Discover how to make your Windows 11 computer run faster in 16 different ways, ranging from cleaning your storage space to updating drivers and improving hardware.
If your Windows 11 machine runs slowly, freezes often, or takes some time to open applications, there is a possibility of speeding it up without purchasing a new one. Simple things like disabling any unnecessary programs from launching on startup, clearing temporary files, upgrading Windows and drivers, managing background tasks, and optimizing the storage can be very helpful.
What Is a Windows 11 PC?
A Windows 11 PC refers to a computer that runs on Microsoft’s Windows 11 operating system. The aim of a Windows 11 PC is to provide users with a modern user interface, security, multitasking abilities, feature integration, and application support. Windows 11 computers are normally used for work, entertainment, games, browsing, communication, and other everyday computing tasks.
How to Speed Up Windows 11 PC
1. Disable Programs That Run on Startup
When there are too many applications set to run on startup, it will take time for Windows 11 to start and consume its memory. Open Task Manager, navigate to the Startup tab, and disable all the unneeded software.
2. Turn Off Unused Apps With High Resource Usage
Open Task Manager and check CPU, Memory, Disk, and GPU utilization. Stop using applications that are not needed and that are consuming lots of your PC’s resources.
3. Use Efficiency Mode
The efficiency mode in Windows 11 is useful for reducing resource consumption of supported applications and processes. Turn on this mode via Task Manager to decrease CPU usage.
4. Use Automatic Windows Maintenance
Your computer comes equipped with a set of maintenance actions provided by Windows 11 that will help manage some system tasks, updates, security checks, and other activities. Allow your computer to do this automatically.
5. Kill Adware and Bloatware
Adware applications and other unnecessary pre-installed applications take up system resources. Uninstall all the applications you think may be dangerous and run a security scan afterwards.
6. Turn Off Search Indexing
The process of indexing can utilize system resources during continuous indexing of files by Windows. If the files are searched rarely, then indexing can be disabled for performance enhancement on slower computers.
7. Clean Out Your Hard Drive
A disk drive that is close to being filled up can cause poor performance of Windows as well as a lack of free memory space. Unnecessary downloads, temporary files, programs, and any other unwanted data should be deleted from the hard drive.
8. Disable Shadows, Animations, and Visual Effects
Visual effects can use up your system resources, especially on older computers. Open the performance settings and turn off any extra shadow effects and other animations.
9. Disable Transparency
The transparency effects can require additional graphics resources. Turning it off through Windows accessibility or Windows personalization will make the interface simpler and Windows faster.
10. Change Your Power Settings
Windows power settings can affect the level of use of your computer’s hardware. It can be useful to choose an optimal power mode that provides better performance rather than battery conservation.
11. Turn Off Windows Tips and Tricks
The tips and recommendations on Windows will lead to more notifications and activity in the background. Disabling not necessary tips via settings can help you reduce distraction and somewhat decrease background activities on Windows 11.
12. Disable Game Mode
Game mode aims to provide better gaming experiences by optimizing resources needed for gaming; however, it might not be useful for all systems and users. Try to disable Game Mode and see how your system works.
13. Update Device Drivers
A driver that is not up-to-date can lead to various issues in terms of hardware functionality and system performance. Search the Windows Update Center and the website of a respective manufacturer for available updates for graphics drivers, chipsets, networks, and other device drivers.
14. Turn Off Background App Permissions
Some applications continue running even when you have stopped using them. Limiting unnecessary permissions will allow you to save system resources.
15. Roll Back Your PC to a Previous State
When your PC starts slowing down after installing any software, drivers, or even after performing any system changes, try performing System Restore to make your system faster.
16. Restart Windows
It is always a good idea to reboot your Windows from time to time in order to clear temporary files of the system, background processes, and refresh memory usage. When your PC becomes too slow, a simple reboot can solve this issue.
Does Windows 11 Slow Down Older PCs?
Windows 11 can run on supported old hardware; nonetheless, the performance of this software would depend on the CPU, RAM, storage, graphics card, and the workload itself. A computer with old hardware (for example, an HDD) and small RAM could be slower than a newer computer with an SSD.
It is necessary to pinpoint the exact part that is causing the bottleneck issue before upgrading the whole system. Adding RAM or moving from an HDD to an SSD can do wonders.
Which Upgrade Makes a Windows 11 PC Faster?
The best upgrade depends on the existing hardware.
| Problem | Potential Solution |
| Slow boot | Upgrade HDD to SSD |
| Apps frequently reload | Add RAM |
| Gaming performance | Upgrade GPU or optimize graphics settings |
| High CPU usage | Identify demanding processes or upgrade CPU |
| Nearly full storage | Replace or expand storage |
| Overheating | Clean cooling system and improve airflow |
| Slow multitasking | Increase RAM |
| General sluggishness | SSD + sufficient RAM |
Upgrading hardware must be done by focusing on the specific bottleneck, not by upgrading components haphazardly.
How to Speed Up Windows 11 for Gaming
The gamer needs to work on reducing any unnecessary use of resources while making sure that the graphics and drivers are updated. These include:
- Updating graphics driver.
- Stopping unnecessary background programs.
- Using proper Windows power mode.
- Maintaining enough free space.
- Reducing unnecessary startup programs.
- Checking temperatures of CPU and GPU.
- Setting up the in-game graphics according to hardware capabilities.
- Keeping Windows updated.
It is not advisable to use random registry hacks or “FPS boosters” without knowing what they do. Some may not bring much help but could cause stability/security issues.
When Should You Consider a New PC?
There exist hardware limitations that software optimization is unable to address. These include the following conditions:
- Significant obsolescence of hardware.
- Your PC is no longer able to handle your workload.
- Not enough RAM can be added to your PC.
- There is an issue with the hard drive.
- Your processor is inadequate for the application you have.
- You need performance for your modern graphics.
- Your PC crashes constantly after troubleshooting.
If your PC is otherwise okay, you can choose to replace the hard disk or the RAM instead of buying an entirely new PC.
FAQs
Does an SSD make Windows 11 faster?
Of course, changing your standard HDD to an SSD will certainly improve your system performance regarding Windows booting, application launching, and overall system performance.
Is Windows 11 slower than Windows 10?
Performance can be affected by various aspects like hardware, drivers, settings, and usage load. The use of Windows 11 does not mean that your PC is less powerful compared to any other version of Windows.
Does deleting temporary files make Windows 11 faster?
Removing unnecessary temporary files mainly saves space. This can help system management if there is insufficient space, but it is not a guaranteed way to significantly boost performance on its own.
Conclusion
Making a Windows 11 PC fast starts with identifying what causes your computer to run slowly. The following are some actions you can take to improve the performance of your PC: Disable programs at startup, optimize the storage space, limit background activities, update drivers, and adjust the visual effects. Should your PC still be slow despite implementing the above measures, then you may think about upgrading the SSD or RAM.