The article explains that new Windows computers have many features turned on by default. These features can slow down your computer, use your internet data, and distract you. The writer suggests turning off 12 specific features to make your computer faster and simpler:
- Background Applications you don't use.
- Tips, tricks, and suggestion notifications.
- Ads and content on the lock screen.
- Unnecessary visual effects and animations.
- Cortana and voice features if you don't use them.
- Automatic app suggestions from the Microsoft Store.
- OneDrive Auto Sync for files.
- Data sharing and diagnostic information (telemetry).
- Xbox Game Bar and services on non-gaming PCs.
- Live Tiles in the Start Menu.
- Automatic feedback requests from Windows.
- Non-essential app notifications.
If you want to disable many of these features quickly, you can use a PowerShell script:
# PowerShell Script to Disable Some Unnecessary Features
# Run Windows PowerShell as Administrator
# Disable Tips, Tricks, and Suggestions
Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKCU:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ContentDeliveryManager" -Name "SubscribedContent-338388Enabled" -Value 0
# Disable Lock Screen Tips and Ads
Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKCU:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ContentDeliveryManager" -Name "RotatingLockScreenEnabled" -Value 0
Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKCU:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ContentDeliveryManager" -Name "RotatingLockScreenOverlayEnabled" -Value 0
# Disable Automatic App Suggestions
Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKCU:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ContentDeliveryManager" -Name "SilentInstalledAppsEnabled" -Value 0
# Stop and Disable OneDrive (if you don't use it)
# This command stops the OneDrive process
Stop-Process -Name "OneDrive" -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue -Force
# This command prevents OneDrive from starting automatically
Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKCU:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run" -Name "OneDrive" -Value $null
Write-Host "Some unnecessary features have been disabled. A restart may be required for all changes to take effect." -ForegroundColor Green
Seyed Hamed Vahedi
Mon, 2 February, 2026