How to Make Computer Run Faster on Windows 11: Essential Tips

Windows 11 brings a sleek design, improved productivity tools, and tighter integration with Microsoft services. But over time, your PC might start feeling sluggish, with slow boot-ups, laggy apps, or high background usage. The good news? You don’t need to buy a new computer — often, a few tweaks can significantly improve performance.

In this guide, we’ll cover essential tips to make your computer run faster on Windows 11, from simple settings changes to more advanced optimizations.

Table of Contents

🔑 Quick Summary (Key Takeaways)

Turn off startup apps and unnecessary background processes.
Use Storage Sense and disk cleanup to free up space.
Keep Windows, drivers, and apps up to date.
Adjust performance settings for speed instead of visuals.
Upgrade hardware (SSD/RAM) for the biggest boost.

Why Does Windows 11 Slow Down?

Common reasons include:

⚡ Too many apps running at startup.
🗑️ Junk files and temporary data clogging storage.
🛑 Outdated drivers and Windows updates.
🎨 Visual effects consuming resources.
🦠 Malware or bloatware.
💾 Insufficient RAM or using an old hard drive.

Tip 1: Disable Startup Programs

Startup apps slow down boot time and use memory in the background.

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
Go to the Startup apps tab.
Right-click unnecessary apps → Disable.

👉 Keep only essentials like antivirus or OneDrive.

Tip 2: Uninstall Bloatware and Unused Programs

Preinstalled software can hog resources.

Press Win + I → Apps → Installed apps.
Find programs you don’t use.
Click … (three dots) → Uninstall.

Tip 3: Free Up Space with Storage Sense

A full disk slows everything down.

Open Settings → System → Storage.
Turn on Storage Sense to automatically clean junk files.
Click Cleanup recommendations for manual cleanup.

Tip 4: Keep Windows and Drivers Updated

Updates fix bugs and improve efficiency.

Windows Update: Go to Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates.
Drivers: Open Device Manager → Right-click device → Update driver.

Tip 5: Adjust Visual Effects for Performance

Windows 11 uses animations and transparency that look nice but slow older PCs.

Press Win + R, type sysdm.cpl, and hit Enter.
Go to Advanced → Performance → Settings.
Select Adjust for best performance or manually uncheck effects (e.g., transparency, animations).

Tip 6: Optimize Background Apps

Open Settings → Apps → Installed apps.
Select an app → Advanced options.
Under Background apps permissions, choose Never for apps you don’t need running.

Tip 7: Defragment or Optimize Drives

If you have an HDD (not SSD):

Press Win + S → search Defragment and Optimize Drives.
Select your drive → Click Optimize.

(SSD users don’t need traditional defrag, but optimization still helps.)

Tip 8: Scan for Malware

Malware can hog resources.

Open Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Quick scan.
Consider a deeper Full scan if performance issues persist.

Tip 9: Manage Power Settings

Use the performance power mode:

Open Settings → System → Power & battery.
Under Power mode, select Best performance.

Tip 10: Upgrade Hardware (If Possible)

Software tweaks help, but hardware upgrades can provide dramatic improvements:

💾 Switch to SSD – Faster boot and app loading.
🧠 Add more RAM – Smooth multitasking.
🔧 Clean dust inside PC – Prevent overheating throttles.

Advanced Tips (For Power Users)

Disable background services: Use msconfig to stop unnecessary services.
Use ReadyBoost: Helpful for PCs with low RAM (USB flash drive needed).
Registry tweaks: Can disable startup delays (only if experienced).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Disabling antivirus → security risks.
❌ Using sketchy “PC booster” apps → often add bloatware.
❌ Deleting system files manually → can cause crashes.

Conclusion

Making your computer run faster on Windows 11 doesn’t have to be complicated. By disabling startup apps, cleaning storage, adjusting performance settings, and keeping your system updated, you’ll notice an immediate improvement. For the ultimate boost, pair these tweaks with hardware upgrades like an SSD or extra RAM.

With the right steps, your Windows 11 PC can feel as fast as new! 🚀

FAQs

1. Does Windows 11 have built-in tools to speed up performance?
Yes — Task Manager, Storage Sense, and Performance Options are built-in optimization tools.

2. Is Microsoft Defender enough to keep my PC fast and secure?
Yes, it provides solid protection without slowing down performance significantly.

3. How much RAM is ideal for Windows 11?
8GB is minimum for smooth use, but 16GB is recommended for multitasking.

4. Will a factory reset make my PC faster?
Yes, but only as a last resort — it removes all apps and data.

5. Is upgrading from HDD to SSD really worth it?
Absolutely. An SSD can make your PC boot up and load apps up to 10x faster.