Windows has hundreds of settings. The ones that actually matter are buried. Here are the eight worth enabling.
1. Enable "End task" from the taskbar
Settings → System → For developers → "End task" toggle ON. Right-click any taskbar app → "End task." Faster than opening Task Manager.
2. Disable web search in Start menu
Settings → Privacy & security → Search permissions → Cloud content search → off. Stops Microsoft Bing results from appearing every time you search for a local file.
3. Remove ads from File Explorer
File Explorer → ... → Options → View tab → uncheck "Show sync provider notifications." Removes promo banners for OneDrive and Microsoft 365.
4. Show file extensions
File Explorer → View → Show → File name extensions. Now .exe files cannot pretend to be .pdf. Essential for security.
5. Set "Best performance" power plan
Settings → System → Power → Power mode → Best performance. Marginal battery cost on a laptop, noticeable speed boost on a desktop.
6. Disable startup boost for unwanted apps
Task Manager → Startup tab → sort by "Startup impact" → disable everything labelled "High" that you don't use daily.
7. Turn off tracking
Settings → Privacy & security → General → Turn off "Let apps show me personalized ads" and "Let Windows improve Start and search results."
8. Enable Storage Sense
Settings → System → Storage → Storage Sense ON. Automatically deletes temporary files, old downloads, and recycle bin contents on a schedule.
Each of these takes thirty seconds. The cumulative effect on daily use is significant.