Windows System settings
Keep your device current and configure core system behavior.
- Windows UpdateWindows Update allows you to download and install the latest security patches, feature updates, and performance improvements. Keeping your system updated helps protect against vulnerabilities and ensures optimal performance.
- Power & SleepPower & Sleep settings let you control when your screen turns off and when your device goes to sleep while idle. Adjusting these settings can help balance battery life and performance.
- Default AppsDefault Apps settings let you choose which application opens specific file types and links by default, such as your browser, email client, photo viewer, or music player.
- Delivery OptimizationConfigures Delivery Optimization, which lets your PC download Windows Update and app files from other PCs on your network or the internet in addition to Microsoft's servers, and optionally share your own downloaded updates with others.
- Windows Insider ProgramLets you enroll this PC in the Windows Insider Program to receive pre-release Windows builds ahead of general availability, choosing a channel that matches your appetite for new features versus stability.
- Update HistoryShows a chronological list of every update installed on this PC, including quality updates, feature updates, and driver updates, with the ability to uninstall problematic recent updates.
- Active HoursLets you define a time window during which Windows will avoid automatically restarting the PC to install updates, ensuring you're not interrupted during typical working or usage hours.
- Pause UpdatesLets you temporarily halt the download and installation of Windows updates for a set period, useful when you need a stable, unchanged system for a presentation, event, or compatibility testing.
- Optional Updates & Driver UpdatesLists optional updates not automatically installed, including driver updates from hardware manufacturers, feature previews, and monthly non-security quality updates you can choose to install manually.
- Windows Update Advanced OptionsCentralizes advanced Windows Update controls, including updating other Microsoft products alongside Windows, restart notifications, metered connection behavior, and download prioritization.
Other Windows categories
- Privacy & SecurityControl which apps can access your camera, microphone, and data.
- Network & InternetWi-Fi, Bluetooth, and network connection settings.
- Display & SoundScreen, audio, and alert preferences.
- Storage & BackupManage space, back up your data, and stay protected against loss.
- Accounts & FamilyAccount sign-in, sync, and family/parental controls.
- AccessibilityAssistive features, input, and language & region settings.
- TroubleshootingReset, restart, and diagnose common issues.
- PersonalizationThemes, wallpaper, lock screen, and layout of your device.
- DevicesMice, keyboards, trackpads, printers, and other connected hardware.
- AppsInstalled apps, optional features, and what runs on startup.
- System InfoDevice details, advanced settings, and activation status.