How to Speed Up Windows 11

Are you experiencing your Windows 11 device being slow to boot up, slow to open applications and freezing? This can be very frustrating. Especially if you're using your device for studying, working, browsing and more.

Luckily there are often some simple solutions to making your PC faster. Sometimes your PC may be slow due to extra apps opening on boot, low storage, background processes and outdated software.

Using a few simple solutions can help boost your performance. This guide will show you how to speed up Windows 11 by changing the settings, removing excess files, managing apps and boosting your PC.

Why is my Windows 11 slow?

Understanding why your Windows 11 is running slowly can help you know how to fix it.

Some common causes of your PC being slow are:

Too many apps open on start-up

Low storage

Too many apps running in the background

Outdated Windows updates or drivers

Too many temporary files

Malware or unwanted software

Low RAM or outdated hardware

By knowing what may be causing your issue you can make sure you are doing the right steps to help speed up your PC.

8 Ways to Speed Up Windows 11

Use the following tips to help boost your performance.

1. Turn Off Unnecessary Startup Apps

Many applications will open automatically when you turn on your computer. While this can be very helpful for apps you regularly use, having too many apps open on start-up can slow down your boot time and use up resources.

To manage your startup apps:

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager

Click on Startup apps on the left-hand side

Look at the list of apps

Check how much they affect your start-up

Right-click on any unnecessary apps and click Disable.

For example, if you do not need to open any music apps or messaging apps straight away you can turn them off.

Make sure you do not disable any apps that are necessary for security or your computer.

2. Free Up Storage

Having low storage can cause issues with your performance.

To help free up space, Windows 11 has a built-in tool called Storage Sense.

Open Settings

Click on System

Click on Storage.

Click on Temporary files.

Look through the list of files you can delete.

Select the files you wish to delete.

Click on Remove files.

You can turn on Storage Sense to help manage your temporary files.

Make sure you look through the files carefully before deleting anything. Do not delete any personal files.

3. Uninstall Unused Apps

Unused apps can take up lots of storage and sometimes run in the background.

Uninstalling any apps you do not use can help keep your PC tidy.

To uninstall any unnecessary apps:

Open Settings.

Click on Apps.

Click on Installed apps.

Find any apps that you are no longer using.

Click on the three dots next to the app.

Click on Uninstall and follow the prompts.

For example, you may have old games, trial apps or apps that you have installed once but never use.

Make sure you only uninstall apps you recognise and no longer need.

4. Change Visual Effects

Windows 11 has a lot of visual effects such as animations, drop-shadows and transparent effects. While this looks nice, it can take up more resources.

If your PC has limited resources, changing the visual effects may help.

Open Start Menu.

Search for Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows.

Open Performance Options.

Go to Visual Effects.

Click on Adjust for best performance.

Click Apply and then OK.

This will turn off many visual effects. However, if you would like to keep your PC looking nice you can click on Custom and only turn off any effects you do not need.

5. Keep Windows 11 Updated

It is always important to keep your Windows updated. It can help improve your security, performance and stability. It can include bug fixes, compatibility improvements and updated drivers.

Open Settings.

Click on Windows Update.

Click on Check for updates.

Install any available updates.

Restart your PC if necessary.

You can also check for optional driver updates.

Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates.

Only install drivers that are relevant to your hardware.

6. Change Power Mode

Windows 11 has different power modes depending on your PC and hardware.

If your PC seems slow when doing something demanding, changing to Best performance can help.

Open Settings.

Click on System.

Click on Power & battery.

Look for Power mode and click on Best performance if available.

This can increase your electricity use and make your PC get hotter. It can also reduce battery life on laptops.

If you're mainly using your PC for browsing and working, Balanced may be better.

7. Scan for Malware

Malware can cause your PC to use extra resources without you knowing. This can cause your PC to randomly slow down, become very busy on the CPU and act strangely.

Windows 11 has a built-in tool called Microsoft Defender. You can scan your device.

Open Settings.

Click on Privacy & security.

Click on Windows Security.

Click on Virus & threat protection.

Click on Quick scan.

If you feel your PC may have a serious infection, you can run a full scan.

Do not download any unknown system cleansers or optimisers from unreliable sites.

8. Restart Your PC

Many people do not restart their PC for days. This means that your apps and background processes may be using up resources.

Restarting your PC can help shut down any temporary processes.

Click on Start.

Click on Power.

Click on Restart.

Wait for your PC to boot up.

If your PC has been running for a few hours and is running slowly, restarting it can help.

Additional Tips

Alongside the main tips, you can try the following to help keep your PC running smoothly.

Close any unnecessary apps. Having too many apps open can take up RAM and processing.

Reduce the amount of tabs in your browser. Having too many tabs open can take up a lot of RAM. Especially if they have videos, animations and more.

Ensure your device is well ventilated. Having dust build up and blocked air vents can cause your PC to overheat. This can cause your PC to slow down to protect itself.

Open Task Manager. Look at your CPU, Memory and Disk usage. This can help you see which apps are using too many resources.

Optimise your drives. Search for Defrag and Optimise Drives in your Start Menu. Windows can help optimise your drives. This includes using TRIM on your SSD.

What If My Windows 11 is Still Slow?

If you have tried the above and your PC is still slow, it could be due to your hardware.

For example, if you have low RAM you may struggle when having multiple apps open. Also if you have an old mechanical hard drive, your Windows may take longer to boot up and open apps.

Upgrading to an SSD or adding compatible RAM may help more than just changing your settings.

Before buying any hardware, check what your device can support.

Final Thoughts

Your Windows 11 is not always going to require replacing. Simple changes can help you boost your performance. This includes turning off unnecessary apps, freeing up storage, updating Windows and reducing background processes.

Start by using the methods that will help your PC the most. You do not need to change everything. Just make sure you make your changes carefully and see if your PC is more responsive.

By regularly maintaining your PC and ensuring your settings are correct, you can keep your Windows 11 running smoothly and make your everyday computing easier.