Is your Windows 11 laptop or PC feeling sluggish? Whether it’s slow boot times, lagging apps, or unresponsive performance, you’re not alone. Over time, Windows systems can become bloated with unnecessary files, background processes, and startup apps that drag them down.
The good news? With a few simple tweaks, you can make Windows 11 run faster — no expensive upgrades required (though we’ll also cover hardware tips if you want even more speed).
This step-by-step guide walks you through everything from disabling startup programs to optimizing storage, so your computer runs smoother, faster, and more efficiently.
Why Windows 11 May Be Running Slow
Before fixing performance issues, it helps to know the causes. Common reasons include:
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Too many startup apps launching at boot.
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Unnecessary background processes consuming CPU and memory.
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Outdated drivers or missing updates.
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Bloatware (pre-installed apps you never use).
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Full hard drive or fragmented storage.
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Malware infections.
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Old hardware that can’t keep up with Windows 11.
Step 1: Restart Your PC Regularly
It sounds obvious, but many people leave their laptops in Sleep Mode for days or weeks. A restart clears temporary files, refreshes memory, and resolves minor system bugs.
👉 Tip: Restart at least once or twice a week for best performance.
Step 2: Disable Unnecessary Startup Apps
Startup apps slow down boot time. Here’s how to disable them:
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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 any unnecessary app → Disable.
✅ Focus on apps like Spotify, OneDrive, or messaging tools you don’t need at startup.
Step 3: Adjust Power Settings for Performance
Windows 11 defaults to Balanced power mode, which may limit performance.
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Press Windows + I → System → Power & Battery.
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Under Power mode, select Best performance.
⚡ This ensures your CPU and GPU run at full speed when needed.
Step 4: Uninstall Bloatware and Unused Apps
Manufacturers often preload laptops with apps you’ll never use.
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Go to Settings → Apps → Installed apps.
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Uninstall anything unnecessary (trial software, duplicate tools, etc.).
💡 Removing bloatware frees up space and reduces background activity.
Step 5: Optimize Storage and Clear Junk Files
Windows 11 accumulates temporary files over time. To clean them:
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Press Windows + I → System → Storage.
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Click Temporary files.
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Select items like cache, delivery optimization files, and recycle bin → Remove files.
Step 6: Manage Background Apps and Services
Background apps drain CPU and battery.
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Go to Settings → Apps → Installed Apps.
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Select an app → Advanced options.
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Under Background apps permissions, set to Never.
Step 7: Update Windows and Drivers
Updates often improve speed and stability.
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Go to Settings → Windows Update.
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Install all pending updates.
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Also update drivers via Device Manager (especially graphics, chipset, and network).
Step 8: Adjust Visual Effects
Windows 11 uses animations and shadows that can slow older PCs.
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Press Windows + R, type
sysdm.cpl, and press Enter. -
Go to Advanced → Performance → Settings.
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Select Adjust for best performance (or choose custom to keep smooth fonts and thumbnails).
Step 9: Enable Storage Sense
This feature automatically frees up space.
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Go to Settings → Storage.
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Toggle on Storage Sense.
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Configure automatic cleanup (daily, weekly, or monthly).
Step 10: Defragment or Optimize Your Drives
If you’re using an HDD, defragmenting improves speed.
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Search Defragment and Optimize Drives in Start.
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Select your HDD → Optimize.
👉 SSD users: Windows automatically optimizes them — no need to defrag.
Step 11: Scan for Malware and Viruses
Malware can cripple performance. Run a scan with:
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Windows Security (Defender) → Full Scan.
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Or third-party antivirus software.
Step 12: Free Up RAM with Virtual Memory Settings
If your RAM is limited, virtual memory helps.
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Open Control Panel → System → Advanced system settings.
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Under Performance, click Settings → Advanced → Virtual memory.
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Increase paging file size to recommended values.
Step 13: Upgrade Hardware (SSD, RAM, GPU)
If software tweaks aren’t enough, hardware upgrades can give a huge boost:
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SSD: Switching from HDD to SSD drastically reduces boot/load times.
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RAM: Upgrade to at least 8 GB (16 GB for power users).
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GPU: For gamers, upgrading the graphics card makes a massive difference.
Step 14: Use ReadyBoost (for Older PCs)
If you’re stuck with low RAM and no upgrade options:
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Insert a USB flash drive (minimum 4 GB).
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Right-click it → Properties → ReadyBoost tab.
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Allocate space for ReadyBoost.
⚠️ Works best on HDD-based systems, not SSDs.
Step 15: Reset or Reinstall Windows 11 (Last Resort)
If nothing else works, a fresh install can wipe away problems.
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Go to Settings → Recovery.
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Under Reset this PC, click Reset PC.
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Choose Keep my files or Remove everything.
Conclusion
Making Windows 11 run faster doesn’t have to be complicated. Start with simple steps like disabling startup apps, clearing junk files, and tweaking visual effects. If performance is still lacking, consider hardware upgrades like an SSD or more RAM.
With the right mix of software optimization and hardware improvements, your Windows 11 PC can feel brand-new again.
FAQs
1. How do I make Windows 11 boot faster?
Disable startup apps, enable Fast Startup, and use an SSD instead of an HDD.
2. Does Windows 11 run slower than Windows 10?
Not necessarily — performance depends on your hardware and settings.
3. Can adding RAM make Windows 11 faster?
Yes. More RAM helps with multitasking and reduces lag.
4. Is it safe to disable background apps?
Yes, as long as you don’t disable essential ones (like antivirus or system apps).
5. Will reinstalling Windows 11 improve speed?
Yes, a clean install removes bloatware and corrupted files, restoring performance.
✅ Key Takeaway: Small tweaks like disabling startup apps, cleaning junk files, and adjusting performance settings can dramatically speed up Windows 11. For maximum improvement, upgrade to SSD and add more RAM.