Quick Ways to Speed Up Windows 11

Windows 11 has been around for almost three years now, and during that time, it has introduced a variety of new features. One of the latest additions is Windows Copilot. Additionally, Windows 11 allows you to easily personalize the Start menu and customize the appearance of the Taskbar.

How to speed up Windows 11 on my computer?

Microsoft has also made improvements to performance by enhancing memory management, disk usage, app prioritization, and more. However, if you’re using an older laptop with Windows 11, you may encounter some issues. That’s why it’s important to optimize Windows 11. In this article, we have another tutorial that will show you how to speed up Windows 11 and significantly enhance its performance.

1. Restart and Update Your PC

It’s super simple and can really make a difference. Start off by going to Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates to see if there are any new updates available. If there are, just install them and restart your device.

If the system is already updated, there is no harm in rebooting it. This action can assist in resolving occasional issues that may cause your PC to slow down. It is important to remember that this is only a temporary solution, and you may need to explore additional settings to prevent these problems from happening again.

2. Disable Startup Programs/Apps

To accelerate the boot time on Windows 11, you can start by disabling the startup programs. These programs are usually launched when you start your PC. Follow these steps to disable them:

Open the settings app using the start menu or by pressing 🪟+I. Then go to the Apps tab and hover over to Startup tab. Then disable the apps that you don’t need just as your machine boots up.

3. Change Power Mode

If you want the best performance on Windows 11 and don’t mind compromising on the battery life, you can change the power plans on Windows 11. It will optimize Windows 11 with the right settings so that you get the best performance out of your machine.

4. Defragment Hard Disk

Over time, the files stored on the hard disk may become disorganized, leading to a decrease in system performance. To address this problem, you have the option to utilize the defragmentation tool, which will rearrange the files on the hard disk and improve overall system efficiency.

• Open the Windows menu and search for Defragment and Optimize Drives and open it.

• Select the drive that you want to defragment. After that, tap on the Optimize option to complete the process.

5. Add More Memory (RAM/SSD Upgrade)

Upgrading the RAM in a computer can lead to a noticeable enhancement in its speed and overall performance. Furthermore, switching to an SSD from a conventional hard drive (HDD) can result in a significant improvement. The disparity in performance is like night and day. I have experienced firsthand the benefits of using an SSD with a 7th-gen Intel i7 processor, ensuring flawless operation of Windows 11.

In terms of read/write speed, a conventional 5400 RPM hard drive typically operates at 100MBps, whereas a SATA SSD delivers a significantly faster speed of 500MBps. This substantial 5-fold increase in speed brings about noticeable improvements in various aspects, including reduced boot time, quicker opening of applications, and enhanced overall interaction with the elements of the operating system.

6. Disable Restartable Apps

In order to enhance the speed and efficiency of your experience, Windows 11 automatically relaunches certain background applications upon signing in to your PC. This feature can be beneficial for users with high-performance computers. However, for older systems, disabling this function could potentially improve the speed of Windows 11.

• Open Settings and head to the Accounts section. Select the Sign-in options.

• Now, disable the option for “Automatically save my restartable apps and restart them when I sign back in” and it’s done.

7. Delete Temporary Files

Another measure you can take is the removal of temporary files. These files are stored on your PC or laptop when applications execute tasks to ensure optimal performance. However, these files are not crucial and can occupy a substantial amount of storage space. By following these steps, you can delete them and speed up Windows 11.

• Press ‘Windows+X‘ and tap on the Run option. You can also use the hotkey Windows+R to get the option directly.

• Type %temp% and select OK.

• You will now be taken to the temporary files folder. Just select all of the files and delete them.

Kindly take note that the inbuilt Disk Cleanup app can be utilized to effectively clean temporary files from your hard disk.

Pro Tip: The inbuilt Disk Cleanup app can also be utilized to effectively clean temporary files from your hard disk.

8. Free Up Disk Space

If you have recently transitioned to Windows 11 from Windows 10, it is possible that your Windows 11 system still contains residual and temporary files from the previous operating system. These files serve no purpose and only occupy valuable storage space, potentially causing a decrease in performance on Windows 11 devices.

9. Use Storage Sense to Speed Up Windows 11

Furthermore, you have the option to activate Storage Sense, a feature that will automatically declutter Windows 11 periodically. To enable this function, please refer to the instructions provided below.

• Open Settings, and click on System in the sidebar.

• Select the Storage option and then click on Enable Storage Sense.

10. Disable Animations and Visual Effects

Windows 11 offers a range of impressive features, including smooth animations, acrylic blur, and transparent UI elements. These updates truly revitalize the appearance of Windows 11.

However, it’s important to note that these visually appealing animations may impact performance, particularly if you lack a dedicated GPU. If you prioritize performance over aesthetics, you can easily adjust the settings to optimize Windows 11. Here’s how you can do it:

• Open Settings and navigate to Personalization.

• Tap on the Colors options. Here, disable the toggle for “Transparency effects”.

• After that, move to Accessibility from the sidebar.

• Now, select the Visual effects option and disable “Transparency effects” and “Animation effects”.

But Why is Windows 11 Slowing Down?

There are several factors that can cause a Windows 11 PC or laptop to slow down, even after a significant Windows 11 upgrade. Whether it’s due to an aging PC or problems with the hard drive, there are steps you can take to enhance the performance of Windows on your computer.

Here are some additional suggestions to help maintain the speed of Windows 11. You can try disabling OneDrive sync, troubleshoot Windows 11, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)