Is your Windows 11 computer starting to feel slower than it used to? Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Over time, even powerful PCs can slow down due to clutter, background apps, or outdated settings. The good news is that you don’t have to buy a brand-new machine to get things running smoothly again. With just a few tweaks and tricks, you can make Windows 11 fly like it’s brand new.

In this guide, we’ll walk through proven ways to speed up Windows 11 and boost your PC’s performance. Whether you’re a casual user, a student, or someone who relies on their computer for work, these steps will help you get the best out of your system.

Why Does Windows 11 Slow Down Over Time?

Before diving into the solutions, it’s important to understand why performance drops. Windows 11, like any operating system, gradually collects:

Temporary files and junk data
Unnecessary background apps
Outdated drivers and software
Startup programs that eat up resources
Hardware strain (especially on older PCs)

Think of your PC like a closet—you keep stuffing things in without cleaning it out, and eventually, you can’t find anything! Cleaning and optimizing Windows 11 works the same way.

Step 1: Restart Your Computer Regularly

It sounds simple, but many people forget. Restarting clears memory, resets background processes, and gives your PC a fresh start.

Go to Start > Power > Restart.
Aim to restart your system at least once a week.

Step 2: Disable Startup Programs

Too many apps launching at startup can slow your boot time drastically.

How to Manage Startup Apps:

Right-click the Taskbar and select Task Manager.
Go to the Startup apps tab.
Disable unnecessary programs (like Spotify, Skype, or update assistants).

Your PC will boot much faster without them.

Step 3: Uninstall Unnecessary Apps

Unused apps don’t just take up space—they can run in the background and hog resources.

Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
Remove any software you don’t use.

Think of it as decluttering your digital home.

Step 4: Use Storage Sense to Free Up Space

Windows 11 has a built-in cleanup tool called Storage Sense.

Go to Settings > System > Storage.
Turn on Storage Sense.
Configure it to automatically delete junk files, temp files, and recycle bin items.

This keeps your system lean and efficient without extra effort.

Step 5: Adjust Visual Effects

Windows 11’s sleek animations look great, but they consume resources.

To Optimize Visuals:

Press Win + R, type sysdm.cpl, and hit Enter.
Under Advanced > Performance > Settings, choose:
- Adjust for best performance (max speed)
- Or Custom (disable animations, shadows, and transparency).

Turning off these effects can give older PCs a noticeable boost.

Step 6: Keep Windows and Drivers Updated

Updates aren’t just about security—they also improve performance.

Go to Settings > Windows Update.
Install the latest patches.
Update your graphics, audio, and chipset drivers from the manufacturer’s website.

A fresh driver update can work wonders, especially for gaming or creative tasks.

Step 7: Manage Background Apps

Many apps run quietly in the background, eating up CPU and RAM.

To Disable Background Apps:

Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
Choose the app > Advanced options.
Under Background apps permissions, set it to Never.

This stops apps from running when you’re not using them.

Step 8: Optimize Your Hard Drive

If you’re using an HDD, defragmenting helps. For SSDs, optimization keeps them healthy.

Type Defragment and Optimize Drives in the search bar.
Select your drive and click Optimize.

SSD users benefit from Windows’ TRIM feature, ensuring longer life and better performance.

Step 9: Disable Transparency Effects

Transparency looks modern but slows things down.

Go to Settings > Personalization > Colors.
Turn off Transparency effects.

This small tweak can speed up rendering on low-spec PCs.

Step 10: Increase Virtual Memory

If your PC has limited RAM, expanding virtual memory helps.

How to Increase Virtual Memory:

Search for Advanced System Settings.
Under Performance > Settings > Advanced > Virtual Memory, click Change.
Set a custom size (1.5x to 3x your RAM).

This prevents system slowdowns when multitasking.

Step 11: Run Disk Cleanup

Disk Cleanup is an old but reliable tool.

Search Disk Cleanup.
Select your drive and delete temporary system files, logs, and caches.

You’ll be surprised how much space you can recover.

Step 12: Turn Off Game Mode (If You’re Not Gaming)

Windows 11 has a Game Mode that prioritizes gaming, but it can sometimes hurt performance for non-gaming tasks.

Go to Settings > Gaming > Game Mode.
Turn it off if you’re using your PC mainly for work or browsing.

Step 13: Upgrade Your Hardware (If Necessary)

Sometimes, software tweaks aren’t enough. If your PC is still sluggish:

Upgrade to an SSD (if you’re on HDD).
Add more RAM.
Consider a CPU or GPU upgrade for demanding tasks.

Hardware upgrades can transform even an older system into a powerhouse.

Step 14: Scan for Malware and Viruses

Malware can secretly consume resources and slow your PC.

Use Windows Security (Defender) or a trusted antivirus.
Run a full scan to ensure your system is clean.

Think of it as a health check for your PC.

Step 15: Reset or Reinstall Windows (Last Resort)

If nothing else works, a reset can bring your PC back to life.

Go to Settings > System > Recovery > Reset this PC.
Choose whether to keep your files or do a full reset.

This wipes away years of clutter and issues, giving you a fresh start.

Bonus Tip: Use Performance Troubleshooter

Windows has built-in troubleshooters that can detect performance issues.

Search for Troubleshoot settings.
Run the Performance troubleshooter to auto-fix common problems.

Conclusion

Speeding up Windows 11 doesn’t have to be complicated. By cleaning up startup apps, adjusting settings, keeping your system updated, and optimizing storage, you can easily breathe new life into your PC. If all else fails, a hardware upgrade or reset can give you the ultimate performance boost.

Remember—your computer is like a car. Regular maintenance keeps it running smoothly, while neglect leads to slowdowns. Follow these steps, and you’ll enjoy a faster, more responsive Windows 11 experience.

FAQs

1. Why is my Windows 11 PC running so slow?
Common reasons include too many startup programs, background apps, outdated drivers, malware, or lack of storage space.

2. Does Windows 11 run slower than Windows 10?
Not necessarily. Windows 11 is optimized for modern hardware, but older PCs might feel slower without adjustments.

3. Will upgrading to an SSD really speed up Windows 11?
Yes! An SSD can drastically reduce boot times, app load times, and overall system responsiveness.

4. Can I speed up Windows 11 without upgrading hardware?
Absolutely. Disabling startup apps, cleaning storage, and adjusting visual effects can provide noticeable improvements.

5. How often should I optimize Windows 11?
A monthly cleanup (using Storage Sense, Disk Cleanup, and updates) is usually enough to keep your PC in top shape.

How to Speed Up Windows 11: Boost Your PC’s Performance Now