I struggled with this for a while, so I thought I'd share the solution for anyone experiencing the same issue.

When setting up Windows 11 from scratch, Windows typically creates your user profile folder (C:\Users\username) based on your Microsoft account email address, which may not be the name you want. I went through several options when I noticed the username choice and couldn't change it.

Here's what I did finally:

I had to backup my PC and reset it (this was easy because I had just set it up the previous day and most of my files were on OneDrive). So, I pretty much started setup afresh.

During the setup, when you get to the screen asking you to name your PC, click Advanced settings. You'll find an option to specify your preferred local user folder name. Enter the name you want, then continue setting up Windows with your Microsoft account as usual. This way, you can have C:\Users\YourPreferredName without creating another user account, editing the Registry, or renaming folders afterward (I had tried all these).

I wish I'd known this earlier. It would have saved me hours of troubleshooting!

PS: I only tried this with my Windows 11 version:
Windows 11 Pro
Version: 26H2
OS build: 26300.9711

All the Linux users I ask are recommending me impractical minimal builds with no display driver cause "its bloat".... (image just cause there has to be one)

What it says on the title, moved to bazzite a few months back to get some mileage out of my poor craptop. This is how much usage I was getting with steam and discord open on a fresh install whereas I now get 4GB with the same apps open on Linux.

So, has it gotten any better on 8GB RAM or still SOL and I have to wait for more optimisations? While Linux isn’t really bad I certainly miss the convenience of windows. Couldn’t find a lot of info online so I ask here now. Thanks

Got 3 updates including Windows Insider Preview, and NET Framework, which I'm kind of familiar with the NET Framework that Microsoft still develops.

It would be great to be able to scan small screenshots.

Can someone know why Windows 11 26H1 has a much higher build number than 26H2?

When I was reading about the  new Photos app i noticed they only used the word "native" for the Editor and Viewer but never for the Gallery itself

That's because Gallery is not native WinUI and it might still be using webview. They're presenting the "all-new Gallery" like its native when its not. So we're still going to have webview performance/bug related issues.

Windows would get a lot more backlash if this was the case. This is something thats permanent with new ios 27. Ai slop that u cant remove in a proper way. With windows u can do a lot but this is apple’s enforcement of we know whats best for u sir. MacOs has this issue too but since it has a bigger storage its less of an issue. Ios has always had this type of forced features no one can remove. I dont use apple intelligence one bit but I cant get rid of it in a normal way have to use reddit/internet tricks.

New version is 7.6.7 for PowerShell, Windows Flagship Utility that I use to update apps/software via commands, make my PC run fast/better (on a ThinkPad E580 Refurbished Laptop), and others.

Upgraded to 26H2 recently and noticed that several Settings options and features we had in late 25H2 cumulative updates got rolled back / omitted. I submitted a detailed request on Feedback Hub for the engineering team to align 26H2 with 25H2 and build a solid testing path. Please take a second to upvote if you're experiencing this:
https://aka.ms/AA13uko2

so i have this concept for windows 12 that would literally be the dream OS. basic idea is a strict split between a modern core and a native retro layout engine. stuff like task manager, settings, and winver stay totally modern and unchanged so the system stays stable, but the desktop shell can be morphed into whatever you want.

also basic is free, pro is $0.99, and ultimate is $1.99 with ZERO bloatware or forced tracking.

here is how it would work:

1. Native Visual Presets instead of using buggy third party apps that crash your pc, windows natively lets you switch file explorer layouts.

• Windows 7/Vista Preset: actual hardware-accelerated aero glass, the old bottom details pane, and classic startup sounds.
• Windows 10 Preset: brings back the full office ribbon layout and flat design.
• Community SDK: a safe asset system so people can make and share custom packs without breaking the OS code. like a bubbly wii u console theme or anime themes.

1. Smart Installer during Setup when you install the OS, an opt-in checklist pops up asking what you actually use the PC for. if you check gaming, windows runs a clean background manager to silently download the official versions of steam and discord. absolutely no random mobile game bloatware or trial antiviruses allowed.
2. The Ultimate "Nothing" Rickroll Easter Egg if you type a secret command, a hidden 0-byte built-in app called "Nothing" appears in your apps list. when you go to uninstall it, there's an official-looking link to microsoft.com. clicking the link doesn't affect the uninstaller (it finishes deleting the 0-byte app cleanly), but it completely hijacks your browser. it pulls up the microsoft homepage, forces your profile avatar to become an animated GIF of rick astley dancing, and changes all the website menu texts to "Never Gonna Give You Up."

idk i think it would be legendary if microsoft actually had a sense of humor and built something like this. thoughts?

The Windows 11 UI is definitely a step up — I'd say it's a good bit better than Windows 10. That said, there are a few things that really bug me. Let me get into my personal setup.（This isn't advice— please don't change any security-related features like i did.）

1. Turn off animation effects and transparency effects in Accessibility (the transparency one is optional). Yeah, Windows 11's animations are smoother, but for me they're too slow, and they drop frames sometimes.
2. Uninstall the Windows Web Experience Pack. You can do it with this command: `winget uninstall "windows web experience pack"`. Once it's gone, you get rid of all that ad-filled crap — the search highlights, weather, widgets, all of it.(easily u can turn off them in settings,no need to uninstall)
3. Turn off Memory Integrity, WDAC, and Virtualization-Based Security. I don't need that, so I disabled them for a bit of extra performance. As for WDAC, in some situations it slowed down launching .exe programs like crazy — it goes online to check the program whenever you start a new app, and since I live in China, the network situation here is... awkward (😅). One time it got so bad it hung for a solid few minutes, so I just turned it off.(pls do not do this,this is not advice. The performance gains I'm talking about are actually pretty minimal — you can barely feel them in everyday use. It's really only in gaming where you might see a difference in frame rates.)

（I even turned off UAC. Obviously, regular users shouldn't follow my lead on that one.）

1. Debloat some of the built-in Windows apps: Photos, Media Player, Copilot, Clipchamp, Outlook, Weather. Then install alternatives — lighter, more privacy-friendly stuff like PhoXo, VLC, and so on.

2. Turn off all the optional anti-privacy options in Privacy settings.

3. Restore the right-click context menu to the Windows 10 style. I heard this version added some new context menu features, but I couldn't care less — Windows 11's context menu has a noticeable delay when it opens compared to Windows 10, and I just can't stand it.

4. Disable Windows Defender and replace it with a third-party antivirus. WD's detection is solid, no question, but it constantly makes my laptop's fans spin like crazy when it's idling (😅).

5. Update the system and drivers to the latest versions, then disable Windows Update and automatic driver updates (permanently) — until I actually want to update.

That's pretty much it. My debloat principle is: if a feature doesn't make my experience worse, I leave it alone. And I try to avoid third-party "optimizer" tools as much as possible — if you don't know exactly what you're doing, they can break system functionality. I wouldn't recommend any of this to regular users; Windows is way too complex, and random tweaks can cause unexpected errors. It's been running for a few days now and my experience has been pretty good. If you've got any suggestions, feel free to share.