🧠 Why Is Your Windows 11 Running Slow?
If you’re experiencing slow performance on Windows 11, you’re not alone. Whether you’ve recently upgraded or have been using it for months, slowdowns can occur due to:
- Too many startup programs launching at boot
- Outdated drivers and Windows updates
- Low disk space or fragmented storage (especially on HDDs)
- Background processes like Windows Search, Cortana, or OneDrive
- Visual effects that consume system resources
- Malware or unnecessary bloatware running silently in the background
Thankfully, there are effective ways to speed up Windows 11, whether you’re a casual user or a tech-savvy professional.
In this article, we’ll walk you through proven methods to optimize Windows 11 performance, complete with success rate ratings so you know which solutions work best.
⚙️ Step-by-Step Ways to Speed Up Windows 11
✅ Tip 1: Disable Startup Programs (Success Rate: 90%)
Too many apps launching at startup can significantly slow down your boot time.
How:
- Press
Ctrl + Shift + Escto open Task Manager - Go to the Startup tab
- Right-click any unwanted app and select Disable
📌 Recommended to disable all except essential apps like antivirus or cloud sync tools.
✅ Tip 2: Enable High-Performance Power Mode (Success Rate: 75%)
By default, Windows may be set to Balanced power mode, which limits CPU performance to save energy.
How:
- Click the battery icon in the taskbar
- Select High Performance
💡 If you don’t see it, go to Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options and enable it manually.
✅ Tip 3: Clean Up Disk Space with Disk Cleanup (Success Rate: 80%)
Over time, temporary files, old logs, and update caches take up valuable space.
How:
- Type Disk Cleanup in the Start menu and open it
- Select drive (usually C:)
- Check boxes like “Temporary files”, “Recycle Bin”, “Downloaded Program Files”
- Click OK and confirm deletion
🚀 For deeper cleaning, use Storage Sense under Settings > System > Storage
✅ Tip 4: Turn Off Visual Effects (Success Rate: 65%)
While Windows 11’s animations and transparency look great, they consume system resources.
How:
- Right-click This PC > Properties > Advanced system settings
- Under the Advanced tab, click Settings under Performance
- Choose Adjust for best performance and click OK
✅ Tip 5: Upgrade to SSD or Defragment HDD (Success Rate: 95%)
If you’re still using an HDD, upgrading to an SSD will dramatically improve boot times and responsiveness.
If using HDD:
- Open Defragment and Optimize Drives
- Select your drive and click Optimize
⚠️ Do NOT defragment SSDs — only optimize HDDs.
✅ Tip 6: Update Drivers & Windows (Success Rate: 90%)
Outdated drivers or missing system updates can cause sluggish behavior and instability.
How:
- Press
Win + Ito open Settings - Go to Windows Update
- Click Check for updates and install any pending ones
For drivers, use:
- Device Manager
- Manufacturer’s website (e.g., Intel, NVIDIA)
- Third-party driver updater tools (use cautiously)
✅ Tip 7: Use ReadyBoost (Only if RAM < 8GB – Success Rate: 50%)
ReadyBoost uses a USB flash drive or SD card as extra memory to boost performance.
How:
- Insert a USB drive
- Right-click it > Properties > ReadyBoost
- Allocate space and apply
📌 Best used on systems with less than 8GB RAM.
✅ Tip 8: Remove Bloatware (Success Rate: 85%)
Pre-installed apps from Microsoft or your PC manufacturer can run in the background and slow things down.
How:
- Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps
- Scroll through and uninstall unused apps
You can also use PowerShell to remove Microsoft Store bloatware:
Get-AppxPackage *bloatwareappname* | Remove-AppxPackage🛠️ Top Tools to Automatically Speed Up Windows 11
| Tool Name | Description | Success Rate |
|---|---|---|
| CCleaner | Cleans junk files, registry entries, and browser cache | ⭐ 85% |
| Wise Registry Cleaner | Fixes registry issues and boosts system stability | ⭐ 75% |
| PerfectUninstaller | Removes leftover software traces and optimizes system performance | ⭐ 90% |
🌟 Bonus Tip: Use Windows 11 Built-in Performance Troubleshooter
Sometimes Windows can detect and fix performance issues automatically.
How:
- Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters
- Run the Performance troubleshooter
✅ Summary: The Fastest Way to Speed Up Windows 11
Here’s how to choose the right method based on your needs:
- Beginner: Use Disk Cleanup, disable Startup Programs, and turn off Visual Effects
- Intermediate: Uninstall Bloatware, update Drivers, and optimize Power Settings
- Advanced: Use third-party tools like PerfectUninstaller, upgrade to SSD, and tweak Registry
Remember: Always restart your PC after making major changes to ensure performance improvements take full effect.
💡 Final Pro Tip
Regular maintenance is key! Schedule monthly cleanups, keep your system updated, and avoid installing unnecessary software to maintain top speed on your Windows 11 device.
🙌 Need More Help?
👉 Visit our [Windows Optimization Forum]
👉 Check out our [System Performance & Speed Tips]
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