Is your Windows 11 PC running slower than usual? Experiencing lag can be frustrating, whether you’re browsing the web, working on assignments, or gaming. The good news is, there are several easy steps you can take to fix lag on PC Windows 11 and restore smooth performance.
In this guide, we’ll cover why lag happens, common causes, and step-by-step solutions to boost your computer’s speed—without needing to be a tech expert.
Key Takeaways
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Lag on Windows 11 can be caused by background apps, startup programs, outdated drivers, viruses, or insufficient hardware resources.
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You can optimize performance by adjusting system settings, cleaning up storage, and disabling unnecessary features.
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Solutions range from quick fixes (restart, disable startup apps) to advanced tweaks (driver updates, registry optimization).
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Following this guide can help you boost speed, improve gaming, and extend PC lifespan.
Why Does Windows 11 Lag?
Before fixing lag, it’s important to know the common causes:
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Too many background apps consuming CPU and RAM.
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Startup programs slowing down boot time.
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Outdated drivers causing compatibility issues.
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Low disk space on system drive.
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Viruses or malware affecting performance.
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Unnecessary animations and visual effects.
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Hardware limitations (older PCs may struggle with Windows 11).
Think of your PC like a car engine—the more weight and friction it carries, the slower it runs. Removing unnecessary load makes it faster.
Quick Fixes: First Things to Try
Sometimes lag is caused by simple issues. Try these first:
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Restart your PC – clears temporary processes.
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Check for Windows updates:
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Go to Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.
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Run a virus scan with Windows Security or third-party antivirus.
If lag persists, move on to the performance-boosting steps below.
Step 1: Disable Startup Programs
Startup apps can slow down booting and overall performance.
How to Disable Startup Programs:
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Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
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Click the Startup apps tab.
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Right-click unnecessary apps → Disable.
✅ This reduces load when Windows starts.
Step 2: Turn Off Background Apps
Windows 11 allows apps to run in the background, draining system resources.
Steps:
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Press Win + I to open Settings.
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Go to Apps > Installed apps.
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Select an app → Advanced options.
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Under Background app permissions, choose Never.
Step 3: Optimize Power Settings
By default, Windows 11 balances power and performance. Switching to High Performance can reduce lag.
Steps:
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Open Control Panel → Hardware and Sound → Power Options.
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Select High performance (or Best performance in laptops).
Step 4: Free Up Disk Space
A nearly full C: drive can cause lag.
Ways to Clean Up Storage:
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Run Disk Cleanup:
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Press Win + S, search Disk Cleanup, and run it.
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Use Storage Sense:
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Settings > System > Storage > Storage Sense → enable automatic cleanup.
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Delete temporary files and unused apps.
Step 5: Update Drivers
Outdated drivers = laggy performance, especially for graphics and network.
Steps:
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Press Win + X → Device Manager.
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Expand Display adapters (or other categories).
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Right-click → Update driver.
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Choose Search automatically for drivers.
✅ Gamers should update graphics drivers from NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel websites.
Step 6: Adjust Visual Effects for Performance
Fancy animations look nice but slow down older PCs.
Steps:
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Press Win + R, type
sysdm.cpl, press Enter. -
Go to Advanced > Performance Settings.
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Select Adjust for best performance.
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Or customize (disable animations, shadows, etc., but keep smooth fonts).
Step 7: Check for Malware
Viruses and malware can cause system lag.
Steps:
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Open Windows Security.
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Go to Virus & threat protection.
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Run a Full Scan.
👉 Use tools like Malwarebytes for deeper scans.
Step 8: Disable Gaming Features (if not needed)
Some gaming features, like Xbox Game Bar, consume resources.
Steps:
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Go to Settings > Gaming > Xbox Game Bar.
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Toggle off if not needed.
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Also disable Background recording in Game DVR.
Step 9: Defragment or Optimize Drives
For HDD users, defragmentation helps. For SSDs, optimization improves performance.
Steps:
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Search Defragment and Optimize Drives.
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Select drive → Optimize.
Step 10: Consider Hardware Upgrades
If lag persists, it might be hardware-related.
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Add more RAM (8GB minimum for smooth Windows 11).
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Upgrade to SSD (faster boot and load times).
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Update CPU/GPU for gaming or heavy tasks.
Common Mistakes That Cause Lag
❌ Running too many browser tabs.
❌ Not restarting PC for weeks.
❌ Installing unnecessary antivirus bloatware.
❌ Ignoring Windows updates.
Pros and Cons of Windows 11 Performance Optimization
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Faster boot and response time | Some features (like animations) may look less attractive |
| Better gaming and multitasking | May require manual tweaking |
| Increased lifespan of PC | Old hardware might still struggle |
Conclusion
Lag on Windows 11 can be annoying, but with the right steps, you can boost performance quickly and easily. Start with simple fixes like disabling startup apps and cleaning storage. If needed, dive deeper with driver updates, power settings, and visual effect adjustments.
For older PCs, upgrading to an SSD or more RAM is the ultimate solution. By following these steps, your Windows 11 system will feel faster, smoother, and more reliable.
FAQs: Fixing Lag on Windows 11
1. Why is my Windows 11 PC lagging so much?
Common causes include too many startup apps, low disk space, outdated drivers, or malware.
2. Does Windows 11 run slower than Windows 10?
Not necessarily, but older PCs may feel slower due to higher system requirements.
3. How much RAM is recommended for Windows 11?
At least 8GB RAM for smooth performance; 16GB+ is better for gaming/multitasking.
4. Will upgrading to an SSD fix lag?
Yes, switching from HDD to SSD significantly reduces lag and speeds up boot/load times.
5. Can I fix Windows 11 lag without reinstalling the OS?
Yes, most performance issues can be fixed with optimizations—reinstallation is a last resort.