How to customize Windows 11

Windows 11 is the latest operating system from Microsoft and offers many options for customizing the appearance and functionality of your computer. Customizing your desktop can help improve productivity, make your work more enjoyable, or simply express your personality.

In this article, we'll show you how to customize Windows 11 to meet your specific needs. We'll explore the different options available for customizing your desktop, including themes, wallpapers, icons, and much more.

How to access Windows 11 customization settings

To access Windows 11 customization settings, right-click on any empty area of the desktop and select "Personalize" from the context menu. This will open the Personalization Settings window where you can modify all available options.

  • Themes: Here you can choose from a wide range of pre-defined themes or download new themes from the Microsoft Store.
  • Background: Here you can choose an image or photo slideshow as your desktop background.
  • Colors: Here you can choose user interface colors, including window colors, button colors, and taskbar colors.
  • Icons: Here you can change desktop icons such as "Computer" or "Recycle Bin".
  • Lock screen: Here you can customize the lock screen with useful images and information.
  • Light/Dark theme: Here you can choose whether you prefer a light or dark theme for the Windows 11 user interface.

In this article, we'll explore each of these options in detail and provide you with some tips on how to best customize your desktop. Let's get started!

Change the desktop background

Customizing the desktop background is one of the easiest ways to make your Windows 11 computer unique and tailored to your image. Here's how to do it:

Select a pre-defined background

Windows 11 offers a wide selection of pre-defined backgrounds that you can use to personalize your desktop. To choose one of these backgrounds, follow these steps:

  1. Right-click on an empty area of the desktop.
  2. Select "Personalize" from the context menu.
  3. In the Settings window, select "Background".
  4. Choose one of the many pre-defined backgrounds available or scroll down to see more options.
  5. Once you've chosen your desired background, close the Settings window and enjoy the new look of your desktop!

Use your favorite image as a background

If you don't like any of the pre-defined backgrounds offered by Windows 11, you can use your favorite image as a background. Follow these steps:

  1. Right-click on an empty area of the desktop.
    1. Select "Personalize" from the context menu.
    2. In the Settings window, select "Background".
    3. Under "Choose your picture", click "Browse" to select the image you want to use as your background.
    4. Once you have selected the image, you can choose to fit it to the screen, fill it, or align it. You can also choose to have the same background on all of your monitors if you have more than one.
    5. Click "Save changes" and enjoy the new look of your desktop!

    Customizing your desktop background is a simple yet effective way to make your Windows 11 computer unique and tailored to your preferences. Experiment with different images and fitting options to find the perfect one for you!

    Customize the taskbar

    The taskbar is one of the most important parts of the Windows 11 interface. Here, you can find all of your favorite applications and quickly access system functions.

    Change the position of the taskbar

    If you want to change the position of the taskbar, right-click on an empty spot on the bar and select "Taskbar settings". From here, you can choose whether to place the bar at the bottom or sides of the screen.

    Add or remove icons from the taskbar

    You can customize your taskbar by adding or removing icons for apps that you use most often. To do this, right-click on the app icon in the bar and select "Add to taskbar" or "Remove from taskbar".

    Change the size of taskbar icons

    If you want to change the size of icons in your taskbar, right-click on an empty spot on the bar and select "Taskbar settings". From here, you can choose between three different sizes for the icons: small, medium, or large.

    Group taskbar icons

    If you have many icons on your taskbar, it may be helpful to group them to keep them organized. Right-click on an empty spot on the bar and select "Taskbar settings". Then select the option "Group taskbar icons" and choose how to group the icons.

  • Automatically group: Windows will automatically group icons based on their application.
  • Group by app: Icons will be grouped based on their application.
  • No grouping: All icons will be displayed individually on the taskbar.

We hope these tips help you customize your taskbar in Windows 11!

Edit user interface theme

The user interface theme of Windows 11 can be customized in various ways. You can choose from different color schemes, backgrounds, and more to personalize your experience.

To edit your user interface theme, go to "Settings" and click "Personalization". From here, you can customize your background image, colors, fonts, and more. You can also choose from pre-made themes or create your own.

Experiment with different options to find the perfect user interface theme for you!

Default themes or create your own custom theme.

Choose a default theme

To choose one of the default themes, click on the Start button and select "Settings". Then go to "Personalization" and select "Themes". Here you can choose from various default themes such as "Light", "Dark" or "High Contrast". By selecting a theme, you will immediately see an preview of the new look of your desktop.

Create a custom theme

If you want to create a custom theme, you can easily do so using the customization settings. Keep in mind that to create a custom theme, you will need some knowledge of advanced Windows settings and modifying the system registry.

  • Step 1: Go to "Settings" and select "Personalization"
  • Step 2: Click on "Colors" and turn on the option "Choose my background color"
  • Step 3: Choose the background color you prefer
  • Step 4: Choose the color of user interface elements, such as windows, scroll bars, and buttons
  • Step 5: Go to "Effects" and choose the effect you prefer for windows
  • Step 6: Go to "Mouse pointers" and select the cursor you prefer
  • Step 7: Go to "Sounds" and choose the sounds you prefer for system notifications
  • Step 8: Go to "Backgrounds" and select your favorite background

After completing these steps, you have created a custom theme. You can save it by clicking on the "Save theme" button. The new theme will then be saved in the "Themes" section of the customization settings.

In summary, customizing the user interface theme of Windows 11 is easy and allows you to create a unique desktop environment that reflects your personality. Choose from default themes or create your own custom theme using advanced customization settings.

Add widgets to your screen

Widgets are one of the new customization elements available in Windows 11. Widgets can be added to your screen to provide you with quick and useful information such as news, weather, calendar, and more. In this section, we will show you how to add widgets to your screen.

Step 1: Open the widget panel

To open the widget panel, click on the widget icon in the taskbar or swipe from the left edge of your screen to the right. The widget panel will open on the right side of your screen.

Step 2: Select your favorite widgets

After opening the widget panel, you will see a list of options to choose from. Scroll up and down to see all available widgets. Click on a widget to select it.

You can also drag and drop the widgets you want directly onto your desktop to display them permanently.

Step 3:
Customize your widgets

Each widget has its own customization options. Right-click on a widget to access its customization options. For example, you can choose which news to display in the News widget or which city to display in the Weather widget.

Step 4:
Add more widgets

You can add more widgets to your screen to further customize your Windows 11 experience. Repeat the previous steps to select and customize your favorite widgets.

  • Scroll up or down to view all available widgets.
  • Click on a widget to select it.
  • Drag and drop widgets directly onto the desktop to display them permanently.

Conclusion and final tips for customizing Windows 11

After exploring the various customization options available in Windows 11, it can be concluded that the new operating system offers many possibilities for adapting the interface to one's preferences. However, it is important to remember that any changes made can affect the stability or efficiency of the system, so it is advisable to proceed with caution and be careful about what is modified.

In addition, although it is easy to get carried away by the desire to customize everything, it is important not to overdo it and maintain a balance between functionality and aesthetics. Customizing the interface too much could make it difficult to use the system itself, especially for those who are not familiar with computer technologies.

Here are some final tips:

  • Before modifying any setting, make sure you have a good understanding of possible consequences;
  • Be careful about installing programs from unofficial sources, as they may contain malware or spyware;
  • Always keep your operating system and installed programs up-to-date;
  • Do not overdo customization: try to maintain a balance between functionality and aesthetics;
  • If you have difficulty customizing the interface, do not hesitate to ask for help from friends or professionals in the field.

By following these simple tips, you can safely and satisfactorily personalize your Windows 11 without compromising the stability of the system. Happy customization!

Conclusion

In conclusion, customizing Windows 11 is a process that requires time and attention, but can lead to satisfying results if done carefully and patiently. Thanks to the numerous customization options available in the new operating system, every user can make the Windows 11 interface unique and adapted to their preferences.

However, it is important to remember that any changes made may affect the stability of the system or its efficiency, so it is always better to proceed with caution and pay attention to what you modify. Maintaining the right balance between functionality and aesthetics is crucial to ensure an optimal user experience.

If you follow our advice and step-by-step instructions, you will be able to safely and satisfactorily customize your Windows 11. Don't hesitate to experiment and find the settings that work best for you!

Ruggero Lecce - Consulente senior di personal branding in Italia

Michael Anderson - Software Engineer

My name is Michael Anderson, and I work as a computer engineer in Midland, Texas.

My passion is sharing my knowledge in various areas, and my purpose is to make education accessible to everyone. I believe it is essential to explain complex concepts in a simple and interesting way.

With GlobalHowTo, I aim to motivate and enrich the minds of those who want to learn.