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Windows Defender is pretty lightweight and provides a good basic protection while running silently in the background. You can increase the protection levels and harden Windows Defender with a few changes to the Group Policy Editor or to the Registry Editor. Here’s how to do it.
Before making any changes, backup Windows Registry or create a system restore point. It helps you to revert back if you don’t like the changes or if anything bad happens while editing or changing system settings.
Using Group Policy EditorGroup Policy Editor provides an easy and straightforward way to strengthen Windows Defender. To open Group Policy Editor, press Win + R, type gpedit.msc and press Enter.
On the right panel you will see four different policies. Configure them as instructed below, following the below order.
Join Microsoft MAPS: The first thing you need to do is join Microsoft’s MAPS (Microsoft Advanced Protection Service) program. MAPS is an online community that is aimed at quickly detecting lesser-known threats and can even stop new malware infections.
Send file samples when further analysis is required: For MAPS to work properly you need to submit file samples so that it can scan and check with the online community. Open the policy and select the “Enabled” option. Under the Options section you can select between three options: send safe samples, send all samples, and always prompt.
Generally, Windows Defender blocks any suspicious file and scans it in the cloud. By default, the time-out is set to ten seconds. If you want to you can extend the time-out up to sixty seconds.
To do that open the “Configure extended cloud check” policy, select the “Enabled” radio button and then enter the number of seconds under the Options section. You can extend the time up to fifty seconds. So if you enter fifty seconds, then the total time-out for cloud check is sixty seconds when combined with the default ten seconds.
That’s it, just restart your system.
Using Windows Registry EditorIf you are a Windows Home user, then you will not have access to the Group Policy Editor, but you can use Windows Registry to achieve the same result. Since you need to create multiple keys and quite a few values, I’ve done the work for you. All you have to do is merge those values with your Windows Registry. Download the zip file from here and extract them onto your desktop.
You should have two files: “MPEngine Key.reg” and “Spynet Key.reg.” Their content are as follows.
MPEngine Key.reg:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
SOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftWindows DefenderMpEngine]
"MpBafsExtendedTimeout"
=
dword:00000019
"MpCloudBlockLevel"
=
dword:00000002
Spynet Key.reg:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
SOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftWindows DefenderSpynet]
"DisableBlockAtFirstSeen"
=
dword:00000000
"SpynetReporting"
=
dword:00000002
"LocalSettingOverrideSpynetReporting"
=
dword:00000001
The above action will merge the selected reg file with your Registry. Do the same thing with the second registry file.
Once you are done adding, restart your machine. If you want to see what values and keys are added to Windows Registry, open Registry Editor and navigate to the following location:
HKEY_LOCAL_Machine
SoftwarePoliciesMicrosoftWindows DefenderHere you can see the newly-created keys Spynet (MAPS) and MpEngine. By selecting the keys, you can see values associated with that key.
Comment below sharing your thoughts and experiences using the above method to harden Windows Defender.
Vamsi Krishna
Vamsi is a tech and WordPress geek who enjoys writing how-to guides and messing with his computer and software in general. When not writing for MTE, he writes for he shares tips, tricks, and lifehacks on his own blog Stugon.
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You're reading How To Harden Windows Defender In Windows 10
Windows 11 Defender Not Working: 5 Ways To Fix It
Windows 11 Defender Not Working: 5 Ways to Fix it
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Users have been complaining that Windows Defender is not working on Windows 11. Another
third-party antivirus software could be related to this issue.
Enabling real-time protection might just be the answer to this problem.
Regularly checking for updates can also help you fix most Windows Defender errors.
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A significant part of every Windows version, Microsoft Defender, has become one of the most reliable programs to protect your device against malware.
So when an issue occurs and it doesn’t work properly or Windows 11 cannot open Windows Security, users turn to the Internet in search of causes and solutions to fix the error and get back the protection they need for their devices.
That is why we are going to take a look at the most common causes and show you how to get things on the right track.
How do I fix the Windows 11 Defender not working issue?Before trying out more complicated solutions when your Windows Defender is not working, try out some of these quick fixes:
Restart your computer
Restart Windows Defender
1. Change the date and time 3. Enable real-time protection 4. Run a SFC scan 5. Change the Proxy ServerIf you change your mind and want to give a try to a third-party tool, choose Bitdefender since it’s known for the high detection rates of the latest malware, along with unbeatable multi-layer ransomware protection.
This was our last solution for the Windows 11 Defender not working issue. Moreover, you can read more about the causes of this problem.
Why is my Windows Defender not working in Windows 11?If you have third-party antivirus software installed on your computer, note that it might lead to certain Windows Defender errors.
Choose to use either Windows Defender or a third-party antivirus tool. Also, if you just got a new laptop, check if it came with a preinstalled antivirus trial version as this can stop Windows Defender to work properly.
Here is what Microsoft said regarding the compatibility with other antivirus products:
What happens when another non-Microsoft antivirus/antimalware solution is used? Can you run Microsoft Defender Antivirus alongside another antivirus product? The answers depend on several factors, such as your operating system and whether you’re using Microsoft Defender for Endpoint (Defender for Endpoint) together with your antivirus protection.
And if you work with programs like Flash or Java, you might need to uninstall the free security scanner which can cause some issues.
Although this might come as a surprise, another common reason why Windows Defender might not start is an incorrect time and date as most system functions are dependent on time and date.
Even more, an outdated PC can lead to many errors so we always recommend you perform a full update on your computer and on the antivirus as well.
If you’re having difficulties updating Windows Defender, you might need to install the virus definitions manually.
Windows 11 cannot open Windows SecurityExpert tip:
Fore more info on what to do if Windows Security is not opening on Windows 11, check out our dedicated guide.
What does Windows Defender has to offer to Windows 11 users?Windows Defender is pretty much the same as it was on the previous OS but there is one remarkable feature called Microsoft Defender Application Guard (MDAG) that you should know more about.
It is available for several types of devices such as enterprise desktops and mobile laptops, as well as personally-owned laptops that are managed through Microsoft Intune or a similar tool.
Designed for Microsoft Edge and for Microsoft Office, the main purpose for Microsoft’s Application Guard is to prevent developing attacks and improve employee productivity:
Microsoft Defender Application Guard (Application Guard) is designed to help prevent old and newly emerging attacks to help keep employees productive. Using our unique hardware isolation approach, our goal is to destroy the playbook that attackers use by making current attack methods obsolete.
The way the system works is quite easy to understand. For example, for Microsoft Edge or Internet Explorer, MDAG will help isolate previously defined untrusted sites, therefore, protecting your company from any attack.
If someone opens a page from an untrusted website, Microsoft Edge will open the page in an isolated Hyper-V-enabled container.
The course between the host PC and the isolated container – SOURCE: docs.microsoft
You can choose which websites, cloud resources, or internal networks are to be trusted or not. Also worth mentioning is the fact that this feature doesn’t require Hyper-V to be turned on.
Now there you have it, the most likely situations that can create errors and the solutions to fix them on your Windows 11 device.
Moreover, if your Windows Defender is turned off on your Windows 11 PC, do not hesitate to edit your registry in order to enable it back on.
And if the Windows Defender service won’t start, make sure to clean your registry and check your environment variables.
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How To Unlock Secret Features In Windows 10
How to Unlock Secret Features in Windows 10
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As a side note, you will have to be very careful when proceeding with the tutorial below. If your want to have access to these new features you need to modify some Registry keys and I suppose I don’t have to tell you that if you modify something else by mistake in the Registry Editor window, this might damage your operating system.
How to unlock secret settings in Windows 10 A complete redesign of the system tray clock/ the calendar
Move the mouse cursor over to the lower left side of the screen.
Note: You can also Press and hold the “Windows” button and the “R” button.
In the run dialog box write the following: “regedit” without the quotes.
Now you have the Registry Editor window in front of you.
Choose from the list “DWORD(32-bit) Value”
Name the DWORD as follows: “UseWin32TrayClockExperience” without the quotes.
Close the Registry Editor and reboot the system and you will have a new system tray clock and calendar.
Unlock a new logon screen
Open the Registry Editor as you did above.
Change the value for that key to “1”.
Save the changes and reboot the operating system and you are done.
Note: To revert back the logon screen, change the value of the “Treshold” key to “0”.
Switch back to a previous Start menu version
Open the Registry Editor as you did in above.
Select from there “DWORD (32-bit)”
Name the DWORD as follows: “EnableXamlStartMenu”.
Save the changes and reboot your Windows 10 Technical Preview.
You should have now the old Start menu.
Change File Explorer from Quick Access to This PCFirst method:
Open the “Options” feature in File Explorer.
Choose the “This PC” feature that is situated right next to “Open File Explorer to:”
Save your change and close the File Explorer.
You should then have the “This PC” feature activated.
Expert tip:
Open the Registry Editor window as you did above.
On the right side pane, look for the “LaunchTo” DWORD.
Change the value of the “LaunchTo” DWORD to 1” in order to change the File explorer to “This PC” view.
Close the Registry Editor and check to see if File Explorer changed to “This PC” feature.
Control Cortana using your voice
Enable the “Let Cortana respond when you say ‘Hey Cortana’” feature.
Disable the Search bar situated in the taskbar of your Windows 10:
From the Search feature select the “Disable” option.
Enable hidden Windows 10 features with Mach 2If you want to unlock additional Windows 10 hidden features, you can also use Mach 2. This free software enables Windows you to discover pre-release features that are not yet enabled. Keep in mind that Mach2 is not an official Microsoft program. You can download it from this Github page.
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How To Clear The Clipboard In Windows 10
When you cut or copy something on your computer, it’s automatically copied to the clipboard so that you can paste a copy of the item elsewhere.
The October 2023 Windows Update came with a new clipboard experience in addition to the ability to paste multiple files. You can also pin the items you want to use every time, and sync your clips across devices via the cloud.
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Plus, you can track the text and images copied to the clipboard, and access the clipboard history settings and interface. While it’s good to have access to the clipboard history, it can turn out to be a security risk especially if you share the device with other people.
If you want to remove some items from your list or delete the history altogether, we’ll walk you through the steps to clear the clipboard in Windows 10.
How to Clear the Clipboard in Windows 10There are different methods you can use to clear the data currently stored in the clipboard including using Command Prompt, shortcuts, and Windows 10 Settings.
How to Clear the Clipboard Using Command Prompt
To do this, type CMD in the search box and select Run as administrator.
Next, copy and paste the command below into the Command Prompt window, and press Enter.
Close the Command Prompt window after running the command.
How to Clear the Clipboard Using Shortcuts in NotepadIf you’re using the modern clipboard on Windows 10, you can clear the data with a shortcut.
To do this, select Start and search for Notepad. Pick the top result to open the Notepad app.
Copy and paste these commands to the Notepad app:
Give the file a name with the .bat extension, for example chúng tôi and then select Save.
Select the Shortcut tab and then select Change Icon.
Copy and paste the path below and press Enter.
%windir%system32imageres.dll
If you want, you can record a keyboard shortcut in the Shortcut key field. For example, you can use CTRL+SHIFT+X or any combination you want to clear clipboard content using a keystroke combination.
Next, select Advanced.
Check the Run as Administrator box.
Note: If you use a shortcut to clear the clipboard in Windows 10, confirm the elevation of the shortcut so that the batch script can run correctly.
How to Clear the Clipboard in Windows 10 Using Windows Key + VIf creating a shortcut file or keyboard shortcut in Notepad sounds tedious, you can use the Windows Key + V shortcut to clear the clipboard on your computer.
Select the ellipses at the top right side of the screen to open the menu.
Note: Each time you restart your PC, the clipboard history is cleared except for pinned items. Also, the clipboard can only hold up to 25 copied entries at a go, so older entries are automatically removed to make room for new ones.
How to Clear the Clipboard in Windows 10 Using SettingsSelect Clipboard.
Select Clear under the Clear clipboard data section.
How to Clear the Clipboard in the Legacy Clipboard ExperienceIf you’re not using the modern clipboard, you can clear the clipboard history using these steps:
Copy and paste this command in the location field:
Note: You can run the command in Command Prompt if you’re on a public machine, instead of using a shortcut to clear the clipboard.
Copy and paste the path below and then press Enter.
%windir%system32imageres.dll
Note: The difference between the steps taken to clear the clipboard in the legacy and modern experiences is that in the legacy clipboard, all the content in the clipboard is deleted. With the modern clipboard, you have to also clear the clipboard history, which is stored in a separate location.
How to Clear the Clipboard in Windows 10 by Disabling Clipboard HistoryIf you don’t want the clipboard history to be available or seen by other users, you can disable or turn off the clipboard history.
Go to the Clipboard history option and toggle the switch to Off.
If you try to press Windows Key + V, a little popup window will appear notifying you that the clipboard history cannot be displayed because the feature is disabled. This allows you to copy and paste freely without worrying about others seeing your data.
To enable the clipboard history again, press Windows Key + V and select Turn On.
Empty Your ClipboardWhile it’s convenient and time-saving to use the copy, cut, and paste functions, it’s also necessary to clear the clipboard once in a while. Not only is it good for privacy for obvious reasons, but also avoids errors that arise when the clipboard is full.
How To Reset Windows Update Components On Windows 10
Windows Update is an essential component of Windows 10, as it allows downloading and installing the latest updates with bug fixes, security patches, and drivers. Also, it is the mechanism to download new feature updates and preview builds. However, there will be times when your device may not download or install updates because of a specific error message, Windows Update not connecting to the Microsoft servers, and other problems.
Typically, users may encounter this type of problem when the Windows Update agent-related services stop working, Windows 10 has an issue with the update cache, or some components get corrupted. You can reset Windows Update on Windows 10 to fix most problems in these situations.
This guide will teach you how to reset the Windows Update components using the “Windows Update Troubleshooter” utility. Also, you will learn the instructions to use Command Prompt to fix Windows Update manually to get security patches, drivers, and features downloaded again on your computer. However, before using the Command Prompt option, use the instructions to manually install the most recent update, Service Stack Update (SSU), and repair system files.
To reset Windows Update using the troubleshooter tool on Windows 10, use these steps:
Under the “Get up and running” section, select the Windows Update option.
Continue with the on-screen directions.
Once the computer restarts, try to update Windows 10 one more time, and now it should work as expected.
To install an update manually to fix problems with Windows Update on Windows 10, use these steps:
Open the Windows 10 update history website.
Browse to the latest update information for your version of Windows 10 and note the “KB” number from the left pane.
Open the Microsoft Update Catalog website.
Search for the knowledge base (KB) number of the update.
Restart the computer.
To ensure that Windows 10 has the most recent Servicing Stack Update to fix Windows Update problems, use these steps:
Open Settings.
Under the “System type” section, check whether you have the 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows 10.
Open the Microsoft Update Catalog website.
Download the most recent Servicing Stack Update for the version you have (32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64)).
Restart your computer.
After you restart the computer, you should now be able to download and install the update using the Settings app.
To fix the system files using the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) and System File Checker (SFC) tools to fix Windows Update problems on Windows 10, use these steps:
Open Start.
Type the following DISM command to repair corrupted system files and press Enter:
dism.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
Type the following SFC command to repair system files and press Enter:
sfc /scannowAfter completing the steps, the Windows Update components should start working again, and you can check for updates to verify.
To reset Windows Update manually from Command Prompt on Windows 10, use these steps:
Open Start.
Type the following commands to stop the Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS), Windows Update service, and Cryptographic service, and press Enter on each line:
net stop bits net stop wuauserv net stop appidsvc net stop cryptsvcQuick tip: You may need to run the command more than once until you see the message that the service has stopped successfully.
Type the following command to delete all the qmgr*.dat files created by BITS from your PC. and press Enter:
Del "%ALLUSERSPROFILE%Application DataMicrosoftNetworkDownloader*.*"
Type Y to confirm the deletion.
Type the following commands to clear the Windows Update cache to allow Windows 10 to re-download the updates instead of using the files already downloaded on the system that might be damaged, and press Enter on each line:
rmdir %systemroot%SoftwareDistribution /S /Q rmdir %systemroot%system32catroot2 /S /QQuick tip: We use the remove directory rmdir command with the /S option to delete the specified directory and all subdirectories within the main folder, and the /Q option deletes directories quietly without confirmation. If you get the message “The process cannot access the file because it is being used by another process,” repeat step 1 and try again, as one of the services might have restarted unexpectedly.
Type the following commands to reset the BITS and Windows Update services to their default security descriptor, and press Enter on each line:
sc.exe sdset bits D:(A;;CCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRRC;;;SY)(A;;CCDCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRSDRCWDWO;;;BA)(A;;CCLCSWLOCRRC;;;AU)(A;;CCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRRC;;;PU) sc.exe sdset wuauserv D:(A;;CCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRRC;;;SY)(A;;CCDCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRSDRCWDWO;;;BA)(A;;CCLCSWLOCRRC;;;AU)(A;;CCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRRC;;;PU)
Type the following command to move to the System32 folder and press Enter:
cd /d %windir%system32
Type the following commands to register all the corresponding BITS and Windows Update DLL files on the Registry and press Enter on each line:
regsvr32.exe /s atl.dll regsvr32.exe /s urlmon.dll regsvr32.exe /s mshtml.dll regsvr32.exe /s shdocvw.dll regsvr32.exe /s browseui.dll regsvr32.exe /s jscript.dll regsvr32.exe /s vbscript.dll regsvr32.exe /s scrrun.dll regsvr32.exe /s msxml.dll regsvr32.exe /s msxml3.dll regsvr32.exe /s msxml6.dll regsvr32.exe /s actxprxy.dll regsvr32.exe /s softpub.dll regsvr32.exe /s wintrust.dll regsvr32.exe /s dssenh.dll regsvr32.exe /s rsaenh.dll regsvr32.exe /s gpkcsp.dll regsvr32.exe /s sccbase.dll regsvr32.exe /s slbcsp.dll regsvr32.exe /s cryptdlg.dll regsvr32.exe /s oleaut32.dll regsvr32.exe /s ole32.dll regsvr32.exe /s shell32.dll regsvr32.exe /s initpki.dll regsvr32.exe /s wuapi.dll regsvr32.exe /s wuaueng.dll regsvr32.exe /s wuaueng1.dll regsvr32.exe /s wucltui.dll regsvr32.exe /s wups.dll regsvr32.exe /s wups2.dll regsvr32.exe /s wuweb.dll regsvr32.exe /s qmgr.dll regsvr32.exe /s qmgrprxy.dll regsvr32.exe /s wucltux.dll regsvr32.exe /s muweb.dll regsvr32.exe /s wuwebv.dllQuick note: The regsvr32 helps to register “.DLL” files as command components in the Registry, and we use the /S option to specify the tool to run the command silently without prompting additional messages.
Type the following commands to reset the network configurations that might be part of the problem (but do not restart your computer just yet), and press Enter on each line:
netsh winsock reset netsh winsock reset proxy
Type the following commands to restart the BITS, Windows Update, and Cryptographic services, and press Enter on each line:
net start bits net start wuauserv net start appidsvc net start cryptsvc
Restart the computer.
Once you complete the steps, Windows Update should reset and work again on your Windows 10 device.
You can also use the above instructions to fix the update problems when Surface Pro 9, 8, Laptop 5, Studio 2, or any other Surface cannot seem to download a new firmware update.
How To Make Windows 11 Look Like Windows 10
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Microsoft knows how you want Windows to look. That, at least, seems to be the company’s message with Windows 11. It makes big changes to the user interface and continues the trend of making user customization more difficult. That’s part of the reason why some of PCWorld’s staff wish they were using Windows 10 whenever they use Windows 11, despite some truly compelling upgrades in the new operating system.
It’s not currently possible to fully revert Windows 11 to the look for Windows 10 and, given Microsoft’s current attitude towards UI customization, it may never be. Still, there are several key tweaks that can make you more comfortable.
Start menu locationWindows 11’s most obvious design change is the relocation of the Windows Start menu from its traditional home nestled on the taskbar’s left side to the center of the taskbar. Fortunately, this change is easy to revert.
Matt Smith/IDG
Open the Windows Start menu and then the Settings app. In Settings, navigate to Personalization, then Taskbar, and open Taskbar behaviors. You’ll see a field labeled Taskbar alignment with a drop-down menu. Change the drop-dox menu from Center to Left.
The change takes place immediately.
Remove new iconsWhile we’re here, let’s disable the new icons added by Windows 11. These are also in the Taskbar section of Personalization settings. You will see a list labeled “Taskbar items” that includes four options: Search, Task view, Widgets, and Chat. Use the toggles next to each to turn all four icons off.
Start menu designMicrosoft is kind enough to let you easily change the Start menu’s location and remove some icons, but the Start menu itself is a different story. You’ll need to use a third-party program.
The free option is Open-Shell, an open-source program (formerly known as Classic Shell) that can replace the start menu. Download the program and install it. However, make sure to disable Classic Explorer and Classic IE during installation. If you don’t, Open-Shell will also modify Windows Explorer in a way that doesn’t vibe with the look of Windows 10.
Matt Smith/IDG
Once installed, open the program called Open-Shell Menu Settings. Select the Windows 7 style menu and then open the Skin tab. I used the Fluent-Metro skin for this guide. In truth, it functions more like a Windows 7 Start Menu with Windows 10 coat of paint, but it was the best skin I could find.
While Open-Shell works ok, it’s not perfect. It can’t properly replace the Start Menu and doesn’t restore Windows 10 features.
Stardock’s Start11 is an easier option. It doesn’t have the Start menu icon problem of Open-Shell and requires no installation of additional files to deliver an attractive menu in the Metro design style. Start11 costs $5, however, so you’ll have to decide if its ease-of-use is worth the price. We’ve tested Start11 (as well as alternative StartAllBack, another $5 program) and highly recommend both if you’re interested in making Windows 11 look more like Windows 10. Those programs can also help you skirt around some of Windows 11’s taskbar woes.
Change iconsThe taskbar icons in Windows 11 are quite similar to Windows 10, so you might not feel the need to change them. Other icons throughout the operating system are significantly different.
First, download a Windows 10 icon pack. A variety of these can be found online: I used a Windows 10 Build 10125 icon pack. Place your icons in a folder you can conveniently remember.
Unfortunately, Windows 11 doesn’t let you change some icons, most notably the new icons for drives and user folders in Windows Explorer. You can use Drive Icon Changer to change drive icons, however.
Disable rounded cornersRound corners are key to the new look of Windows 11. Not everyone loves them, however, and there’s more bad news. It’s not currently possible to change them through Windows 11 itself or a third-party solution.
You do have one option. Windows 11 will revert to square corners if you turn off hardware graphics acceleration (this will also turn off other visual features like transparency).
I don’t recommend this, however. Disabling your graphics hardware will cause the Windows UI to feel slow and stilted, and you won’t be able to use 3D apps or games until you turn the hardware back on.
Change the wallpaperLast, but least, you can restore the original Windows 10 wallpaper. This is not included with Windows 11, but is available from a variety of sources online, such as this 4K sample on Imgur.
Where to go from hereMatt Smith/IDG
Windows 10 purists will be disappointed to hear this leaves several features of Windows 11, like the new context menu and File Explorer, in the operating system. A variety of registry hacks circulating online claim to partially or fully disable these features, but in my testing they either caused side effects or, in many cases, didn’t work at all—likely because Windows 11 has received many updates over the past few months.
Keep an eye on projects that aim to help users change the look and feel of Windows 11, such the utterly fantastic (and free) Explorer Patcher, which restores taskbar labels, brings back Windows 10’s context menu, and more.
It also wouldn’t hurt to let Microsoft know that you’d like more customization options. Much of this ultimately falls on Microsoft, which has gradually eliminated options for customizing the Windows interface over time.
For now, enjoy the changes you’ve made. It might not fully restore Windows 10, but hey—at least the Start menu is fixed. While you’re busy tweaking things, here are five Windows 11 settings worth changing immediately.
Editor’s note: This article originally published on October 7, 2023, but was updated several times to reflect new Windows 11 developments and workaround programs.
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