Windows 11 is sleek, modern, and packed with features. But let’s be real—no matter how powerful your PC is, it can slow down over time. Apps take longer to load, startup feels sluggish, and multitasking isn’t as smooth as it used to be. Sound familiar?
Don’t worry—you don’t need to be a tech wizard to fix this. In this guide, I’ll share fast and easy tips to speed up your Windows 11 computer. From simple tweaks to advanced optimizations, you’ll find practical steps to get your PC running like new again.
Why Does Windows 11 Slow Down Over Time?
Before diving into solutions, let’s quickly understand why your PC slows down:
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Too many startup apps hogging resources.
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Background processes eating up CPU and RAM.
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Outdated drivers or Windows updates pending.
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Storage issues like fragmented or full drives.
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Visual effects and animations consuming performance.
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Malware or unnecessary software dragging things down.
Now, let’s fix it step by step.
Tip 1: Disable Startup Apps
Many apps sneak into your startup list and slow down boot time.
How to Disable Startup Apps
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Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
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Go to the Startup Apps tab.
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Right-click unnecessary apps and select Disable.
💡 Example: Apps like Spotify, Discord, or Zoom don’t need to run every time you boot.
Tip 2: Turn Off Background Apps
Background apps consume CPU and RAM, even if you don’t use them.
Steps
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Press Windows + I to open Settings.
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Go to Apps > Installed apps.
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Click on the app > Advanced options.
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Under Background app permissions, select Never.
Tip 3: Use Storage Sense
A full drive slows everything down. Windows 11 has a built-in cleanup tool called Storage Sense.
Enable Storage Sense
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Go to Settings > System > Storage.
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Toggle Storage Sense ON.
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Configure it to automatically delete temporary files and recycle bin data.
Tip 4: Defragment and Optimize Drives
If you’re on HDD (not SSD), defragmenting can speed things up.
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Search Defragment and Optimize Drives in Start.
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Select your drive.
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Click Optimize.
For SSD users, Windows automatically handles optimization—no need to defrag.
Tip 5: Adjust Visual Effects
Windows 11 looks pretty, but fancy animations eat performance.
Steps
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Press Windows + R, type
sysdm.cpl, and hit Enter. -
Go to Advanced > Performance Settings.
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Choose Adjust for best performance (or manually disable effects like transparency).
Tip 6: Update Windows and Drivers
Outdated drivers or system versions can cause lag.
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Go to Settings > Windows Update and install updates.
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For drivers, open Device Manager, right-click a device, and select Update driver.
Tip 7: Free Up RAM
If your system feels sluggish with multiple apps open, try freeing RAM.
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Close unused apps from Task Manager.
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Use lightweight alternatives (e.g., Edge instead of Chrome).
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Restart your PC regularly.
Tip 8: Disable Background Services You Don’t Need
Some services run automatically but aren’t necessary.
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Press Windows + R, type
services.msc. -
Find services like Print Spooler (if you don’t use printers).
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Right-click > Properties > Startup type > Disabled.
⚠️ Be careful not to disable critical services.
Tip 9: Uninstall Bloatware
Manufacturers love pre-installing software you’ll never use.
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Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
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Uninstall games, trials, or apps you don’t need.
Tip 10: Manage Power Settings
Windows 11 defaults to Balanced mode, but switching to High Performance can boost speed.
Steps
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Search Power Plan in Start.
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Choose High Performance (or Best Performance in laptops).
Tip 11: Scan for Malware
Malware can cripple your system.
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Use Windows Security (built-in antivirus).
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Go to Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection.
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Run a Quick Scan or Full Scan.
Tip 12: Add More RAM
If your system struggles even after optimizations, consider upgrading hardware.
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For casual use: 8GB RAM is fine.
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For multitasking/gaming: 16GB+ RAM recommended.
Tip 13: Switch to an SSD
Still using HDD? Switching to an SSD is the biggest upgrade you can make. Boot times drop from minutes to seconds, and apps launch instantly.
Tip 14: Disable Restartable Apps
Windows 11 automatically reopens apps after restart—slowing boot time.
Disable Restartable Apps
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Go to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options.
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Under Restart apps, turn OFF the toggle.
Tip 15: Clear Temporary Files Manually
Sometimes automatic cleanup misses stuff.
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Press Windows + R, type
%temp%, and hit Enter. -
Delete all files in the folder.
Tip 16: Disable Game Mode (If Not Gaming)
Game Mode prioritizes resources for gaming but can affect normal tasks.
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Go to Settings > Gaming > Game Mode.
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Turn it OFF if you don’t game.
Tip 17: Reduce Notifications and Background Sync
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Disable unnecessary notifications from Settings > Notifications.
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Stop OneDrive or other apps from syncing constantly if not needed.
Tip 18: Perform a Clean Boot
A clean boot helps identify software causing slowdowns.
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Press Windows + R, type
msconfig. -
Go to Services, check Hide Microsoft services, and disable others.
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Restart your PC.
Tip 19: Reset Your PC (Last Resort)
If nothing works, a clean reset can give you a fresh start.
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Go to Settings > System > Recovery.
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Select Reset this PC.
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Choose Keep my files or Remove everything.
Extra Tip: Regular Maintenance
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Restart your PC every few days.
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Keep apps updated.
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Don’t overload your system with too many extensions or startup apps.
Conclusion
Windows 11 can feel sluggish, but with the right tweaks, you can make your computer fast and responsive again. From disabling startup apps and cleaning junk files to upgrading hardware, there’s a solution for every performance issue.
The best part? Most of these tips take only a few minutes to apply. Try them out, and you’ll notice the difference instantly.
FAQs
Q1: How can I make Windows 11 faster instantly?
Disable startup apps, clear temporary files, and adjust visual effects for an instant boost.
Q2: Does upgrading RAM really help in Windows 11?
Yes—more RAM means better multitasking and smoother performance.
Q3: Is Windows 11 slower than Windows 10?
Not really. If optimized, Windows 11 runs as fast—or even faster—than Windows 10.
Q4: Should I use third-party PC cleaners?
Not always. Windows has built-in tools like Storage Sense and Disk Cleanup that work well.
Q5: What’s the biggest upgrade to improve performance?
Switching from HDD to SSD is the most impactful upgrade for speed.