Windows 11 brings a modern interface and improved performance, but not every feature enhances your experience. Some settings consume resources, slow down your system, or even compromise your privacy. If your PC feels sluggish or your battery drains faster than expected, disabling a few built-in features can make a significant difference.
In this guide, we’ll explore five Windows 11 features you should consider turning off right away, why they matter, and how to do it step by step.
Why Disable Certain Windows 11 Features?
While Microsoft designs Windows 11 to cater to a wide audience, it enables several features by default that might not suit every user. Some of these functions:
- Drain system resources — background processes eat up RAM and CPU power.
- Reduce battery life — especially on laptops with limited battery capacity.
- Compromise privacy — data collection features transmit usage patterns.
- Add unnecessary clutter — features you don’t use can make your system feel bloated.
By disabling them, you’ll enjoy faster boot times, improved responsiveness, and better control over your personal data.
1. Background Apps You Don’t Use
Why Turn Them Off?
Windows 11 lets apps run in the background even when you’re not actively using them. While this is convenient for notifications, it consumes RAM, CPU, and battery life. Disabling unnecessary background apps can free up resources instantly.
How to Disable:
- Open Settings: Press
Win + I. - Go to Apps > Installed Apps.
- Select the app you don’t use, click the three dots, and choose Advanced Options.
- Under Background App Permissions, select Never.
Pro Tip: Keep critical apps (like email or messaging) running, but turn off others like weather widgets or pre-installed bloatware.
2. Startup Programs That Slow Boot Time
Why Turn Them Off?
Many programs set themselves to launch at startup, increasing boot time and hogging memory. Removing unnecessary startup programs makes your PC load faster.
How to Disable:
- Press
Ctrl + Shift + Escto open Task Manager. - Go to the Startup Apps tab.
- Right-click any program with High impact you don’t need and choose Disable.
Bonus: Reboot your PC and notice how much faster it feels.
3. Visual Effects That Drain Performance
Why Turn Them Off?
Windows 11 offers smooth animations and transparency effects, but these can burden older hardware or low-end laptops. Turning them off boosts responsiveness.
How to Disable:
- Press
Win + Sand type Performance Options. - Select Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows.
- Under Visual Effects, choose Adjust for best performance or manually uncheck:
- Animate controls and elements
- Fade or slide menus
- Transparent glass effects
Result: A snappier interface that prioritizes speed over aesthetics.
4. Activity History and Tracking
Why Turn It Off?
Windows 11 tracks your app usage and activity history to “help” you resume tasks across devices. However, this also sends data to Microsoft, raising privacy concerns.
How to Disable:
- Open Settings > Privacy & Security > Activity History.
- Uncheck Store my activity history on this device.
- Clear existing history by clicking Clear under Clear activity history.
Privacy Gain: Less telemetry data sent to Microsoft, ensuring your workflow stays private.
5. Notifications You Don’t Need
Why Turn Them Off?
Constant notifications disrupt focus and drain power. Windows 11 allows apps to push alerts by default, but most aren’t essential.
How to Disable:
- Open Settings > System > Notifications.
- Toggle off Notifications entirely or disable them for specific apps.
- Use Focus Assist to silence alerts during work or gaming sessions.
Result: Fewer distractions, longer battery life, and better productivity.
Bonus: Location Services (Optional)
If privacy is your top concern, consider disabling Windows 11’s location tracking:
- Open Settings > Privacy & Security > Location.
- Toggle Location Services off or limit it to trusted apps only.
Will Disabling These Features Break Anything?
For most users, turning off these features improves performance without affecting critical system functions. However:
- Apps relying on background data (like cloud storage sync) might require manual refresh.
- Disabling activity history means you’ll lose “recent files” sync between devices.
If you’re unsure, disable features one at a time and test your workflow.
Final Thoughts
Windows 11 is packed with features, but not all of them serve your needs. By selectively disabling background apps, startup programs, visual effects, activity tracking, and unnecessary notifications, you can reclaim performance, extend battery life, and protect your privacy.
Next Steps:
Want to make your PC even faster? Check out our next guide on “This Windows App Is Microsoft’s Biggest Failure in Years” for expert tips on squeezing the most out of your system.