Having a quick and effective computer is essential for productivity in a world when technology permeates every aspect of our lives. With its improved performance features and streamlined UI, Windows 11 is made to maximize user experience. However, a number of variables might cause systems to lag over time. Thankfully, there are a lot of methods to improve performance and make sure your computer functions properly. We’ll look at thorough methods to make your Windows 11 PC faster below.
Understanding Windows 11 Performance
Understanding Windows 11’s performance architecture is crucial before delving into the specific advice. Although the operating system has many features that can speed up performance, it also contains components that can eventually use a lot of resources. System settings, bloated apps, and background activities are some of the factors that impact speed.
Essential System Checks
Performance problems can frequently be fixed by beginning with some simple checks rather than requiring more complex fixes.
For optimum performance, Windows 11 has certain hardware requirements that must be fulfilled. Make sure your PC satisfies the following requirements:
- A compatible 64-bit processor.
- 4GB of RAM or more.
- 64GB of storage or more.
- TPM version 2.0.
- UEFI firmware with Secure Boot capability.
- DirectX 12 compatible graphics / WDDM 2.x.
Updates from Microsoft that improve system performance are regularly released.
-
How to Check for Updates:
-
Go to
Settings
>
Windows Update
>
Check for updates
.
-
Go to
-
Go to
Settings
>
Windows Update
>
Check for updates
.
To guarantee that you take advantage of the newest features and security patches, install all significant updates.
Performance can be severely hampered by malware. For a complete system scan, use Windows Defender or a reliable antivirus program.
-
To use Windows Security:
-
Open
Settings
>
Privacy & Security
>
Windows Security
>
Virus & Threat Protection
>
Quick Scan
or
Scan Options
for a full scan.
-
Open
-
Open
Settings
>
Privacy & Security
>
Windows Security
>
Virus & Threat Protection
>
Quick Scan
or
Scan Options
for a full scan.
Optimizing System Settings
System performance can be significantly impacted by changing the settings.
Numerous programs that start up at startup can cause your computer to boot up more slowly. Turn off unused startup apps.
-
How to Manage Startup Programs:
-
Press
Ctrl + Shift + Esc
to open Task Manager. -
Click on the
Startup
tab. -
Right-click and select
Disable
for programs you don t use at startup.
-
Press
-
Press
Ctrl + Shift + Esc
to open Task Manager. -
Click on the
Startup
tab. -
Right-click and select
Disable
for programs you don t use at startup.
Despite their attractive appearance, Windows 11’s visual effects can be resource-intensive. System resources can be freed up by modifying these parameters.
-
To Change Visual Effects:
-
Right-click on
This PC
>
Properties
>
Advanced system settings
. -
In the
Performance
section, click on
Settings
. -
Select
Adjust for best performance
or manually deselect features under the
Visual Effects
tab.
-
Right-click on
-
Right-click on
This PC
>
Properties
>
Advanced system settings
. -
In the
Performance
section, click on
Settings
. -
Select
Adjust for best performance
or manually deselect features under the
Visual Effects
tab.
The performance of your computer is impacted by your power plan. A high-performance plan can assist expedite the process.
-
To Adjust Power Settings:
-
Go to
Settings
>
System
>
Power & Battery
>
Additional power settings
. -
Select
High performance
.
-
Go to
-
Go to
Settings
>
System
>
Power & Battery
>
Additional power settings
. -
Select
High performance
.
Disk Management Strategies
Performance can be greatly impacted by proper SSD or hard disk management.
Performance depends on having enough free storage space. To get rid of system files, temporary files, and more, use Disk Cleanup.
-
To Use Disk Cleanup:
- Type Disk Cleanup in the Start menu and select the tool.
- Choose the drive you want to clean, typically C:.
-
Select files to delete and click
OK
to remove them.
- Type Disk Cleanup in the Start menu and select the tool.
- Choose the drive you want to clean, typically C:.
-
Select files to delete and click
OK
to remove them.
Speed can be increased by defragmenting an HDD. Keep in mind that defragmentation is not necessary for SSDs.
-
To Defragment HDD:
- Search for Defragment and Optimize Drives.
-
Select your drive and click
Optimize
.
- Search for Defragment and Optimize Drives.
-
Select your drive and click
Optimize
.
Storage Sense, a feature in Windows 11, offers the ability to automatically remove unneeded files.
-
To Activate Storage Sense:
-
Go to
Settings
>
System
>
Storage
. -
Toggle on
Storage Sense
and adjust settings as needed.
-
Go to
-
Go to
Settings
>
System
>
Storage
. -
Toggle on
Storage Sense
and adjust settings as needed.
System Tweaks for Enhanced Performance
Your computer’s speed can be noticeably increased with a few adjustments.
Your RAM is extended via virtual memory. Raising it can make programs function more efficiently.
-
To Adjust Virtual Memory:
-
Right-click on
This PC
>
Properties
>
Advanced system settings
. -
Click on
Settings
under the Performance section. -
In the
Advanced
tab, under Virtual memory, click on
Change
. -
Deselect
Automatically manage paging file size
. - Set custom size based on your needs (usually 1.5 or 2 times your physical RAM).
-
Right-click on
-
Right-click on
This PC
>
Properties
>
Advanced system settings
. -
Click on
Settings
under the Performance section. -
In the
Advanced
tab, under Virtual memory, click on
Change
. -
Deselect
Automatically manage paging file size
. - Set custom size based on your needs (usually 1.5 or 2 times your physical RAM).
Upgrade the hardware components on your computer if performance issues are a regular occurrence.
-
RAM:
Upgrading from 8GB to 16GB or more can yield significant performance benefits for multitasking and demanding applications. -
Storage:
Switching from an HDD to an SSD can dramatically decrease boot and load times.
Application Management for Efficiency
Effective application management can improve productivity and lower resource usage.
Remove any program that is no longer necessary or in use. This can release important resources.
-
To Uninstall Applications:
-
Go to
Settings
>
Apps
>
Apps & features
. -
Select the app and click
Uninstall
.
-
Go to
-
Go to
Settings
>
Apps
>
Apps & features
. -
Select the app and click
Uninstall
.
Even when you’re not using them, a lot of apps need resources and operate in the background.
-
To Manage Background Apps:
-
Go to
Settings
>
Privacy & Security
>
Background apps
. - Toggle off apps that you don t need running in the background.
-
Go to
-
Go to
Settings
>
Privacy & Security
>
Background apps
. - Toggle off apps that you don t need running in the background.
Network Optimization for Better Performance
Internet speed might occasionally be the cause of a sluggish PC.
For quicker and more reliable access, try using a cable Ethernet connection rather than Wi-Fi.
Make sure your network configuration is optimal to boost download and browsing performance.
-
How to Optimize:
-
Go to
Settings
>
Network & Internet
>
Advanced network settings
>
More network adapter options
. -
Right-click on your network and choose
Properties
. - Uncheck unused protocols, such as IPv6 if you don t use it.
-
Go to
-
Go to
Settings
>
Network & Internet
>
Advanced network settings
>
More network adapter options
. -
Right-click on your network and choose
Properties
. - Uncheck unused protocols, such as IPv6 if you don t use it.
Maintaining System Health
Regular maintenance is necessary to keep your system operating at peak speed.
System performance may be impacted by outdated drivers. Regularly check and update your drivers.
-
To Update Drivers:
-
Right-click on
Start
>
Device Manager
. - Expand the category you want to update.
-
Right-click on the device and select
Update driver
.
-
Right-click on
-
Right-click on
Start
>
Device Manager
. - Expand the category you want to update.
-
Right-click on the device and select
Update driver
.
Keep an eye on which apps are using the most resources on a regular basis. This enables you to recognize and control troublesome programs.
-
To Use Task Manager:
-
Press
Ctrl + Shift + Esc
. -
Review the
Processes
tab for resource consumption details.
-
Press
-
Press
Ctrl + Shift + Esc
. -
Review the
Processes
tab for resource consumption details.
Resetting your computer to its initial configuration can fix underlying problems if you’ve tried every suggestion and it’s still lagging.
-
How to Reset Your PC:
-
Open
Settings
>
System
>
Recovery
>
Reset this PC
. - Choose to keep your files or remove everything, then follow the prompts.
-
Open
-
Open
Settings
>
System
>
Recovery
>
Reset this PC
. - Choose to keep your files or remove everything, then follow the prompts.
Conclusion
It takes a combination of hardware modifications, system settings, and routine maintenance to speed up your Windows 11 machine. You can improve the speed and efficiency of your computer experience by implementing the techniques described in this article. A well-optimized system enables you to get the most out of your device, regardless of whether you’re a professional who depends on your computer for business or a casual user. Maintaining your Windows 11 PC on a regular basis will help it last longer and function at its peak.