9 Windows settings EVERY user should change NOW!
If you use Microsoft Windows, there are some SERIOUS changes you need to make to your Operating System if you want to remain safe and not get hacked. In this video, I walk you through 9 settings that I think every PC user should change ...and some should be changed IMMEDIATELY!
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Quick tip about local accounts: When you’re setting up Windows 11 on the first boot, it doesn’t give you a choice to sign in with a local account. You may think you have to use a Microsoft account, but it’s easy to bypass. Just type ‘a’ in both the username and password fields. It will say it failed to sign in and let you use a local account.
Noted.png And Gods, I wish I knew that when I first got this machine 2 years ago. @_@
Thank you from me also. I’ll be setting up a new computer soon. That’s good information to keep in mind, note to self.
Or unplug your network cable. If you're not on the Net it can't create a Windows account.
@tradde11 unless you have built-in wifi 🥲
@@AskYourComputerGuyYou can disable that too. Just so you're not connected to a network. Most of the time I used wired as this is what I prefer. So I said network cable. I was in error.
for the tip no. 3 do NOT just go and disable everything in the startup tab, especially if you don't know what you're doing. Some of the programs, especially on laptops are audio drivers, touchpad drivers and maybe other more important procesess. Turning them off may cause your system breaking and with that major confusion as to what is causing the issues. Read online what each individual procesess does and turn off accordingly.
Probably a good follow up tip! ;)
If you have the patience, which I don't : ), there's the oneatatime approach. Take the checkmark away from 1 box. See what breaks or not. If not, run like that for a day or so. Then do another. Repeat process. All of this is for patient responsible tweakers, though I've yet to meet any.
some of them on some laptops could permanently disable your copy of their operating system that you do not own
Not going to harm anything by disabling them. Nothing critical is ever there.
Not sure where you got your information, but it is wrong. Disabling every single item in startup will NOT cause an issue with Windows or your license in any way. Please cite your source so I can call them out
Thank you for highlighting my biggest pet peeve - hidden file extensions. You nailed it when you said it was also your biggest pet peeve. I really can't believe Microsoft still has this setting as a default as, like you said, could easily trick a user into clicking what they think is a document but is actually an executable program. I knew about LTT's hack, but I did not know the reason was because of hidden file extensions.
1000%. I have no idea in what world this makes sense...and I even have people comment that they leave their's disabled on purpose 🤷♂️
@@AskYourComputerGuy What's more curious is that when they're not shown a file named open_me.jpg turns up and people think it is a jpg and so think it's ok to click on but don't stop to think why this file has an extension showing when all their other files don't have their extensions showing! It doesn't seem to occur to them that it's actually called open_me.jpg.exe and is a program. Stupid question: seeing as the [last] dot is used to separate the file name from its type, and thus how Windwos should handle it, why, oh why, did Microsoft allow a dot in a filename, especially if they're going to hide the bit after the last dot which could lead to a filename that looks like a type it isn't? (Colons aren't allowed to provide for backward compatibility with device names.)
@@Al-ny8dr Never change extensions you're not sure about. That's the same as never run programs you're not sure about. And that's the problem: the easily changed by user filename extension is used to tell the OS what to do with the contents of a file. Basic users can easily change them so hide them so they don't accidentally change them. But it also means that basic users are also easily tricked into running a malware program as it looks like something it isn't - they see picture.jpg and think it is a picture; it doesn't occur to them that the extension shouldn't be visible and that it could be a program in itself. It is a trade off between stopping people accidentally breaking their computer and security against people "accidentally" installing malware. (I know which of the two is less undesired, and it's not the Microsoft default.) To alleviate this Microsoft could have: 1) not allowed the extension separater character of a dot (.) in a filename more than once - the only time it would be permirted is to separate the extension (you can't use colons so this would be a simple thing to implement); 2) made the extension read only unless a config option was set (the hide known extensions check box would become allow editing extensions check box, and extensions would always be shown); 3) make the system system folder read only to non administrators so that they can't be changed by a [basic] user (encourage users to be non administrators and program installation would require privilege escalation); 4) implement an execute bit in NTFS which cannot be set by a file being downloaded - it would have to be set either by the user running a utility, or an install program the used has to initiate (for executable a msgbox would pop up warning of the dangers of running downloaded programs and asking if they really want to run the program). None of these options (except possibly option 3) would make the experience less for a basic user (in option 4 a downloaded real JPG would be given to a picture viewer to show and, as itself is not run, would display as intended when clicked).
Mine Too! Grrrr
Microsoft also has (had) a contract with the NSA of over $600M.
I go one step further - on every PC I own, I format my hard drive, and install Ubuntu. Ditch the witch, and life will be wonderful.
I love Ubuntu, you can put it on a flash drive boot it up, and use it from there without installing it to test-run it.
I long ago gave up trying to figure out the reasoning behind some of the MS Windows settings. They always seemed configured to make the life of the user or support person more difficult. I see some things never change.
Agreed 100%
After 25 years, I still regularly think to myself... What is wrong with those boof head wankers.
You look Battery Procesor Passive/Active Microsoft delete this function...in Windows 11 .
@@VladIDrago MS giveth, MS taketh away. It is so written.
@@keithbrown7685 Heeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!
I do most of these but it's nice to be reminded of some, like the file extensions one.
Back in DOS days you always saw file extensions, so I've always turned that on in Windows. Also, showing the full path in the title bar (now the tabs). This avoids having two windows open with apparently the same name but are actually in different locations.
Yeah I remember the title bar trick back in the day. That was more OCD for me than anything else 😂
All my systems, show hidden files, show file extensions, show size. So a friend gives me their computer because it's running like mud. 500gb drive 4gb Ram. Heat issue? NOPE! One file extension was .flo I still cant find out what created it but I suspected it was a fake created by a hacker. 100gb. The computer had been set to run TeamViewer on start. NOW WE'RE TALKING! His biggest complaint was scanning pictures and ripping DVD or CD took hours. Cut to the chase, all ripping parameters were set to Max. He had a scan of a 3x5 photo that was 12gb, most were. He had movie rips that were 75gb each. Running slow? Might be the fact there is 128mb of free space left! I took away his computer ownership rights until he learns how to use one 😈
LOL 😂😂😂
@@crazy4dariverDamn, 500GB drive and 4GB RAM in 2023 would be rough. 1TB drives, even basic SSDs are commodity priced these days and a 16GB RAM pair should be $40-60.
same
For all the system admins out there, I recommend setting the option to show file extensions in Group Policy so that they are automatically set to show on all your client computers.
Yes because click on calculator.pdf is something different like calculator.exe ;-)
I guess thats something every admin usually does first since XP ? ^^V but yes that makes sense to do
Consider me subscribed! You've just saved my skin here; I've been using Windows since the 1990's, and I noticed some things in the 2000's that were established standards like system restore quietly exited out. I had to throw out entire systems in the past 10+ years, since Windows 7, and looks like I won't have to trash anymore PC's in a while thanks to your channel; keep it up!!
Thank you so much!!! 🎉
This is somewhat related. Sorry for all the words. I threw out a perfectly good computer when I got one of those "lap crushers" that act as desktop replacements. To this day, it bothers me. There were 2 functioning hard drives. Both were securely wiped. At least I did that part right. But there was no need for me to chuck a comp and a crt monitor as well. Everything was working. It was just getting on in years. But I had plenty of room in a closet to store the machine. But no, I was determined to be rid of it, and for what reason, I don't remember. And now, I just feel it was a terrible mistake. That was the thanks I gave it, for doing stuff for me for years. Guilt is a real hanger-on sometimes. :(
I know.. it's a metaphor. But I wanted to wonder what your skin had to do with OS settings. If the former needs repair or enhancement, you take it to a dermatologist. The latter, to someone like @AskYourComputerGuy (if you lack the knowledge to do it yourself, which knowledge you can obtain by watching videos such as this one). Still, though, I wouldn't try to access any settings menu or decryption password if I felt I were about to lose my skin, AKA my birthday suit.
With the startup, I have noticed that Win10 (and Win 11) have a much shorter list, as if most of these are hidden. Win7 had a very substantial list where you could go and surgically adjust the whole process.
I would always recommend keeping UAC turned on no matter how knowledgeable and experienced you might be. It isn't about checking what you are actively doing, it's about stopping things you don't know about happening in the background. It is extra security for one button press and could save a lot of heartache.
That's good advice. Especially for inexperienced users for sure. Thankfully it has never been a problem for me, but maybe I'm just lucky and pay attention to everything that is happening on my PC and have other safeguards in place 💪
@@AskYourComputerGuy How exactly do you "pay attention" to background processes which may start up without any visible evidence?
@kc5402 in task manager, go to startup and focus on items that don't need to be running every time the machine boots. I've got a video on the drawing board for "how to know which background processes are safe" 👍
I’m a it technician with way more years of experience than I’d like to admit.. using UAC is a must. Not only will it stop rogue executables but mistakes too. I highly recommend this keep ON whether experienced or not.
@thescottishcyclist4640 I'm going to address a correction in a follow-up video 💪
Wow, what a great video. I have just returned to the Windows ecosystem after years of being solely on MacOS. I feel so much better using windows now knowing that content like this is on YT to learn from and help make the experience a pleasant one. Thanks for your content.
I would add if a file is important BACK IT UP! Sooner or later something is going to go wrong.
Absolutely! 100% correct
Even MORE important, VERIFY that backup. Many have been bitten by the, but I made backups, and they were no good.
Insert captain America meme. No i don't think I will.
@@brodriguez11000 Yeah, backups tend to go great, so I have read on various forums where people would sing the praises of backing up to "the cloud". But, nowhere did I see an anecdote about a successful restore. They weren't to be found. It was all about backing up... that seemed to represent enough security for people. They never thought to test their backups, be they local or online. It was strange to behold.
Just make a system image, much better than a backup 👍
Great tips, even for computer experts. Its a good checklist to make sure you didn't forget something. Microsoft keeps moving the setting around so this helped me find settings that were not obvious. Why does Microsoft disable hibernation by default now? I set my laptop to hibernate when I close the lid. If I travel and don't open my laptop for a few days I don't want the battery to be completely dead when I try to use it because it drained in sleep mode instead of hibernating and turning off. So annoying. With SSDs, resuming from hibernate doesn't take long.
For #4 O&O Shutup is a great way to get more granular + extra privacy controls on your device
O&O is on the drawing board for a future video 💪
While its good, ensure you have a backup. I flipped too many switches, and lost my camera in Teams. No matter how many flips I switched back, or switches I de-flipped, it just never worked again.
Heard. I will do a thorough check of that before filming ;)
i used it for like 3-4 years. its not good some settings there will slow your computer down noticeably spy anti-beacon or W10 privacy are better.
@@chrisjlocke Re-flip all switches for camera and make sure camera in enabled in the quick settings menu. After this check hardware manager to make sure you driver is okay for the webcam. Never had issues with it.
I'd already changed most of these settings, but I didn't know about System Restore getting disabled. So thanks for the heads up.
Very useful info for most people. I think it would be useful to stress that you should not mess about with UAC at all! Although when set to default high priority, it causes you to have to jump through a lot of hoops to get things done, it is designed to protect you from hackers and it does a pretty good job of it. I am an experienced software engineer with many years of working on Windows and Linux, and I keep my UAC level just one below the top setting. But well done for this useful video.
Agreed
I too am a software engineer, but old skool lol, I used to work on the old 6502 CPU's, programming in assembly, then later delved into Linux (Redhat), then started messing around with Windows 1.0, and built up from there, and I too agree, that the UAC should NOT be messed with, I too have mine set to next notch down from the top, so that if a popup appears asking if blah, blah blah wants to run, and I don't recognize it, then I click on 'No', but if the UAC is set (as the guy says in the video) to the lowest setting, then ANY program will be allowed to run without asking, and that can mean malware, spyware and even viruses.
For the record, that's where I said I leave mine. But I also say it should be based on one's own needs and comfort level. I didn't suggest everyone disable theirs. For some people, high UAC is a,must. Just not me.
Nah, that fucking thing is getting switched off.
Totally up to you@@bassdeff8819 You can always have the joy of re-installing Windows when your unprotected computer gets screwed by a virus. And of course you'll have all your backed up data to restore (no doubt you do backups) as well as all your little games and stuff. Good luck mate.
What is very important and what nobody talks about is that you should _NEVER_ store your data files on the same drive as Windows itself! If you've only one disk, the disk should be partitioned into two disk, i.e. C and D. If Windows is on disk C (most computers), data should be stored at disk D. If Windows has to be reinstalled from scratch, no data is lost even if disk C is reformatted. This should be the default option when Windows is installed on the computer!
100% agreed! That's why I made this video 👍 How to guarantee ZERO data loss if Windows crashes kzhead.info/sun/d6eKmJusn52PqYE/bejne.html
This is the best to do first thing! Another thing is NOT save docs, photos on W default locations, as they are on the C drive!
@octavianr526 that's why I made this 👍 How to guarantee ZERO data loss if Windows crashes kzhead.info/sun/d6eKmJusn52PqYE/bejne.html
I learned the hard way!
@Ness2Alyza 🥲
Great information! I just bought a new HP desktop and used several of your recommendations.
The last point about restore setup is the most important. Thank you.
Yeah. I am also baffled why System restore is disabled right out of the box. Sometimes it gets disabled in some point by itself automatically. I believe this has to do with Ms has a problem with Windows keeping settings and probably malware along inside the restore point, that they cannot remove those unless it is disabled. This was a point of attack since Windows 7 days.
Yep
I've never used system restore in my life except one time for testing and it made windows laggy af. I also would've reinstalled windows several times while it was restoring... Always turn that useless feature off and backup your data yourself.
In addition to creating system restore points, periodically creating full system images with an appropriate 3rd party tool (I'll refrain from advertising any, but free ones can do the job just fine) can also be a good idea, in case of a hard drive / SSD failure. It's an advanced approach to backing your computer up, but also a great payoff if the main storage unit decides to kick the bucket. Make sure to store created images on an external drive. 🙂
Absolutely agreed!
@@AskYourComputerGuy Nowadays with fast SSDs etc. I often find as long as you have the user data backed up in a lot of cases it's just better to install Windows from fresh, slap Office back, run through Ninite and then the user data. I've had many "user images backups" handed to me but in a lot of cases they are old or just plain don't work or have to go through umpteen hoops to get back on. Of course every now and then you get the odd user with 78 different specialist softwares installed that for some reason they "don't know where the license key is" for some reason but I state on my website, if you aint got the license then that aint my problem!
Agreed, sometimes it's easier. Only exception is when there is a proprietary program installed that they don't have the installation or key for anymore. That's when it gets a bit tricky
If I doing this FBI no put me in jail? ];-D... . Microsoft with HP and Brother put software Blotware to made high your procesor warm (HP use program software Wolf Security, total shit software who invigilation)... . Corporations just lile Apple destroy you hardware because want to buy new...(Apple made this marketing devil move when slowly OS to older Iphones...).
A NAS of some kind is a good investment.
Thanks. Not only did you explain the issue, and the rational, but you explained how to fix these issues. I use probably 4 of them. Much appreciated!
Thank you! That's what my channel is all about! 💪👍
Already use a local account - on a side note, using a Microsoft login was excellent when I was in college, heavily making use of the office suite, Microsoft logins were quite nice - they absolutely have a use. Already have windows set up to let me do the rebooting. Already have my webbrowser synced. Already have fast startup disabled. Don't turn off uac. If you don't know why you should never turn it off, then you definitely shouldn't turn it off. All of these privacy settings were available when setting up your profile on firstboot. My startup is pretty clean. I already have file extensions displayed. I also show hidden files and folders. Setting up system restore should be the first thing you do after configuring your computer, that way you have an ideal point to return to. Unless you like resetting your operating system and starting anew. That's what I do.
Clear, concise, to the point. 👌🏼👍🏻
Thanks, I try!
Cheers for the video, really useful. But one thing I do with all my machines goes one step further than the Windows restore point backup Take clone images of your system drive using ghosting software, so the entire process is outside of Windows running at all
Agreed, but these steps are for novice users. That's my audience. Cloning, using a different OS, all of that is intermediate level stuff. But you're not wrong ;)
@@AskYourComputerGuy Power users are probably running windows on a VM, and snap-shotting that way. Good also if an update goes south.
Super concise and helpful, this cut down the massive CPU load on startup problem I was having with my new laptop. Thanks!
Fantastic! That's what I love hearing ❤️💪
@@AskYourComputerGuy It's a bit sad that so many people don't realize what's happening when their computer boots. People like you, who make videos to explain those things, are forces for good in the world!
Just found your channel. Kudos...this video and the 2 rescue USB's video are invaluable. Thanx again!
thank you so much! Glad they helped!
great list and I think there is one I would add and that is in the advanced setting for the system. Change the virtual memory from automatic to a specific setting using the recommended minimum as the minimum and then I usually double the memory for the maximum. This will keep your hard drive lasting much longer and from being slowed down by the system sitting at 100% on the HD slowing the system to a crawl.
Great tip!
This is Michael. I've done this for decades , however this is more applicable if you have a HARD drive, and not an SSD or nvme. 2, which systems also usually have a lot more memory and get an automatic larger allocation
I've always thought this bit of functionality is not keeping up to date with modern specs. I also suspect a lot of apps like MS Office manage it themselves anyway
Yes!...i did this for the first machine i ever built, an Acer running Win 3.1, diode by diode, solder & circuit, chip by slot..by the time i had it's potential upgrades completely maxed out it was already 10 yrs old...& after increasing the VM value, i got another 10 out of it before it developed dementia. Sentimental Treasure, i just run cool screensavers on it now..& once it's heart of gold beats it's last..i will still find a decorative use for it & display it on the shelf.
Thanks to you my whole windows profile was reset while trying to convert it to a local account. Great stuff
That's not what happens when switching to a local account when Windows is working properly
That should not happen, I just did it like in video and it's ok.
Thanks very much for that, especially the enabling of the system restore feature. I had noticed on my computer when I tried to do a system restore recently and there was NO restore point on my windows 10! There is now. Thanks again
Awesome!
Thank you Scott, I really don't get with computers, but I use one a lot. I also applied 5 or 6 of the settings you suggested, and the way you did the video with all the steps, helped me a lot.
Good deal! Glad to hear it, and I appreciate it :)
Nice video @2:50 I would suggest that a password manager to store all your bookmarks and passwords & will work regardless of the browser you want to use. @3:50 UAC is necessary if you want to use the Microsoft Store so do not disable it, just turn it to the lowest setting. and lastly make sure you do a *DISM /online /Cleanup-image /RestoreHealth* from a elevated command prompt so that your *sfc /scannow* command works properly
Good points, thank you
I have UAC set to never notify or do anything, and the Win store works fine for me. Has for years on Win10. Maybe 11 is different. Video needs to make it clearer on every section that it applies for Win11, as a lot of these options work on 10 as well just are labeled slightly differently. There's nothing in the title showing it and if people skip to a section they want to change, it doesn't immediately show that Win11 screen.
I appreciate that. When the settings were different for W10, I included that in the "how to do this" portion for each section. But thank you for your feedback and I will keep this in mind for future videos ;)
Like any app /program no matter their use they have and ALWAYS will store/ share /sell you data’ No “password” program is safe or smart imo’ If u store your passwords it’s a matter of time before any program leaks or is hacked’ Maybe I’m paranoid but in todays digital world everything is collecting your data’ For passwords I’ll use the old pen and paper method any day over storing them in any data base!
Can't beat pen and paper, no doubt. There ARE good programs out there that ARE safer than the "standard" methods...more to come VERY soon!
I always change the setting for file extensions, I never understood the reason Microsoft disabled file extensions, it made no sense to me and made it harder to do remote desktop support over the phone.
I agree!
The problem is that every major or cumulative (or partial cumulative) update disables showing files extensions. Simply abhorrent behaviour.
I'm with Microsoft here... when the file extension is shown, and you decide to rename that file, potentially you may wipe out the file extension, making very difficult to identify the file type, and what to open with.
@@resuelgooga5565, weak argument. First, if the user doesn't have the minimal ideia they are doing, don't touch a computer. Second, when the file is subject to a rename, Windows 8 to 10 do not select the extension, only what's before the last period (can't remember if Win7 does the same). Third, even if they mistakenly erase the extension while typing or selecting text, they can press Esc to cancel the operation and get the current name back. Fourth, if the user wants the extensions to be shown, he/she made a conscious choice. No justification to disable the setting when the user knowingly enabled it! It is abusive behaviour by M$.
Untrue. Simply Untrue. Even if you left the file with no extension, you can easily rename it back to its original and it will open fine. If you're with Microsoft, that comment explains a lot.
Scott, a wonderful video packed with truly important information to keep one safe and sound using their PC's!!!!!
Thank you! Much appreciated! 👍
I applaud you! You are so right about especially about the last three points. I've always done most of what you suggest here and found out the hard way that MS disables system restore. You gave the best suggestions and clear directions. I hope many see this and follow! I do have a question for you. If I decide to do the local account, will I always have to sign into MS when I need to use my excel, word and mail?
Not with Office, no. Once you login, it will retain your login credentials. Should be similar with Onedrive and other MS apps. Thanks for the kind words! 🎉
The local account, privacy settings, and system restore were all super helpful. Thank you.
Glad it helped you out!
On Windows 11, I'm not having much luck finding a way to have a Local account. Is this not an option in 11?
@bobnolin9155 it is. Look under "family and other users". This might help: support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/add-or-remove-accounts-on-your-pc-104dc19f-6430-4b49-6a2b-e4dbd1dcdf32#:~:text=Add%20people%20to%20a%20home%20PC,-The%20best%20way&text=10%20Professional%20editions%3A-,Select%20Start%20%3E%20Settings%20%3E%20Accounts%20%3E%20Family%20%26%20other%20users.,information%20and%20follow%20the%20prompts.
Note: I'd recommend users to check Startup Apps in Windows 10/11 because even if you disable it in the Task Manager Startup tab it can still show in Startup Apps.
That is an excellent point. Thank you ;)
Yep...i have a never ending battle going with some of them...don't use em, Don't Want em so i keep disabling cos of course they can't be removed without paralyzing something vital...& every darn sneaky 'upgrade' they re-enable...sometimes they wake up just with a new boot up..put a link to startup on my taskbar & i keep task manager open just Minimized cos..of those. Have to cos when i'm on a big job some of them, if they run all at the same time, can freeze everything up causing a cold boot & a mountain of lost work.
@@NuLiForm I've found that the free Autorun Organizer (ChemTable software) does a great job of showing me exactly what loads at startup, from where, and how much impact it has on the startup. Certain things have high impact but are important to me so I don't disable them. If there's something I don't want, I disable it and Autorun Organizer keeps it disabled, as well as notifying me of new items that are added (at the time of addition, if I leave the background process enabled, or the next time I run the program, if I don't (my preference)). Boot time can be measured and compared when certain things are enabled at boot and others aren't, and it suggests a delay before loading certain programs that aren't usually needed ASAP. If you want, it scans all items with virustotal automatically whenever you run the AO, and its large user base allows it to tell you, if you want, how many other users of that program disable it and how many delay it. (You don't have to allow any of your own info to be sent) If you're a NuLiForm as in a "new lifeform" without advanced cognitive function, you might need someone to explain anything I wrote that you don't understand. I suspect you'll have no problem whatsoever, though. 👍😂
It's amazing how long it had been since I used restore points. To my surprise, I had none on this two-year old system laptop. That's something I used to do back in the desktop PC days. Thanks for reminding me about it.
Thanks for sharing
Great video I just restored… following instructions .., after all devices hacked hope this works ! Will keep you posted 😊
I love how Microsoft seems to go out of their way to hide settings that used to be neatly organized into easy to find locations once upon a time. Thankfully, I seem to have performed all of these actions except for the local login. Fixed now.
👍💪😁
Haha yea, they seem to love to hide things and make it all counterintuitive, don't they.
How many fell for allowing them to collect 'Inking' or 'Writing' as they later renamed it. Saying do you agree to having a Keylogger would not go down well.
As an old Windows 95/98/2000/xp/vista/7/8/10/11 tweaker these are good starting tips for anyone not in the know. A lot of my old tweak settings died long ago with the older Windows versions but these are solid for a beginner!
Those are my people! Thx for stopping in! 💪
@@AskYourComputerGuy You got a new subscriber thanks brother!
Thank YOU! 👍
I have used more OSes than you have. I used v1, 1.x, 2, 2.x, 3, 3.1, 3.11, "Chicago" beta from 1994, 95, 95SR2, 98, 98SE, W2K, WinXP, "Longhorn" beta, Vista, Vista64, 7, 10, 11 -------- ++++ various versions of DOS and Nix. But I was too afraid to try WinME.
Yeah my oldest recollection was DOS 6.22 (I think!). WinME was an absolute disaster
Great tips, Scott. I especially appreciated the #1 Tip - Enable/Create Restore Point. Some of the other points I had covered, but it is good to do a thorough review. I've also switch to a local user account. Thanks again.
Good deal, glad you found it useful!
Awesome channel ! a lot of variety. A minor thing that erks me in 10 is the recycle bin NOT having that "display delete confirmation dialog" checked off.
Agreed
Lots of great info here, wow. Was surprised that 'System Restore' is actually useful now with Win10. In the past, it wasn't and never seemed to solve anything with computers I worked on for folks.
Glad you enjoyed it ;) 💪🍺
On my older PC which has suddenly started running mega slow I tried to do system restore but it failed due to the anti-virus software so I'll need to temporarily disable the anti-virus software. I was playing a game on it during a really hot day so I think there's a fair chance that the CPU got too hot and cooked itself. I'm going to look up to see if there's anyway to test the health of the CPU. It's an old, iirc Win 7 era (updated first to 8 then to 10) so if the CPU is cooked it's probably not going to be worth replacing the CPU, I'll just try and get a new computer that's roughly the equivalent spec
@leeroberts1192 you might want to focus on your Windows and not so much the CPU. I've never seen system restore stopped by anti-virus. That would be a clue to me that there is something deeper going on in the OS 🤷♂️
@@AskYourComputerGuy The system restore attempt must have taken over an hour. Might try again but launch it from safe mode to see if that helps. For some reason the other day the anti-virus software and some other windows security thing had just decided to turn themselves off. When I'm on the old PC I'll have the anti-virus software do a full system scan (scan everything mode) before I do anything else with the computer. Plan B will be to take a USB stick with me and download windows again from amazon, check which key I need, backup my browser stuff and then reinstall windows. Will probably reformat the C drive as I keep any documents, etc on a separate drive
Totally agree with all of these. I often use a restore point in case the 'forced' updates ruin the system and always log in with a local account..although Microsoft seem determined to prevent you doing this. And the unnecessary hidden files and extension setting..why do they do that?
If I knew that, I'd probably be a billionaire by now 😂
@@AskYourComputerGuy your rich enough🤣🤣
LOL 😂
Windows system restore is shit, I use Macrium free.
There is a Macrium video on the drawing board ;)
I have been working with home computers since MSDOS. I had already done all of these, except for enabling system restore, probably the most important. Thanks a bunch for your video
Thank you for watching! Glad it helped! :)
Thanks for the tips! I already had several of them done in the past but you did show me a couple more I didn't know about. 😃
👍
In Services, disable Telemetry and Link Distribution Tracking. All other thigs you mentioned are GREAT 👍
Theres a great tool called O&O ShutUp 10 which removes all the Telemetry, Privacy and Spyware in one easy app... Has anyone else used this before and found it useful ? Also, the good old Sysinternals downloads has an AutoRuns app - remove any twaddle from there can be helpful too! ....Hope this helps someone, and if Ive made a mistake, please correct me guys
Nice list! 👍 I would add #0: Change your account type to regular user. Create a separate local administrator account. Use its credentials only when you get a popup window for elevated rights request.
DEFINITELY!!! 💯
Absolutely. It is the difference between getting a popup saying "would you like X to do Y" that is one click away from disaster and a popup the will not let you proceed until you enter an admin password. The latter requires that you pause to consider what your are really doing.
Agreed. Will be addressing/correcting this in an upcoming video 👍
Thank you for creating this vid! These settings are very simple to apply, but the course I'm studying didn't mention them. They seem very essential though!
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks brother. 25 years ago, I had a procedure for this that I would put on every computer I owned. Now I have a new one.
💪
This is a wonderful video and a downright must know for the PC community. Thank you!!!!
Aww thank you so much! ❤️
@@AskYourComputerGuy Quick important note: Making a local profile from my Microsoft account STILL ALLOWED me to use my PIN from that account on the local one... that I did not expect. Should I worry about this?
@j.a.velarde5901 not if you chose PIN as your signin method. I think you're ok 👍
@@AskYourComputerGuy Thanks again, and I'm subbed. Best wishes.
@j.a.velarde5901 thank you so much! I appreciate the support 💪
I've pretty much always done number 2. I Hate not being able to see what type of files I'm looking at,even if they do have icons for whatever program opens them.
Exactly! And it's soooo much safer...just ask Linus! 💪
And I'd want to know where they are in the tree hierarchy. So file x is in My Documents. What is the path of that folder exactly, is what I want to know. Sometimes I feel like I'm in a matrix and the true placement of files is being hidden from me for my own good and happiness, as defined by MS.
Agreed
as novice,,,,,, I followed per direction. Now i had to figure out the differences between system..but it was spot on! thanks you so much.
Glad it helped! 💪
Man, you are so right on!!! That "Hide extensions for known file types" has galled me ever since Windows 2.x, and I STILL have to turn it off with every new Windows installation I ever do! It is so dangerous to click on a file when you don't clearly see its extension. (Microsoft would probably say that a tiny icon near the filename will tell you the type, but that's just too hard to always identify properly.)
What a great list of Windows tweaks! I like every one of them, and stumbled on most of them myself over the years. However, I just wiped my hard drive and reloaded Windows 10 last week because my computer was getting sluggish, and it was sure nice to have your list to draw upon. Would have taken me weeks to remember all of these on my own. I would have to say that my two favourites from your list are the reveal hidden files tweak and squelching as many startup programs as possible. Everyone wants their particular app to appear to load instantly--no matter how infrequently a user might call upon it. The result is that it takes forever for Windows to load on Startup. Thanks again.
Glad you benefited! Appreciate your support and comment ;)
Turning off UAC even for advanced users is terrible advice. With how easy it is to infect any computer today having at least a small item to help remind you is a good thing. I suppose you'd buy a high end sports car that is proven by race drivers that the onboard traction control gives them faster lap times than on their own, that you'd turn it off and keep it off. Not saying you're going to get infected of have issues but it's a very small item reminder, perhaps save you in those times you're up late nodding off and click something you didn't mean to.
That's why I said it needs to be at the user's comfort level. I've had UAC off as long as I can remember...but I'm also not going to open anything I don't 100% trust, plus I have multiple layers of AV and malware security on top of that. But Grandma out in Phoenix who doesn't know a virus from a turnip needs hers to be 100%. Just depends on your level of comfort when it comes to security and your own user behavior
@@AskYourComputerGuy Agreed on some level. But to be fair aside from a drive by like myself the majority of "your" user base seems to be newer users and thus not well served by turning it off or changing it's settings. Those that have been using computers for a while and don't so much need technicians like us aren't taking our advice one way or the other. Just my two cents and sorry to be negative on your channel. I should have posted in a bit more positive manner.
True that! Administrator rights plus UAC down means: you will not even get a note that something wrong is going on. This combo means: "I don't care. Everything can run with admin rights on this machine and I don't even need to be notified about it."
Thank you @AskYourComputerGuy I was always logging into my Windows 10 desktop computer with my Microsoft account thinking that I would have additional features/ privilege's. Recently started following you and appreciate your videos/ work
Thank you! 💪
I think this is a great video. A lot of the stuff you tell us to do, I was already doing like turning off all that windows tracking stuff because I have heard many times what it does and I never wanted that. The account thing for Firefox passwords was something I did not know and yes, I liked that option. It was a nice confirmation for me that I was already doing most of these. Creating a restore point was not one of them. Thanks for the video.
Glad you enjoyed it and got value. Browser sync is "iffy" from a security standpoint, but I find it super convenient and take the risk because I know what I'm doing 👍
I was gonna complain if "turn on file extensions" wasn't on the list! Well good job it was. It's crazy to me that such an unhelpful-and indeed dangerous-feature is enabled by default, and after all this time (think it's been like that since XP or something). That'd be #1 if I were making this list, but Windows Restore is great too. One the the few undeniably helpful things Windows can do for you (great failsafe when something goes wrong) and they turn that off?? Anyway, very good list of tips.
Thank you :)
@manauser362 No, silly, they don't turn off the visibility of file extensions. The ability to see known file extensions is disabled by default and you can easily toggle their visibility.
I didn't follow that. Can you repeat it?
Thanks for this video, Followed the suggestions offered and created neew restore point. Thes will certainly help my wndows 10.
Thank you! I had most of these done, but I did not have a restore point set. I do now! Thanks again!
Awesome!!! 🎉
One a lot of people don't mention is to setup a true local Admin account and then setup your local account as a standard User account. That way your day to day usage is protected a little more but also it can pay off on occasion to have more then one account on a machine if the main account gets corrupted. You can at least get back on your machine one way or another and fix the busted account.
Funny, I always do that for my local clients out of habit, but failed to mention it in the video. Probably "out of habit". Thx for your comment, you're absolutely right.
Ok now I'm really confused. I am signed on as the Administrator. Other than the restricted access, what's the point of a local account? Am I connected to Microsoft? Really, I don't see the problem in performance.
@bobnolin9155 I am releasing a video soon that will make you RUN from using a Microsoft account. There is no difference as long as everything is working...but when it stops working (as shown in the video), you'll be thankful you switched. Customer lost everything (and I mean EVERYTHING) because they used a Microsoft account. You'll see, trust me you'll want to watch it 👍💪
@@AskYourComputerGuyCool. Actually I found that if I click on the Windows icon and then click on my account icon, it takes me to the screen where you can switch to a local account. It worked! Thanks! Also, the Set Restore point was a huge tip.
@bobnolin9155 awesome! Thx for sharing :)
Excellent, well done !
Thank you very much! Glad you enjoyed it!
I've been doing this since the introduction of windows vista. I am glad you are informing people on how to do this.
Thank you :)
@@AskYourComputerGuy I learned something new as such you've earned a sub mate. I was having issues with my Aorus b450 wi-fi pro board booting. The wi-fi wasn't working right on first boot every time. I disabled the save state crap and you wouldn't believe it now it works right every boot. Just goes to show I am well over 50 and still learning. Keep up the good work.
@retropcscotland4645 awesome, thank you! 👍
Scott, Thank you for providing this video with such great advice and explained to perfection. Thank you so very much. 🙂 (Chase)
I appreciate that very much!
🙂🙂🙂
why would you want to hide your file extension? this can help if anything has been hidden in your system, also it can help what files is the extension, like if it's a .exe, .mp4, file, this can help, hackers make a file extension like this (.txt.exe) people think it's a .txt file but it's a .exe if you hide it you want be able to see the full extension
I know people who do. They feel like it looks "cleaner" in file explorer
What's weird is that when extensions are hidden a user seeing "file.txt" will still think it is a txt file _despite_ ".txt" not appearing on all their other txt files, and not even consider it could be file.txt.exe!
To me a Microsoft account has brought many benefits over local accounts, and it has not "forced" anything on me that I couldn't easily get rid of. A local account is also super easy to crack in comparison to a MS account login (of Win 11 I'm not sure although I've been running the Insider builds since their early days just like I did with 10 but in everything before 11, it could be easily done in a couple of minutes with a boot disk). MS account also makes setting sync possible, which eliminates the need to set that file extension etc. settings again on every system. And for those who use MS services it can simplify logging in and I also appreciate the fact that Office business accounts also work as Windows logins (as someone who manages one small business). These also offer things like remote wiping and BitLocker key backups which can be very beneficial. MS account is also required for Windows Hello features like multiple login options including different hardware options (maybe these work without an account these days, I have not tested for a while, but they didn't in the past). Windows Hello can be used by other things too than just MS things. Like different password vaults, including multiple browsers. Microsoft Store also requires an account for some things. Window's parental control features are very good and offer very broad control over different accounts and even remote control over certain aspects of kids computers, and Xbox consoles, yet there are many users who are completely oblivious to these while they complain that their kids do this and that. Quite simple to setup and afterwards easy to manage via your MS account with each family member having their own accounts. But ok, let's just tell everyone that the account is wortless and then they complain when systems that require them don't work. Browser syncing is a fine feature although I prefer separate vaults for my ID's. Not for any security reason (although they can offer far more control over those aspects too) but also because of their flexibility (they are not tied to a single browser. Btw, for Edge sync, a MS account is required and setting one up with Windows automates the process. Not all but many of the privacy settings are set during the OOBE phase (when a new system is set up) but because people are in a constant hurry and often lack the capacity to stop and concentrate on pretty much anything these days, they don't bother to really read the information and just ram them next and skip buttons. Disabling UAC notifications at least used to be a problem and would prevent some features from working (Microsoft Store was one of them if I remeber correctly) although that might have changed also. I don't mind the default setting and clicking OK is not that difficult, even for soneone who installs and uninstalls stuff constantly. But obviously a benefit if it doesn't cause problems anymore. All in all, ok tips though some of them are very subjective and require more explanation as to why they should be done. Like MS accounts for example which can offer many benefits for many users, yet here it is basically said that they are useless.
To each his own! It's great that we all have our own opinions, and we will all reap the benefits we desire if we set things how we want them.
I can’t thank you enough for this video. Insightful and informative. Everyone should know and do these. Thank you, again!
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks, mate. This video was very helpful to me. Clear, concise and to the point. Subbed.
Thank you! 🍺👍
Syncing across browsers is lowering your Security for the lazy that don't care to manage on their own.
Perhaps, but there are people who prefer convenience over security. Doesn't make it best practices, but everyone is different 👍
@@AskYourComputerGuy Oh I agree. I make a good living off of computer support. Obviously this is not a serious security issue for most but it's often the low hanging fruit that users miss in security that ends up sending them to support people like you and me. I like and agree with most of your advice but weakening security can and does get some people in hot water pretty quickly these days.
Very true. But I think people need to know what their options are and I guide them through the pros and cons. I repair computers for a living as well, and have for nearly 30 years. I can only present the information, both good and bad, and let the user decide. I have a good friend who is a malware and security expert and he keeps his machine on total lockdown. I'm just the opposite. Neither of us is wrong, just different comfort levels 😁
Not for those who use a secure password for syncing
@jonasewer1681 your point is valid. A browser session hijack though (like what happened to Linus), password strength wouldn't matter much
Step #1: Download Linux Step #2: Create USB boot drive Step #2: Set your Windows machine to "OFF". Step #3: Restart into live Linux Desktop Step #4: Enjoy reliable computing.
Recently had to clean boot my PC and this video helped me avoid some pitfalls. Thanks!
Glad it helped!
Thank you for this video. I just over viewed it first and will study it more carefully during the week. It's all the things I needed to know and sure that goes for numerous people that use a computer as well. Just shared the one before and left comment, will share this one too.
Awesome! I'm here for you if you have any questions :)
Thx for the video, i switched from my Microsoft account to local now because it makes sense to lose everything if you were to get hacked.
Just changed hard drive and had forgotten how to change some things. Thanks for all your help!!! 👍
Glad to help!
Another good thing from disabling the fast startup is that when it is turned on windows will create a file that is 20gb if im not wrong on every system close. With it disabled it doesnt create it (from what i saw) so for SSD drives it is a good thing since those have a limited write amount.
Thanks for the tips! Most I've already done since I was a network admin in the past but got a little rusty. The tips about privacy and the restore points was spot on, I've transferred my win10 image from my old PC to the new one but system restore got disabled. As for backups, I use an old version of Acronis true image though I must say this can't be bought anymore, it's all cloud subscription or nothing these days. It'll make a backup from system drive to data drive, then clone the data drive every once in a while and store it off site.
nice list! I do 8 out of 9 on every install. I have been forgetting the restore point enable. Thank you.
Glad to help!
The file extension is actually something I didnt realize until you pointed out it. Thank you very much!
My pleasure 👍
Thank you so much for this information. I recently updated to Windows 11 and a lot of stuff has changed. :D
Agreed! Glad it helped you out ;)
i did everything like you said and its good cept the last one , my new restore point isnt popping up in the box but thank you sir it all helps greatly
Thank you. Consider increasing the amount of space allocated for restore points 👍
Thank you. I have restore points and know about them, but I certainly appreciate the reminder, because it is so easy to go along every day and not think about it. All good wishes.
Agreed! Same to you :)
Thanks for the ideas, used 3 of your tipps right away!
Thanks to following some of these my laptop finally sounds a lot less like a jet taking off 🙏 still got 208 background processes to get rid off.
Great video, thanks for the tips. As someone else has already mentioned, it is worthwhile checking the Hibernate tab for added power saving.
This was very easy and useful Thanks for your help There is so much flimflam and BS on these kind of blogs. Yours is the best I have come across.
Thank you, I appreciate that!
thanks for the video, im getting a new pc soon so now i will be able to start all of this fresh on a new pc
You're welcome! 👍
really good video. points 4 and 8 were new to me and they help alot :) thank you man
My pleasure! 👍
Thank you for the great tips. I just got a new computer and microsoft's set up was a concern as it pushed me along to the full microsoft onedrive world. Your local account tip was excellent, as was system restore, and that pesky file extension and hidden file issue. For those of us that don't change our computers over frequently your video was a good checklist to remind us of how to tailor our machines the way we like them to be.
Glad it helped!
I have been using computers for some time now, but I'm still about and intermediate level user so some real good information here...thanks.
Glad it was helpful!
Wow, I've just spotted this video and watched it and now, Im going to have to go back and watch it again slowly and 3 times so I can set up all these great suggestions on my 2 x laptops and also desktop PC
Glad you enjoyed it!
I can't believe changing back to local account was so easy! I made the mistake of tying my account to windows because of the "reuse on other devices" promise from a while back, and have regretted since. When I went to look up how to turn my account back to local the tutorials implied a lot of messy steps to change it. You're a hero! I'm so glad it was easy after all.
Awesome!
Great channel! The algorithm recommended you for no reason, but I have subscribed!
I appreciate the support 💪
Wow, great advices! I really liked the system restore tip. I had to re-install my system just 2 days ago. I wish I knew how to make a restore point when it was working correctly...
Now tou do 👍💪
Thank you. About two-thirds of these were things I already knew to do, but I appreciate the reminder to update my restore point and to go through my start-up list and disable the apps that are no longer relevant. I am embarrassed to admit I didn't know I could set up a local sign-in account to circumvent all that automated MS BS. I guess since it was there since day one on the first account I initially set up, it just didn't occur to me that my default account on this computer was anything but a local personal account. I just figured all that MS membership trash was now a mandatory part of having a Windows account these days. You have no idea how happy I am to be rid of all that nonsense. I still can't believe Windows defaults to having the hidden file and hidden extension settings turned on. I remember absolutely raging when I finally figured out why I couldn't find certain system files I was looking for when I was investigating what I believed might be some malware on my system. What in the Blazes was Microsoft thinking?!!!!!
Exactly! Like buying a sports car with no seat belts. Ridiculous. And I've got a video coming out in the next couple days that goes in depth about why to NEVER use your MS account for login. It'll be quite informative :)
This is one of the view videos on this topic that absolutely nails it! Fantastic suggestions!! I actually do all of these any time I do a fresh install of Windows. To expand on this topic, I change the location of Desktop, Documents, Downloads, Music, Pictures & Videos to point to aptly named folders on my D: (Data) drive -- doing this carries over most everything I need if I have to do a reinstall--except programs obviously, but since my Windows runs on a RAID 0 SSD Array, (was for value add to my 2011 Build I have yet to replace, as I consolidated drives from other systems) Occasionally my Windows craps out and I have to reinstall--Yes, I need to update from my Core I7-2600k platform...aside from occasional Windows death (System Restore FTW) the damn thing wont die!!!
Got all of these coming up in a follow-up part 2 "even more settings to change" video 👍
@@AskYourComputerGuy I also just switched to a Local acct after watching your video on the topic. I was lazy and left the MS acct as default and surprisingly, the transition was seamless! Thanks for the best Windows tips out there!! Coming from someone who uses Windows 10, OS X, & Ubuntu daily. (Software Developers wear a lot of hats)
@DustinSilva awesome! I appreciate that! 💪👍
I ended up making a few changes as I was watching this video, so thanks so much!
Glad it helped!