Do you have a laptop under Windows 11? These simple tips will transform your experience and prolong the life of your battery
In the little world of bullies Who should get out a little more from their home, there are only few sensations comparable to that experienced when you unpack a new laptop. Luckily, here, at the IT section of digital, it is our daily life and we have acquired many reflexes in order to optimize the user experience as much as possible, both at work and at home. We share some good practices here for the use of your PC in all lightness.
For the sake of prioritization, our advice will only concern the Windows environment. Logic: Linux distributions are (the vast majority) empty of any superfluous, while the closed ecosystem of macOS allows it a more sensible curation by default.
A first to start correctly? Taking off the ugly stickers glued to the chassis of the new laptop only requires a sharp nail and a little household alcohol. And for the rest, follow the guide.
The importance of being pragmatic with its new laptop © Melnikov Dmitriy/Shutterstock
Get rid of the bloatware
What is Bloatware? This slightly complicated anglicism to pronounce designates all the unwanted software installed on a new portable PC which is not part of the default configuration of Windows 11. The approach may seem strange: why get rid of software that the manufacturer has seen fit to integrate into the configuration of its product? In reality, it is the result of several lucrative partnerships between the hardware and software giants, much more than an effort to make life easier for users.
So, a bit like this kitsch chest of drawers that the former tenant left behind, move into a new apartment or take a new laptop pc requires a large cleaning beforehand. Just open the “Installed Applications” menu and select everything that is not part of Windows default programs: MCAFEE antivirus trial versions, “optimization” and “maintenance” programs of the manufacturer, shortcuts to the installation of social apps (Tiktok, Instagram) … Yes, uninstall an antivirus can have counter-production Windows embedded with the OS is more than enough for the needs of most users.
The Copilot application is not a bloatware to be strictly speaking, but … © Numériques
Beware of excess zeal nevertheless: some preinstalled software is essential or useful for the proper functioning of the PC, such as the Realtek or Winrar suite.
If the task appears a little too regrbative, it is always possible to start from scratch with the “Reset this PC” option, available in the “System” then “recovery” menu. Redoing an installation of Windows on a brand new laptop may seem contradictory, but it is the most immediate solution to get rid of clandestine passengers.
Limit the battery load
Still in the kind of advice to contradictory semblances, limiting the battery load of its laptop is however essential for sedentary users. The functioning of lithium batteries is one of the great mysteries of humanity (like that of the whirlwind of water hunts), but the trick is universal and approved: by voluntarily restricted the load capacity of its battery, its autonomy is preserved in the long term.
On the Razer Blade, the Synapse application limits the battery load © Numériques
This practice applies especially for those who use their laptop PC connected to the sector permanently, thus using their battery by keeping it constantly at its full capacity. The healthiest method to preserve its integrity is to limit the load ceiling to 80 %.
The methods to limit the battery load differ depending on the manufacturers. At HP or Microsoft (surface), the option is present in the BIOS configuration menu. For the others, it is generally necessary to go through a dedicated application, such as Myasus or Dell Power Manager. Finally, on MacOS, the third party Al Dente software has long forged its reputation with the Apple community.
Configure system backup
The adage “Better to prevent than cure” always applies in 2025: making a regular backup of your data is a universal and agnostic practice to operating systems. Rather than saving your personal files individually, it is generally accepted that a system image backup (encompassing all parameters at an instant T) is much more effective.
Windows image backup tool is effective © Numériques
Whether you prefer to keep a backup locally or on the cloud, it is important to make it a weekly habit; even monthly. Tools are default on Windows 11 to create a system image: the “Recent backup” application launched two years ago by Microsoft, but also the “Save and restore (Windows 7)” tool from the historic configuration panel. Software like Macrium have also proven to be very useful for this very specific task.
Some essential software
Windows 11’s default experience can be limited in personalization. Fortunately, there is a robust community of hackers to cut the bone in its image. Among the most famous applications, PowerToys which brings together many small adjustments to improve the user experience. It includes, among other things, an advanced window investment manager, a shortcut to resize images or even a tool to individually redefine the keys of its keyboard.
PowerToys is full of practical tools © Numériques
To go even further, Windhawk offers a reception platform for “mods” managed by the community. There are a lot of absent changes by default of Windows 11 – especially for the taskbar, which should please those who placed it on the side in the old versions of Windows. The stability of these mods depends on the proper follow -up of its creators, but in general, it is very easy to personalize your OS – for free, moreover.
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