Simple tips to speed up your Windows 11 performance

Is your Windows 11 computer feeling a bit sluggish? Is it less responsive than when you first got it? Check out these simple tips to speed up your Windows 11 performance.

If your Windows 11 PC feels slower than it used to, you’re not alone. Over time, apps pile up, background processes multiply, and Windows collects temporary data that can drag down performance. The good news is that you can restore speed and responsiveness with a few smart optimizations, none of which require advanced technical skills.

Clean up apps that automatically start with Windows

Many apps set themselves to launch automatically, even if you don’t need them running.
Here's how to fix it:

1. Right-click on an empty space on the Taskbar and select Task Manager, or press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. On the left side of Task Manager, click on Startup apps.
3. Click on the top of the Startup impact column to sort by impact.
4. Disable anything you don’t need running at boot. For example: Spotify, Teams, Zoom, Adobe Updater, Steam, Epic Games Launcher.

Why it matters:
Fewer startup apps = faster boot times + more available memory.

Turn on Storage Sense

Storage Sense removes temporary files, cache data, and update leftovers.
Here's how to enable it:

1. Left-click on the Start button to bring up the Start menu.
2. In the list of pinned apps on the Start menu, left-click on Settings.
3. In the left-hand column, left-click on System.
4. In the right-hand column, left-click on Storage.
5. Turn on Storage Sense, then click it to customize its settings.

Why it matters:
A cleaner drive means faster indexing, quicker updates, and fewer slowdowns.

Update Windows, drivers, and apps

Outdated drivers and system files can cause lag, crashes, and poor performance.
Do this regularly:

Windows Update

1. Left-click on the Start button to bring up the Start menu.
2. In the list of pinned apps on the Start menu, left-click on Settings.
3. In the left-hand column, left-click on Windows Update.
4. In the right-hand column, left-click on Check for updates.

Drivers

1. Left-click on the Start button to bring up the Start menu.
2. In the list of pinned apps on the Start menu, left-click on Settings.
3. In the left-hand column, left-click on Windows Update.
4. In the right-hand column, left-click on Advanced options.
5. In the right-hand column, left-click on Optional updates.
6. In the right-hand column, left-click on Driver updates.
7. Review any drivers that appear listed. Install them as needed.

Microsoft Store apps

1. Left-click on the Start button to bring up the Start menu.
2. In the list of pinned apps on the Start menu, left-click on Microsoft Store. If it is not pinned, scroll down All apps and left-click on Microsoft Store.
3. In the left-hand column, left-click on Downloads.
4. In the upper right-hand corner, click on Check for updates.

Why it matters:
Updates often include performance improvements and bug fixes.

Uninstall apps you don’t use

Unused apps take up space, run background services, and slow down your PC.
Here is how to remove them:

1. Left-click on the Start button to bring up the Start menu.
2. In the list of pinned apps on the Start menu, left-click on Settings.
3. In the left-hand column, left-click on Apps.
4. In the right-hand column, left-click on Installed apps.
5. Sort by Size (Large to small) or Date installed.
6. Uninstall anything you don’t need.

Safe to remove

• Trial software
• OEM bloatware
• Games you no longer play
• Duplicate utilities (multiple PDF readers, cleaners, etc.)

Optimize power settings for performance

Windows 11 defaults to balanced power mode, which can limit performance on desktops.
Here's how to switch to high performance:

1. Left-click on the Start button to bring up the Start menu.
2. In the upper right-hand corner of the Start menu, left-click on All apps.
3. Scroll down the list of programs and left-click on Windows Tools.
4. Left-click on Control Panel.
5. If viewing the Control Panel by Category, left-click on Hardware and Sound and then Power options. If viewing by Large/Small Icons, left-click on Power Options.
6. Under additional plans, select High Performance.

Why it matters:
This removes CPU throttling and improves responsiveness.

Free up space using Cleanup Recommendations

Windows 11 includes a smart analyzer that identifies large files, unused apps, and cloud-backed files you can offload.
Here's how to use it:

1. Left-click on the Start button to bring up the Start menu.
2. In the list of pinned apps on the Start menu, left-click on Settings.
3. In the left-hand column, left-click on System.
4. In the right-hand column, left-click on Storage.
5. Left-click on Cleanup recommendations.

Why it matters:
A fuller drive = slower performance, especially on SSDs.

Check for malware or resource-hogging apps

A slow PC can be caused by:

• Malware
• Browser extensions
• Crypto-miners
• Background sync apps

Check Task Manager

1. Right-click on an empty space on the Taskbar and select Task Manager, or press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. On the left side of Task Manager, click on Processes.
3. Look for apps using high CPU, Memory, or Disk usage.

Run a scan

1. Left-click on the Start button to bring up the Start menu.
2. In the list of pinned apps on the Start menu, left-click on Settings.
3. In the left-hand column, left-click on Privacy & security.
4. In the right-hand column, left-click on Windows Security.
5. In the right-hand column, left-click on Virus & threat protection. Windows Security will open.
6. In the right-hand column, left-click on Quick scan.

Manage Browser Bloat

Browsers are often the biggest memory hogs.
Do this:

• Close unused tabs
• Remove unnecessary extensions
• Clear cache
• Enable Sleeping Tabs in Edge or Chrome

Why it matters:
A single browser tab can use hundreds of MB of RAM.

How to clean up and reset Google Chrome

How to clean up and reset Microsoft Edge

How to clean up and reset Mozilla Firefox

Restart your computer regularly

It sounds simple, but many users go weeks without restarting.
Why it matters:

• Clears memory leaks
• Resets background processes
• Installs pending updates
• Improves overall stability

Restarting once every few days keeps Windows running smoothly.

Disable visual effects (optional)

Windows 11 animations look great, but they can slow down older PCs.
Here's how to turn them off:

1. Left-click on the Start button to bring up the Start menu.
2. In the list of pinned apps on the Start menu, left-click on Settings.
3. In the left-hand column, left-click on System.
4. Scroll down the right-hand column and left-click on About.
5. Scroll down the right-hand column and left-click on the Advanced system settings link. The System Properties menu will appear.
6. The Advanced tab should be active. If not, left-click on it to bring it up.
7. In the Performance section, left-click on the Settings button.
8. Select Adjust for best performance or selectively turn off the various options.

Why it matters:
This frees up CPU and GPU resources.

Upgrade to an SSD or add more RAM (optional)

If your computer still feels slow after optimization, hardware may be the bottleneck.
Best upgrades:

• SSD: The single biggest speed boost for older computers.
• RAM: 16 GB is ideal for most users.
• NVMe SSD: Even faster than SATA SSDs.

Why it matters:
No amount of software tuning can compensate for slow hardware.

Things to consider when replacing or upgrading computer components

Windows 11 is a fast, modern operating system, but like any system, it needs occasional maintenance to stay that way. This list gives you a reliable, repeatable process to keep your computer running smoothly for years.

Most users will see noticeable improvements after completing just a few of these steps. For deeper issues, like failing hardware, corrupted system files, or persistent slowdowns, a professional tune-up can make all the difference.