in with a Microsoft account. To stick with a local account:
- Disconnect from the internet during setup.
- Use the OOBE\BYPASSNRO trick if prompted.
- Create a local account in Settings > Accounts after setup.
15. Web Results in Start Search
Searching for a file also shows web links. To focus on local results:
- Open Settings > Privacy & Security > Search permissions.
- Turn off Search highlights.
- Consider using a dedicated search tool like Everything.
Most fixes live in Settings under Personalization, System, or Privacy. With a few tweaks, you can trim away Windows 11’s rough edges and make it feel more like your own.
