How to Personalise Windows 11: A Easy-Going Guide to Customising Your Setup

Windows 11 looks pretty schmick, but sometimes the out-of-the-box setup doesn’t quite match your vibe or how you like to work. Maybe the colours are a bit dull, the start menu’s cluttered, or the taskbar feels a bit out of place. No worries — tweaking it is dead easy, and it can make your daily grind way more pleasant. Plus, it’s a good chance to make Windows feel a bit more like your own, instead of just the default. This guide will run you through some simple tips to make your interface feel more personal, more streamlined, and just better suited to you in no time.

How to Personalise Windows 11

Getting Windows 11 to look and feel just right isn’t brain surgery — it’s mainly about fiddling with a few settings and options. Sure, some bits might be a bit tucked away, or require a quick dig through the menus, but that’s part of the fun. After a few tweaks, your Windows will probably look more like you want, and it might even help you get things done faster if you set it up right. Here’s how to get started.

Open the Settings App

  • Hit the Start menu or press Windows key + I to open Settings.
  • On the sidebar, you’ll see categories like Personalisation, System, etc. Click on Personalisation. On some setups, you might need to scroll down or click the gear icon in the menu.
  • Quick tip: You can also search for what you need — just type “Personalisation” or “Themes” in the search bar.

Some machines make this dead easy, others a bit fiddly — Windows loves throwing in surprises — but overall, it’s pretty consistent.

Change the Desktop Background

  • In Personalisation, click on Background. From here, you can pick a custom wallpaper, change colours, or set up a slideshow of your favourite snaps.
  • Choose from the defaults or click Browse photos to pick your own. Want a slideshow? Just toggle Slideshow and pick a folder — your desktop will change it up every now and then.
  • Why it’s handy: It’s the easiest way to add a bit of personality. On some setups, you might need to restart or log off for the changes to really show through.

Customise the Start Menu

  • Within Personalisation, find and click Start. Here, you can pin apps, hide recent files, and adjust the layout.
  • For example, turn off showing most used apps or decide how many tiles you want pinned — handy for decluttering.
  • On some computers, you might need to restart Explorer or log out for the changes to take full effect.
  • Why it’s good: A tidier, more personalised start menu helps you launch apps quicker and keeps your workflow smooth as butter.

Adjust the Taskbar Settings

  • Again in Personalisation, click on Taskbar. From here, you can move it around (top, bottom, sides), pick which icons show, and switch features like Search or Chat on or off.
  • You can drag the taskbar to a different edge directly on the screen, or for more fancy tweaks, open Taskbar behaviors options.
  • Sometimes, after changing these, a quick restart of Windows Explorer (Task Manager > right-click Windows Explorer > Restart) helps the new look stick.
  • Why it’s handy: It makes accessing what you need easier and keeps your desktop neat, especially if you prefer having the taskbar somewhere else.

Switch Themes and Colours

  • Head to Themes under Personalisation. Here, you can pick from preset themes or create your own by blending wallpapers, sounds, and cursor styles.
  • Want a custom colour? Jump into Colours, then choose your accent colour or toggle options like Automatically pick an accent colour from my background.
  • Heads up: On some machines, themes might need a quick restart or signing out to sync properly.

Making these changes isn’t just about looks — they can actually make your day-to-day easier. A tidy start menu, personalised background, or moved taskbar can save you seconds here and there, and all it takes is a few clicks.

Tips for Customising Windows 11

  • Try Dark Mode: Switch between light and dark themes (via Personalisation > Colours) to see what’s kinder on the eyes.
  • Virtual Desktops: Hit Windows key + Tab and add new desktops for different tasks. Great for keeping things tidy.
  • Widgets: Use the Widgets button to add quick updates — weather, news, calendar — right on your screen.
  • System Sounds: Tweak the notification sounds to be softer or go completely silent if you want peace and quiet.
  • Third-Party Apps: Tools like Rainmeter or Stardock’s WindowBlinds can help push customisations even further if the default options aren’t enough.

FAQs

How do I change the lock screen image in Windows 11?

Go to Settings > Personalisation > Lock screen. You can pick a picture, set a slideshow, or use Windows Spotlight which updates daily. Just select your favourite and it should change after a moment. Sometimes, a quick restart is needed for it to fully kick in.

Can I return my customisations back to how they were?

Absolutely. Most settings have a Reset to default button. If your tweaks get a bit too out there, just hit that and Windows will put everything back to square one.

Is it safe to download themes from the Microsoft Store?

Yeah, generally it’s safe — everything there gets checked over by Microsoft. Still, it’s smart to check reviews in case something looks dodgy.

How do I make Windows run smoother after tinkering?

Turn off unnecessary startup programs (Task Manager > Startup), tweak visual effects in Performance Options (Win + R, type sysdm.cpl, then go to Advanced > Settings under Performance), and make sure your system’s up to date. A bit of cleanup can go a long way.

Can I pin websites to the Start menu?

Definitely. Open Microsoft Edge, go to your favourite site, click the three-dot menu, then select Pin this page to Start. Easy as.

Summary

  • Open Settings and head into Personalisation.
  • Change your wallpaper and themes to suit your style.
  • Fix or tweak the start menu and taskbar.
  • Use themes and colours to match your vibe.
  • Have a play around, and don’t be afraid to reset if things get too messy.

Wrap-up

Getting Windows 11 customised is pretty addictive — once you see how much more it feels like “you,” it’s hard to stop. Whether it’s a new wallpaper, rearranged icons, or a fresh colour palette, these tweaks can really shake things up. And honestly, it’s not that tricky — a few minutes poking around can make a big difference.

Hopefully, this helps someone save a bit of time or hassle. Keep experimenting, and make your PC reflect your style. Cheers!