Md Fakharuddin is a Windows 11 enthusiast and the author behind Eleven Decoded. He has been using Windows 11 continuously since its official release, gaining hands-on experience by exploring its features, settings, updates, built-in tools, etc.
Privacy
Privacy settings are the controls on your devices and apps that let you decide what personal data is collected, who can see it, and how it’s shared. These settings matter because they help protect your personal information from being tracked, shared without your consent, or exposed to risks like
Windows Defender
Microsoft Defender Antivirus and Windows Firewall provide different layers of protection. For most personal PCs, start by verifying the active security provider, current updates and enabled firewall profiles. Default settings are a sensible starting point; every user does not need custom firewall rules or an additional scan schedule. No configuration
User Account Control (UAC) is a security feature in Windows that asks for your permission before allowing changes that could affect your computer’s safety. Permissions are rules that control what you can and can’t do on your computer, like installing software or changing settings. Understanding UAC and permissions
Windows 10
System Restore points and a recovery USB serve different purposes. A restore point helps undo system changes; a recovery drive provides bootable recovery tools and, when system files are included, recovery of Windows on that device. Neither backs up personal documents. Keep a separate verified file backup before relying on
Windows 11
If you’ve upgraded to Windows 11 or set it up for your small business, securing your devices and data is essential. Windows 11 includes built-in security tools like Windows Defender and Firewall that protect your system without needing technical expertise. By using these features alongside strong passwords, multi-
File History provides versioned copies of selected files on external or network storage. OneDrive sync provides offsite access and its own recovery features, but deletions and unwanted changes can sync too. Using both can help only after you confirm the actual files are included and restorable; it does not automatically
Backup
If you've just lost data, the first step is understanding that backup and recovery are two different but equally important parts of protecting your business. Backup is about making copies of your data, while recovery is the process of restoring that data when something goes wrong. Without both,
Software Updates
When your operating system or applications prompt you to update, it’s natural to wonder which updates are essential and which can wait. Updates come in different types—security patches, feature additions, bug fixes, and performance improvements—each designed for a specific purpose. Knowing what these updates do helps you
Software Troubleshooting
Conflicts and compatibility issues happen when software components or hardware systems don’t work together as expected. Resolving these problems starts with identifying whether the issue is a conflict—where parts actively interfere with each other—or a compatibility problem—where something can’t run properly in the given environment.
Device Manager
Device Manager is your first stop when hardware on your PC isn’t working right. It shows all connected devices, flags issues with clear icons, and lets you fix many problems yourself without extra software or waiting for tech support. By opening Device Manager, you can quickly identify problem hardware,
For current Windows note-taking, use a supported application rather than treating the discontinued Windows Journal as a normal new-install choice. Windows Journal is the older .jnt/.jtp application; Microsoft Journal is a separate, newer pen-focused app. OneNote on Windows offers notebooks, sections and pages with typing, ink
File Management
Managing files and storage for multiple school projects can feel overwhelming, but setting up a simple, consistent system makes it much easier. Start by creating clear folder structures for each project, back up your work regularly, track versions carefully, and organize both digital and physical materials. This approach helps you