Windows 11 brings a sleek design, improved features, and better security, but some users may experience slow performance over time. Whether you’re a gamer, a professional, or a casual user, knowing how to get better performance on Windows 11 can significantly enhance your experience. This guide will walk you through essential steps to optimize Windows 11 for speed, efficiency, and reliability.
1. Keep Windows 11 Updated
Microsoft frequently releases updates that improve performance, fix bugs, and enhance security.
- Go to Settings > Windows Update
- Click Check for updates
- Install any available updates and restart your PC
Regular updates ensure you get the latest performance enhancements and security fixes.
2. Disable Startup Programs
Too many startup programs can slow down your PC’s boot time.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
- Click the Startup tab
- Disable unnecessary programs by right-clicking and selecting Disable
This will free up system resources and improve startup speed.
3. Optimize Power Settings
Windows 11’s default power plan balances performance and energy efficiency, but switching to a high-performance plan can boost speed.
- Open Control Panel
- Go to Hardware and Sound > Power Options
- Select High performance
This setting allows Windows 11 to use more power for improved performance.
4. Uninstall Unnecessary Apps
Unused programs take up storage and system resources. To remove them:
- Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps
- Click on the app you want to remove and select Uninstall
Removing bloatware and unnecessary software helps free up system resources.
5. Enable Storage Sense
Storage Sense automatically removes temporary files and frees up disk space.
- Go to Settings > System > Storage
- Turn on Storage Sense
- Click Configure Storage Sense and customize how frequently it runs
Keeping your system clean helps prevent slowdowns caused by low disk space.
6. Disable Visual Effects
Windows 11 comes with fancy animations that look good but consume system resources.
- Press Win + R, type
sysdm.cpl, and press Enter - Go to the Advanced tab and click Settings under Performance
- Select Adjust for best performance or customize specific visual effects
Disabling unnecessary effects can improve responsiveness and speed.
7. Increase Virtual Memory
Virtual memory helps Windows 11 manage workloads when RAM is full.
- Press Win + R, type
sysdm.cpl, and press Enter - Go to the Advanced tab and click Settings under Performance
- Under the Advanced tab, click Change in the Virtual Memory section
- Uncheck Automatically manage paging file size for all drives
- Select Custom size and set an appropriate value (e.g., 1.5x your RAM size)
- Click Set and restart your PC
This helps Windows 11 manage memory more efficiently.
8. Disable Background Apps
Background apps consume CPU and RAM, slowing down performance.
- Open Settings > Apps > Apps & features
- Click Background apps permissions and set it to Never for unnecessary apps
Reducing background activity can significantly improve speed and battery life.
9. Update Drivers
Outdated drivers can cause performance issues.
- Open Device Manager (Press Win + X and select Device Manager)
- Expand Display adapters, Network adapters, and other key components
- Right-click each device and select Update driver
- Choose Search automatically for drivers
Keeping drivers updated ensures compatibility and performance improvements.
10. Defragment and Optimize Drives
If you use an HDD, defragmenting it can improve access times.
- Open Settings > System > Storage
- Click Advanced storage settings > Drive optimization
- Select your HDD and click Optimize
For SSDs, Windows automatically optimizes them, but you can still check optimization settings.
11. Disable Transparency Effects
Disabling transparency effects can improve system responsiveness.
- Open Settings > Personalization > Colors
- Toggle off Transparency effects
This simple tweak helps improve performance, especially on older hardware.
12. Use a Lighter Antivirus
Some third-party antivirus programs consume a lot of system resources.
- If you’re using Windows Defender, it’s already optimized and sufficient for most users
- Consider disabling or replacing heavy antivirus programs with lightweight alternatives
A less resource-intensive antivirus can speed up system performance.
13. Free Up Disk Space
A full drive slows down Windows 11. Use Disk Cleanup to remove unnecessary files.
- Press Win + R, type
cleanmgr, and press Enter - Select your drive and click OK
- Check unnecessary files and click Delete Files
Regularly cleaning your drive ensures smooth system operation.
14. Manage Windows Updates
While updates are important, frequent automatic updates can slow down your PC.
- Open Settings > Windows Update
- Click Advanced options and adjust update settings
This helps reduce unnecessary background activity.
15. Enable Game Mode
If you’re a gamer, Game Mode can optimize Windows 11 for gaming performance.
- Open Settings > Gaming > Game Mode
- Toggle Game Mode on
This setting prioritizes game performance by reducing background tasks.
16. Upgrade Your Hardware
If your PC still feels slow, hardware upgrades may be necessary.
- Add more RAM for better multitasking
- Upgrade to an SSD for faster boot and load times
- Replace an old CPU or GPU if you need better performance for intensive tasks
Upgrading hardware ensures that Windows 11 runs smoothly for years to come.
17. Reset Windows 11 (Last Resort)
If performance issues persist, a fresh Windows installation may be the best solution.
- Open Settings > System > Recovery
- Click Reset this PC and choose to keep or remove personal files
A fresh install can eliminate software bloat and fix persistent slowdowns.
Conclusion
Knowing how to get better performance on Windows 11 involves a combination of software tweaks, system optimizations, and potential hardware upgrades. By following these steps, you can significantly enhance your PC’s speed, efficiency, and responsiveness. Whether you’re a casual user or a power user, these optimizations will help you make the most of your Windows 11 experience.