A Comprehensive Guide to Customizing Your Windows Operating System
In the modern age of computing, Microsoft Windows reigns supreme as the world’s most popular desktop operating system. With its user-friendly interface, robust features, and near-ubiquitous software compatibility, it comes as no surprise that Windows continues to dominate market share globally.
However, beneath its familiar exterior, Windows holds immense depth and customizability. Tweaking and optimizing your Windows installation can enhance your computing experience and unlock capabilities you never knew existed. In this guide, we’ll show you how to take full control of your Windows OS and mold it to your exact preferences.
Personalizing the Start Menu and Taskbar
The Start menu and taskbar form the backbone of the Windows interface. Luckily, almost every aspect can be customized to boost productivity and enjoyment.
How do I remove Windows Update from my services App?
Missing or corrupted system files can sometimes remove Windows Update from your Services app. Launch Command Prompt with admin rights. Restart your computer and check if the Update service is available. Note: Wait for the first command to finish before entering the second one.
How do I See installed updates on Windows 10?
To help you see the installed updates on your Windows, follow these steps: Click Start menu. Look for Settings, and click/tap on the Update & security icon. Click/tap on the View installed update history link under Update status on the right side. You will now see the history of Windows Update listed in categories.
For starters, the tiles on the Start menu themselves can be moved, resized, pinned, and removed as desired. Simply right-click on any tile and adjust its settings. You can also enable smaller tile sizes for greater density and group related apps together in folders.
As for the taskbar itself, tweaking is just as flexible. By right-clicking the taskbar, options will appear for changing its location on screen, auto-hiding behavior, size, and icon layout. For multiple monitors, you can choose to display the taskbar on just your primary display or span it across screens. The notification area can similarly be adjusted by right-clicking near the system clock.
Taming Updates for Performance and Control
A constant source of frustration for Windows users is the forced downtime from expansive updates. Luckily, update settings can be adjusted for greater transparency and control.
Inside Windows Update settings, "Active hours" can be specified to restrict interruptions during peak usage times, such as working hours. The option to pause updates entirely is also available for up to 35 days when uptime is critical. For metered connections like cellular data, downloads can be minimized or disabled.
How do I check if my computer is up-to-date?
To view potential updates, click on “Update & Security” from the Settings menu. 4. Click on “Check for updates” to see if your computer is up-to-date, or if there are any updates available. Your computer will also show the date and time of when it was last updated. Click the “Check for updates” button to see what updates are available. 5.
How do I update Windows 10 if I don’t have Windows 10?
Turn on the Windows Update service if it’s not already on. This is necessary for updates to run, meaning Windows 10 won’t update without it. Here’s how: search for and open services in the Start menu, open Windows Update from the list, change the “Startup type” to Automatic, select Start, and then select OK .
Does Newegg kb5028166 work with BT 5.2?
[Link purposely not provided, so just search for the Item # above at Newegg’s web-site] It installs as an Intel Wi-Fi 6e AX210 160 Mhz Wifi Adapter and an Intel (R) Wireless Bluetooth (R) adapter (not sure how to verify that it’s actually BT 5.2 but at least BT works properly with KB5028166 installed).
For power users, services like Windows Update can be manually adjusted for optimal performance. By editing the Windows registry, tweaks like faster reboot times after updates and smaller download packages can be enabled. But exercise caution, as incorrectly editing the registry can cause system instability.
Boosting Privacy Against Data Leaks
With Windows 10, data privacy has become a heightened concern, as the OS by default enables extensive telemetry collection. The good news is most concerning settings can be disabled entirely.
Inside Windows Settings, toggling "diagnostic data" to Basic will minimize outgoing information to just basic device info. For full control, individual services reliant on data collection can be switched off, like Device Health Attestation. It’s also wise to comb through privacy-impacting apps like Camera and uncheck concerning options.
The renowned freeware tool O&O ShutUp10 allows all telemetry services to be disabled in a simple interface. For maximum privacy, tools like WPD can even disable covert data transmission endpoints Microsoft denies exist. Take back control of what information leaves your machine.
Extending Capabilities with the PowerToys Utility
For hardcore customization, look no further than the system enhancement suite PowerToys from Microsoft. This central hub unlocks powerful utilities to streamline workflows.
What is Windows 10 kb5028166?
It is the second Tuesday of the month, so Microsoft has released cumulative security updates for its operating systems. KB5028166 is now available for Windows 10 22H2 and 21H2 (specific editions only), currently the latest version of Windows 10, and you can install this update through Windows Update or using the offline installers linked below.
How to fix restart loop on Windows 10?
As you are facing issues with restart loop, perform a Power Drain by following the steps provided below and check if it helps. Shut down the Computer. Remove all power source (including battery if it is a laptop). Press and hold the power button for 15-20 seconds. Connect the power source and start the computer.
How do I upgrade my Windows 10 device to Windows 11?
Upgrade: Go to Start > Windows Update Settings > Check for updates. Select Download and Install under Upgrade to Windows 11. This article explains how you can upgrade your Windows 10 device to Windows 11. You can download and install Windows 11 from the Windows Update app in Windows 10.
One great example is FancyZones, which enables complex window tiling so apps can be snapped into elaborate custom layouts. Windows can be grouped, cascaded, and cycled through with keyboard shortcuts. For power users, this workflow optimization is a gamechanger.
Other PowerToys tools enable handy tricks like batch-renaming files, mute notifications with a shortcut, and integrating a system-wide command launcher. Windows veterans will delight in the sheer range of enhancements on offer through this official toolkit.
Conclusion
The vibrant Windows community has uncovered countless ways to optimize the operating system over decades of collective tinkering. By leveraging their hard work, you can craft a computing experience fine-tuned to your exact needs and style. We hope these tips provide a launchpad to discovering the immense flexibility Windows affords under the hood. How will you make the OS your own? The possibilities are endless for this platform that just keeps maturing with age. Let us know your own customization journey in the comments below!
Does Microsoft offer free Windows 10 updates?
For the first year after the release of Windows 10, Microsoft offered free upgrades using the Get Windows 10 app, which appeared in the taskbar as a notification icon and in Windows Update.
What if I don’t have a kb5003173?
If your devices do not have the May 11, 2021 ( KB5003173 ) or later LCU, you must install the special standalone August 10, 2021 SSU ( KB5005260) before installing this update. None. This update will be downloaded and installed automatically from Windows Update.
How do I check for Windows 11 updates?
To check for Windows 11 updates, select Check for updates . Windows 11 checks for updates to the OS after selecting that button, but will also do so automatically. Depending on the options you have set up, your PC will reboot to apply some updates either while you’re using your computer or sometime during an off time.
