Windows 11, the latest operating system from Microsoft, has brought several exciting features and a sleek new interface. However, like any operating system, it can sometimes suffer from performance issues that can slow down your computer. If you’re experiencing sluggishness or want to optimize the performance of your Windows 11 device, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I will share with you the best ways to speed up Windows 11 and improve its overall performance.
Restart, Update
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to make your Windows 11 faster is by restarting your computer. Restarting can clear up temporary files, close unnecessary processes, and refresh the system. It’s a good practice to restart your computer regularly, especially if you’ve been using it for an extended period.
Additionally, keeping your Windows 11 up to date is crucial for performance improvements. Microsoft releases regular updates that address bugs, security vulnerabilities, and performance optimizations. To update your Windows 11, go to Settings > Windows Update and click on “Check for updates.” Install any available updates to ensure your system is running smoothly.
Disable Startup Programs/Apps
When you start your computer, several programs and apps automatically launch in the background. These startup programs can significantly impact the boot time and overall performance of your Windows 11 system. By disabling unnecessary startup programs, you can speed up the startup process and free up system resources.
To manage startup programs in Windows 11, open the Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc. Go to the “Startup” tab, where you’ll find a list of programs that start with your computer. Right-click on any program you don’t need to launch at startup and select “Disable.” Be careful not to disable essential system programs or apps that you rely on.
Debloat Windows 11
Windows 11 comes preloaded with various applications and features that you may not use or need. These unnecessary programs can consume system resources and slow down your computer. Debloating Windows 11 involves removing or disabling these unwanted applications to optimize performance.
To debloat Windows 11, you can use PowerShell, a powerful command-line tool. Open PowerShell as an administrator by searching for it in the Start menu, right-clicking on it, and selecting “Run as administrator.” Copy and paste the following command to view a list of installed apps:
Get-AppxPackage | Select Name, PackageFullName
Identify the apps you want to remove and use the following command to uninstall them:
Get-AppxPackage *AppName* | Remove-AppxPackage
Replace AppName with the name of the app you want to remove. Be cautious when removing apps, as some may be necessary for the functioning of Windows 11 or other software.
Change Power Mode
Windows 11 offers different power modes that control the performance and power consumption of your computer. By changing the power mode, you can optimize your system for better performance or energy efficiency, depending on your needs.
To change the power mode in Windows 11, go to Settings > System > Power & sleep. Under the “Power mode” section, you’ll find three options: “Battery saver,” “Better battery,” and “Best performance.” Select the power mode that suits your requirements. Keep in mind that choosing the “Best performance” mode may increase power consumption.
Defragment Hard Disk
Over time, your hard disk can become fragmented, which means that files are scattered across different physical locations on the disk. This fragmentation can slow down file access and overall system performance. By defragmenting your hard disk, you can improve file access speed and enhance the performance of your Windows 11 system.
To defragment your hard disk in Windows 11, follow these steps:
- Open the Start menu and search for “Defragment and Optimize Drives.”
- Click on the search result to open the “Optimize Drives” utility.
- Select the drive you want to defragment and click on “Optimize.”
- Wait for the process to complete. The time taken depends on the size of your drive and its fragmentation level.
It’s recommended to defragment your hard disk regularly to maintain optimal performance. However, if you have a solid-state drive (SSD), defragmentation is not necessary as SSDs work differently from traditional hard disks.
Add More Memory on Windows 11 (RAM/SSD Upgrade)
Insufficient memory can significantly impact the performance of your Windows 11 system. If you often find your computer slowing down or struggling to run multiple applications simultaneously, it may be time to upgrade your memory.
There are two types of memory upgrades you can consider: RAM and SSD. Upgrading your RAM (Random Access Memory) allows your computer to handle more data simultaneously, resulting in improved multitasking and overall performance. Adding more RAM is relatively straightforward and can be done by purchasing compatible memory modules and installing them in your computer’s memory slots.
On the other hand, upgrading your SSD (Solid-State Drive) can enhance the speed of file access and data transfer. SSDs are faster and more reliable than traditional hard disks, and installing an SSD can significantly improve your Windows 11 system’s performance. However, SSD upgrades may require more technical knowledge and involve cloning your existing hard disk to the new SSD.
Before proceeding with any memory upgrade, ensure that your computer’s hardware supports the desired upgrades and consult the manufacturer’s documentation or a professional if needed.
Disable Restartable Apps
Windows 11 introduced a new feature called “Restartable apps,” which allows certain apps to automatically restart after a system reboot. While this feature can be convenient for some users, it can also slow down the startup process and consume system resources. Disabling restartable apps can help improve the performance of your Windows 11 system.
To disable restartable apps in Windows 11, follow these steps:
- Open the Start menu and go to Settings.
- Click on “System” and select “Power & sleep” from the left-hand menu.
- Scroll down to the “Restartable apps” section and toggle the switch to disable the feature.
By disabling restartable apps, you can reduce the load on your system during startup and potentially improve the overall performance of your Windows 11.
Uninstall Unwanted Software/Bloatware
Over time, you may accumulate unwanted software or bloatware on your Windows 11 system. These programs can consume system resources, slow down your computer, and even pose security risks. Uninstalling unnecessary software can help declutter your system and improve its performance.
To uninstall unwanted software or bloatware in Windows 11, follow these steps:
- Open the Start menu and go to Settings.
- Click on “Apps” and select “Apps & features” from the left-hand menu.
- You’ll see a list of installed applications. Scroll through the list and identify the programs you want to uninstall.
- Click on the program and select “Uninstall.”
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the uninstallation process. Be cautious when uninstalling programs, as some may be necessary for the functioning of Windows 11 or other software.
Delete Temporary Files
Temporary files are created by various applications and processes on your Windows 11 system. These files can accumulate over time and take up valuable disk space, potentially slowing down your computer. Deleting temporary files can free up disk space and improve the performance of your Windows 11 system.
To delete temporary files in Windows 11, follow these steps:
- Open the Start menu and search for “Disk Cleanup.”
- Click on the search result to open the “Disk Cleanup” utility.
- Select the drive you want to clean and click on “OK.”
- The utility will scan your drive and present a list of files that can be deleted. Check the boxes next to the files you want to remove, such as “Temporary files,” “Recycle Bin,” and “Thumbnails.”
- Click on “OK” to delete the selected files.
It’s recommended to regularly clean up temporary files to maintain optimal disk space and system performance. You can also automate this process by using the Storage Sense feature in Windows 11.
Free Up Disk Space
A full or nearly full hard disk can significantly impact the performance of your Windows 11 system. When your disk space is running low, your computer may struggle to perform tasks, experience slow file access, or even crash. Freeing up disk space can help alleviate these issues and improve the overall performance of your Windows 11 system.
To free up disk space in Windows 11, you can follow these steps:
- Open the Start menu and go to Settings.
- Click on “System” and select “Storage” from the left-hand menu.
- Under the “Local storage” section, you’ll see a visual representation of your disk usage. Click on “Show more categories” to see a detailed breakdown of the storage usage.
- Identify the files or categories that are taking up significant space and click on them to explore further.
- Windows 11 provides various options to free up disk space, such as deleting temporary files, uninstalling apps, and removing system files. Select the appropriate options and click on “Remove files.”
By freeing up disk space, you can ensure that your Windows 11 system has enough room to operate efficiently and improve its overall performance.
Use Storage Sense to Make Windows 11 Faster
Windows 11 comes with a built-in feature called Storage Sense, which automatically manages your disk space and keeps your system running smoothly. Storage Sense can clean up temporary files, delete unused files in your Downloads folder, and optimize your Recycle Bin, among other functions. By enabling and configuring Storage Sense, you can automate the process of maintaining disk space and improve the performance of your Windows 11 system.
To use Storage Sense in Windows 11, follow these steps:
- Open the Start menu and go to Settings.
- Click on “System” and select “Storage” from the left-hand menu.
- Under the “Storage sense” section, toggle the switch to enable Storage Sense.
- Click on “Configure Storage Sense or run it now” to customize its settings.
- In the configuration window, you can choose the frequency of automatic cleanups, select the files and folders to clean, and specify other preferences. Adjust the settings according to your needs and click on “Clean now” to start the cleanup process.
By utilizing Storage Sense, you can ensure that your Windows 11 system stays clutter-free and optimized for better performance.
Disable Animations and Visual Effects
Windows 11 includes various animations and visual effects that enhance the overall user experience. However, these visual elements can consume system resources and potentially slow down your computer, especially if you have an older or low-spec system. Disabling unnecessary animations and visual effects can help improve the performance of your Windows 11 system.
To disable animations and visual effects in Windows 11, follow these steps:
- Open the Start menu and go to Settings.
- Click on “System” and select “Display” from the left-hand menu.
- Under the “Scale and layout” section, click on “Advanced display settings.”
- In the advanced settings window, scroll down and click on “Display adapter properties for Display.” This will open the Properties dialog box of your display adapter.
- In the Properties dialog box, go to the “Visual Effects” tab.
- Select the option “Adjust for best performance” to disable all visual effects or choose the specific effects you want to disable individually.
- Click on “Apply” and then “OK” to save the changes.
By disabling unnecessary animations and visual effects, you can allocate more system resources to critical tasks and improve the overall performance of your Windows 11 system.
Disable Notifications and Tips
Windows 11 provides notifications and tips to keep you informed about system updates, new features, and various events. While these notifications can be helpful, they can also be distracting and consume system resources. Disabling unnecessary notifications and tips can help improve the performance of your Windows 11 system, especially during critical tasks or gaming sessions.
To disable notifications and tips in Windows 11, follow these steps:
- Open the Start menu and go to Settings.
- Click on “System” and select “Notifications & actions” from the left-hand menu.
- Under the “Notifications” section, toggle the switch to disable notifications globally.
- If you want to disable notifications for specific apps, scroll down and customize the settings for individual apps.
- To disable tips and suggestions, go back to the main Settings page and click on “Personalization.”
- Select “Taskbar” from the left-hand menu and toggle the switch for “Show me tips about Windows” to disable tips.
By disabling unnecessary notifications and tips, you can minimize distractions and allocate system resources more efficiently, resulting in improved performance for your Windows 11 system.
Disable Background apps
Windows 11 allows certain apps to run in the background even when they’re not actively in use. While this functionality can be useful for certain apps, it can also consume system resources and impact the performance of your computer. Disabling unnecessary background apps can help improve the overall performance of your Windows 11 system.
To disable background apps in Windows 11, follow these steps:
- Open the Start menu and go to Settings.
- Click on “Privacy” and select “Background apps” from the left-hand menu.
- You’ll see a list of apps that are allowed to run in the background. Toggle the switch next to each app to disable its background activity.
- Alternatively, you can toggle the switch at the top of the page to disable background apps globally.
By disabling unnecessary background apps, you can free up system resources and improve the performance of your Windows 11 system.
As a professional writer, I have been using Windows operating systems for years, and I must say that Windows 11 is one of the best yet. However, it’s not perfect, and there are times when it can slow down, which can be frustrating. In this article, I will be sharing some tips on how to speed up Windows 11 and improve performance.
Disable VBS (For Gamers)
VBS or Virtualization-based security is a security feature that uses hardware virtualization to protect the Windows kernel from being modified or attacked by malware. While this feature is essential for security, it can also affect your system’s performance, especially if you are a gamer.
To disable VBS, follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type “gpedit.msc” in the Run dialog box and press Enter.
- In the Group Policy Editor, navigate to “Computer Configuration” > “Administrative Templates” > “System” > “Device Guard” > “Turn on Virtualization Based Security.”
- Double-click on “Turn on Virtualization Based Security.”
- Select “Disabled” and click on “OK.”
Disabling VBS can improve your system’s performance, especially if you are a gamer.
Disable Game Mode
Game Mode is a feature in Windows 11 that is designed to improve your gaming experience by allocating more CPU and GPU resources to the game you are playing. However, this feature can also cause your system to slow down, especially if you are not playing games.
To disable Game Mode, follow these steps:
- Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
- Click on “Gaming” and then click on “Game Mode.”
- Toggle off “Game Mode.”
Disabling Game Mode can improve your system’s performance, especially if you are not playing games.
Don’t Install a Third-Party Antivirus Software
Windows 11 comes with a built-in antivirus software called Windows Defender. While it may not be as popular as some third-party antivirus software, it is effective in protecting your system from viruses and malware.
Installing a third-party antivirus software can slow down your system, especially if it is resource-intensive. Windows Defender is lightweight and doesn’t consume too many system resources, making it an excellent choice for protecting your system without slowing it down.
In conclusion, Windows 11 is an excellent operating system, but it can slow down from time to time. By following these tips on how to speed up Windows 11, you can improve your system’s performance and have a better overall experience.
Remember to disable VBS if you are a gamer, disable Game Mode if you are not playing games, and stick with Windows Defender as your antivirus software. By doing so, you can ensure that your system runs smoothly and efficiently.
