Microsoft Windows 11 Slow Performance?How to Speed It Up

Microsoft Windows 11 Slow Performance

Windows 11 is packed with new features, improved design, and better productivity tools. However, like any operating system, it may slow down over time due to various reasons such as bloatware, insufficient system resources, or outdated drivers. If your Windows 11 PC isn’t performing at its best, don’t worry! Below are some effective ways to speed it up and get it running smoothly again.

1. Disable Startup Programs

Many applications automatically launch when you start your computer, eating up precious memory and CPU power. Here’s how to disable unnecessary startup programs:

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
• Click on the Startup tab.
• Right-click on the programs you don’t need during startup and choose Disable.

By limiting what runs at startup, you can reduce boot time and improve performance significantly.

2. Turn Off Visual Effects

Windows 11‘s smooth animations and transparency effects may look nice, but they can slow down performance on older or lower-spec systems. You can disable these visual effects:

• Press Windows + I to open Settings.
• Go to System > About > Advanced system settings.
• In the Performance section, click Settings.
• Select Adjust for best performance or manually uncheck certain effects for a more balanced approach.

Turning off visual effects can give your system a notable speed boost.

3. Uninstall Unnecessary Applications

Unused applications can take up valuable disk space and run background processes that slow your system. Regularly review and remove any programs you no longer use:

• Press Windows + I and go to Apps > Installed apps.
• Sort the list by size or installation date to identify unnecessary apps.
• Click on the app and select Uninstall to remove it.

Getting rid of bloatware and unused programs frees up system resources and space, leading to faster performance.

4. Manage Background Processes

Even when you’re not actively using certain apps, they may be running in the background, consuming memory and CPU resources. You can manage background apps like this:

• Press Windows + I to open Settings.
• Go to Privacy & security > Background apps.
• Turn off unnecessary apps that don’t need to run in the background.

Minimizing the number of active background processes can help reduce lag and improve system responsiveness.

5. Optimize Your Storage

Low disk space can slow down Windows 11 significantly. Here’s how to optimize your storage:

• Use the Storage Sense feature to automatically free up space:
  • Go to Settings > System > Storage.
  • Turn on Storage Sense and configure it to clean up temporary files and recycle bin contents.
• Manually clean up large files by using Disk Cleanup or a third-party tool to remove junk files.

By keeping your disk space optimized, you can improve overall system performance.

6. Update Drivers and Windows

Outdated drivers can lead to compatibility issues, system crashes, and poor performance. Keeping your drivers and Windows updates current ensures better performance and fewer bugs:

• Go to Settings > Windows Update and check for updates.
• Update critical drivers such as the display, network, and chipset drivers using Device Manager:
  • Right-click the Start button and choose Device Manager.
  • Expand the categories and update drivers manually.

Updated drivers and the latest Windows patches ensure that your system is optimized and secure.

7. Upgrade Your Hardware (If Needed)

If your computer still struggles to run smoothly after following the above tips, it may be time to consider a hardware upgrade:

• Add More RAM: Windows 11 recommends at least 4GB of RAM, but for optimal performance, 8GB or more is preferable.
• Upgrade to an SSD: If you’re still using a hard disk drive (HDD), upgrading to a solid-state drive (SSD) can drastically improve system speed and boot times.

Investing in hardware improvements is a great way to future-proof your PC and ensure a smooth Windows 11 experience.

8. Use Performance Troubleshooter

Windows 11 has built-in troubleshooting tools that can automatically detect and fix performance issues:

• Press Windows + I to open Settings.
• Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
• Run the Performance Troubleshooter to identify any issues that might be slowing down your PC.

This tool can quickly detect and resolve common performance problems.

9. Disable Unnecessary Services

Windows services running in the background may not be needed and can slow down your computer:

• Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.
• Scroll through the list and disable services like Windows Search or Fax (if not required).
• Right-click on the service, go to Properties, and set the Startup type to Disabled.

Disabling unnecessary services can free up system resources and speed up your PC.

10. Restart and Update Your PC

This is the easiest thing to do and it is one of those things that can help. First things first, check for any new updates by heading to Settings ->Windows Update -> Check for updates. If there’s anything new you need to get, install the update, and then restart.

In case the system is up-to-date, there’s no harm in restarting it. This can help with random one-off issues that sometimes slow down your PC. One thing worth noting is that this is a temporary fix and you might need to look into more settings to avoid these problems from occurring again.

11. Disable Startup Programs/Apps

You can start by disabling the startup programs to speed up the boot time on Windows 11. These are the programs that generally start when you turn on your PC. Here’s how to disable them:

• Tap on the Start menu and select Task Manager. This can also be done by using the keyboard shortcut “Ctrl + Shift + Esc.”

• Once the Task Manager menu appears, click on the “More details” option.

• Now, select the Startup option where you will find the programs that can be disabled.

• Right-click on the program of your choice and then select the Disable option.

Apart from that, various startup apps such as Microsoft Teams, OneDrive, and Skype can hog the resources during startup. Here’s how to fix this:

• Open Settings by clicking on the Windows button. You can also press the Windows 11 keyboard shortcut “Windows + I” to open Settings directly.

• After that, select the Apps options and then click on Startup.

• Once there, turn off all the apps that you don’t want to run during startup. It’s that simple.

As you install more apps over time, this list will keep growing. So, keep in mind that you should do this every so often to ensure no unwanted apps are launching at startup and slowing down Windows 11.

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FAQs

1. Why is my Windows 11 PC running slowly?
Several factors can cause slow performance, including insufficient RAM, outdated drivers, too many startup programs, and unnecessary background apps.

2. How can I improve my Windows 11 boot time?
You can improve boot time by disabling unnecessary startup programs and services, turning off visual effects, and optimizing your storage.

3. Does upgrading to an SSD improve performance on Windows 11?
Yes, upgrading to an SSD can significantly speed up boot times, file transfers, and overall system responsiveness compared to an HDD.

4. Can adding more RAM speed up Windows 11?
Yes, adding more RAM allows your system to handle more tasks simultaneously, improving multitasking performance and reducing slowdowns.

5. How often should I update Windows 11 and my drivers?
It’s recommended to check for updates regularly to ensure your system has the latest security patches and driver updates for optimal performance.