Windows 11 Customization Guide is something every user eventually needs because Windows 11 comes with many new features, visual changes, and settings that can feel unfamiliar at first. Whether you want to change the refresh rate of your display, customize the Widgets panel, hide your desktop icons, organize your windows with Snap Layouts, or rename your PC, this guide explains everything step by step in the simplest and clearest way possible.
Windows 11 has been designed to look modern, clean, and user-friendly, but many people don’t realize how customizable it actually is. You have full control over the look, the feel, and the behavior of the system. From the desktop background to the taskbar features, there are many tools that can make your experience more personal and efficient. In this Windows 11 Customization Guide, I will walk you through the most important customization features that every user should know.
This article is written in a simple and natural style, making it easy to follow for users of all experience levels. No technical background is required — just a willingness to explore your settings.
1. Change the Refresh Rate of the Display
One of the first settings many users want to adjust is the refresh rate. This is especially important for gamers or anyone using a high-refresh-rate monitor. In the Windows 11 Customization Guide, this setting plays a key role because it directly affects smoothness and visual clarity.
To change your refresh rate:
- Open Settings from the Start menu or press Windows + I.
- Click System on the left.
- Select Display.
- Scroll down and click Advanced display.
- Find Choose a refresh rate.
- Pick the refresh rate supported by your monitor.
If your monitor supports 120Hz, 144Hz, or higher, this change will make animations and scrolling instantly smoother. If you don’t see higher rates, you may need to update your graphics drivers.
2. Customize or Disable the Widgets Panel
Windows 11 introduced a Widgets panel that shows weather, news, sports, traffic, and personalized information. Not everyone loves this feature, but thankfully it’s fully optional.
To turn Widgets off on the taskbar:
- Right-click the taskbar.
- Select Taskbar settings.
- Find Widgets.
- Turn the switch off.
This removes the icon and stops unwanted pop-ups.
To customize Widgets instead of disabling:
- Click the Widgets icon (weather icon).
- Scroll through your feed.
- Add, rearrange, or remove widgets.
- Personalize your news topics by selecting your interests.
The Widgets panel can actually become useful if you set it up correctly. Keeping only the widgets you need helps reduce clutter.
3. Change the Desktop Background
One of the easiest ways to personalize your system is by changing the desktop wallpaper. The Windows 11 Customization Guide would not be complete without this step, because the background is what you see every time you open your computer.
To change the background:
- Right-click anywhere on the desktop.
- Click Personalize.
- Choose Background.
- Select a background type:
- Picture
- Solid color
- Slideshow
You can also browse your own folder and use personal images. A slideshow rotates pictures automatically, making your desktop feel more dynamic.
4. Hide or Unhide Desktop Icons
Some people prefer a clean, minimalist desktop. Others like having their shortcuts visible. In Windows 11, switching between these styles takes only a few seconds.
To hide or show all desktop icons:
- Right-click on the desktop.
- Hover over View.
- Click Show desktop icons to toggle them on or off.
This hides all icons instantly but doesn’t delete anything — they return the moment you turn the option back on.
To choose which system icons appear:
- Open Settings → Personalization.
- Click Themes.
- Select Desktop icon settings.
- Enable or disable icons like:
- This PC
- Recycle Bin
- Network
- User Files
This gives you more precise control over what appears on your screen.
5. Use Snap Layouts and Snap Groups for Better Multitasking
Windows 11 introduced one of its most useful productivity features: Snap Layouts. These tools help you organize your open windows in clean, structured layouts.
How Snap Layouts work:
- Hover your mouse over the maximize button of any window.
- A grid of layouts will appear.
- Choose the layout you want.
- Windows will guide you to place other apps in the remaining spaces.
You can snap windows into:
- Two side-by-side panels
- Three-window columns
- Four equally sized windows
- And more
This makes working with multiple apps much easier.
Snap Groups:
When you snap windows together, Windows 11 remembers the arrangement. A Snap Group appears on your taskbar, allowing you to restore all snapped windows at once — perfect for multitasking, comparing documents, editing, browsing, or research.
6. Rename Your PC in Windows 11
Renaming your computer can make it easier to identify, especially on networks, Bluetooth connections, shared folders, or when linking your device to Microsoft services. The Windows 11 Customization Guide wouldn’t be complete without this small but useful personalization option.
How to rename your PC:
- Open Settings.
- Go to System.
- Click About.
- Press the Rename this PC button.
- Type your new device name.
- Restart when prompted.
You can use letters, numbers, and hyphens. Avoid spaces or special characters to ensure compatibility.
7. Customize the Taskbar for a Better Experience
Although not included in your initial list, taskbar customization is one of the most important parts of the Windows 11 Customization Guide.
You can:
- Show or hide taskbar icons
- Change alignment (center or left)
- Disable features you don’t use
- Add or remove system tray items
To customize the taskbar:
- Right-click the taskbar.
- Choose Taskbar settings.
- Manage:
- Search
- Task view
- Widgets
- Chat
- System icons
This makes the taskbar clean and functional according to your preferences.
8. Adjust Themes and Colors
Themes allow you to change the overall look of Windows 11 with one click. Colors affect your Start menu, taskbar, windows, and accents.
Steps to customize themes:
- Open Settings → Personalization.
- Click Themes.
- Choose a preset theme or create your own by customizing:
- Background
- Colors
- Sounds
- Mouse cursor
You can also enable Dark Mode or Light Mode depending on your preference.
9. Customize the Start Menu
Windows 11’s Start Menu is simpler than previous versions, but still customizable.
You can:
- Pin your favorite apps
- Unpin apps you never use
- Rearrange pinned items
- Show or hide recommended files
To customize the Start Menu:
- Right-click the Start button.
- Select Settings → Personalization → Start.
- Choose what appears in the menu.
This helps you create a clean and organized Start interface.