This Windows 10 settings guide shows how to change diagnostic-data sharing, tablet mode, Snap, app notifications, the lock screen and update preferences. Start with the setting that addresses the issue you’re seeing.
Open Settings with Windows key + I. If a label differs on your PC, use the Settings search box. Some choices depend on your Windows build, hardware or organization’s policies. Microsoft’s Settings overview explains the app’s layout.
Open Windows 10 settings and check support
Windows 10’s standard support ended on October 14, 2025. Eligible devices enrolled in an applicable Extended Security Updates program can receive covered security updates, but ESU does not restore ordinary feature development or full product support. Check your device’s eligibility and actual enrollment rather than assuming that every Windows 10 PC is protected. Microsoft maintains separate consumer ESU information and organizational ESU guidance.
Record the original value before changing a preference, then check whether the result helps. If a setting is managed by your workplace or school, ask its administrator. Do not use registry edits or policy workarounds to override it. Follow any permission or restart prompt presented by Windows; this guide does not require a blanket restart after every preference change.
Choose your diagnostic-data preference
Windows diagnostic data has required and optional categories. Choosing not to send optional data does not mean all diagnostic communication stops.
On Windows 10:
- Open Settings > Privacy > Diagnostics & feedback.
- Review the diagnostic-data choices available on your device.
- Choose whether to send optional diagnostic data. Keep in mind that organization policy can limit the available controls.
For details on what each setting shares, see Microsoft’s diagnostic-data explanation.
Use tablet mode when it suits your device
On a suitable Windows 10 touch device, open Action center from the taskbar and select Tablet mode. If necessary, expand the quick-action tiles first. Toggle the tile again to return to the other mode. If the tile is unavailable, check the device-specific guidance rather than assuming every laptop has the same control.
Windows 11 difference: there is no equivalent manual tablet-mode switch. Its touch-oriented behavior adjusts automatically on compatible hardware. Do not follow old Windows 10 tile screenshots on Windows 11. Microsoft documents both versions here.
Adjust Snap and window suggestions
Snap helps arrange windows beside one another. If its suggestions are distracting, change the relevant preference instead of assuming you must disable multitasking altogether.
- On Windows 10, open Settings > System > Multitasking.
- Review the Snap windows control and its related checkboxes.
- Adjust the option that suggests a companion window after snapping, or turn Snap off if you do not want it.
Check the effect by arranging an ordinary app window, and return to the same settings to undo the change. Windows 11 has additional layouts and controls; their availability should not be inferred from Windows 10 screenshots. See Microsoft’s Snap guidance.
Reduce unwanted app notifications
For Windows 10, open Settings > System > Notifications & actions. Find the app under the individual senders and choose whether it should notify you. Where available, adjust its banners or sounds rather than silencing every app.
Identify which app sent the notification before adjusting its settings. Windows 11 uses a different notifications interface, so use its version-specific instructions in Microsoft’s notification guide.
Personalize the lock screen without weakening sign-in
Open Settings > Personalization > Lock screen to review the appearance options your Windows 10 installation offers. Choose the background you want and check the result.
The lock screen’s appearance is separate from the credentials used to access your account. For appearance controls, use Microsoft’s lock-screen guide; for passwords, PINs and Windows Hello, use its sign-in guidance.
Manage update interruptions without disabling Windows Update
If you need a short delay, use Windows’ documented pause controls rather than disabling its update service.
On Windows 10, open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and review the available pause or advanced options. Choose a temporary pause only when needed and note when updates will resume. Availability and labels can differ by release or organization policy. Save work when Windows requests a restart to complete an update.
This does not enroll an unsupported device in ESU. Keep your update eligibility and enrollment separate from the choice of when to install an offered update. Microsoft explains temporary update pauses.
Keep antivirus protection enabled
Keep Microsoft Defender protection enabled during routine customization. Use the Windows Security app to review protection, and follow your organization’s security process if troubleshooting requires a temporary change. Microsoft’s Windows Security guidance explains the protection provided and the consequences of switching off real-time scanning.
Choose whether your PC shares update downloads
Delivery Optimization can share parts of update downloads with other PCs. You can control that sharing without turning off Windows Update.
- On Windows 10, open Settings > Update & Security > Delivery Optimization.
- Review the permitted sharing options.
- To stop exchanging update downloads with other PCs, switch Allow downloads from other PCs off. Windows can still obtain updates from Microsoft.
Windows 11 puts these controls under Windows Update’s advanced options. See Microsoft’s Delivery Optimization instructions.
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same as Windows optional features?
Optional Windows components are installed or removed through a separate Windows Features dialog. The Settings controls in this guide adjust preferences for your existing system.
Should I switch off security features to make Windows faster?
No blanket performance claim is justified. Keep protection and eligible security updates in place, and investigate the actual symptom. For wider diagnosis, start with our Windows troubleshooting and performance guide.
Make one useful change at a time
Choose the preference that addresses your problem, record the previous setting, and check the result. Keep Windows 10 and Windows 11 instructions distinct, retain protection, and verify any legacy device’s support arrangements.
