How to Speed Up Windows 11: 15 Proven Tips
Windows 11 is fast and modern, but over time, it can get slow due to background apps, temporary files, and unnecessary startup programs. Here’s how to make it run smooth and fast again.
1️⃣ Disable Startup Programs
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
Click the Startup tab.
Disable programs you don’t need at startup (right-click → Disable).
This reduces boot time and frees system resources.
2️⃣ Remove Bloatware & Unnecessary Apps
Press Win + I → Apps → Installed apps.
Uninstall apps you never use.
Check pre-installed apps like Xbox or OneDrive if you don’t need them.
3️⃣ Enable Storage Sense
Go to Settings → System → Storage.
Turn on Storage Sense to automatically remove temporary files.
Keeps your system clean without manual cleanup.
4️⃣ Clean Temporary Files
Press Win + R, type
%temp%, press Enter.Delete all files in this folder.
Repeat for
C:\Windows\Tempfolder.
5️⃣ Disable Visual Effects
Press Win + R, type
sysdm.cpl, press Enter.Go to Advanced → Performance → Settings.
Select Adjust for best performance (or customize).
This turns off fancy animations that slow down older PCs.
6️⃣ Update Windows & Drivers
Press Win + I → Windows Update → Check for updates.
Update graphics, chipset, and other drivers from manufacturer’s site.
Keeping Windows and drivers updated improves performance and security.
7️⃣ Optimize Power Settings
Go to Settings → System → Power & battery → Power mode.
Select Best performance instead of “Balanced” or “Battery saver.”
Increases performance, especially for laptops.
8️⃣ Use Disk Cleanup
Press Win + S, type Disk Cleanup, and open it.
Select your drive → check options → click Clean up system files.
Deletes old Windows updates and temporary files.
9️⃣ Defragment Your Hard Drive
For HDDs: Search Defragment and Optimize Drives → Select your drive → Optimize.
For SSDs: Windows automatically optimizes; manual defrag not needed.
🔟 Adjust Background Apps
Press Win + I → Apps → Apps & features.
Click Advanced options → Disable Background apps for apps you don’t need.
1️⃣1️⃣ Use ReadyBoost (Optional)
Plug in a USB flash drive.
Right-click it → Properties → ReadyBoost → Use this device.
Useful if your PC has low RAM (<8GB).
1️⃣2️⃣ Scan for Malware & Viruses
Use Windows Security → Virus & threat protection.
Run a full scan to ensure malware isn’t slowing your PC.
1️⃣3️⃣ Disable Search Indexing (Optional)
Press Win + S, type services.msc.
Find Windows Search, double-click → Startup type → Disabled.
Speeds up older PCs, but searching files may be slower.
1️⃣4️⃣ Reset or Refresh Windows
Settings → System → Recovery → Reset this PC.
Choose Keep my files or Remove everything.
Use as a last resort if your system is very slow.
1️⃣5️⃣ Upgrade Hardware (If Needed)
Upgrade to SSD if still on HDD.
Add more RAM (8GB+ recommended for smooth performance).
💡 Pro Tips
Keep only essential startup apps.
Regularly clean temporary files.
Avoid running too many apps at once.