How to Speed Up Windows 11 Instantly – 20 Tips That Actually Work

How to Speed Up Windows 11 Performance: A Complete Guide for Everyday Users

Are you noticing that your Windows 11 PC is running slower than usual? You’re not alone.

Achieving a smooth and responsive Windows 11 system requires a combination of hardware and software optimizations. The good news is that these effective performance-boosting techniques can be implemented quickly and on a limited budget. Stay with us until the end of this article, where we present a concise summary of 20 proven methods to speed up Windows 11, optimize system performance, and reduce lag.

While Windows 11 brings a modern look and powerful features, it can sometimes lag due to unnecessary apps, outdated settings, or resource-hogging background processes. In this ultimate guide, we’ll show you how to speed up Windows 11 performance using simple and effective steps. No technical jargon—just practical solutions.

✅ 1. Disable Startup Programs

How to:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Click on the Startup tab.
3. Right-click and disable any apps you don’t need at startup.

✅ 2. Uninstall Unnecessary Software

How to:

1. Go to Settings > Apps > Installed Apps.
2. Sort by Size or Install Date.
3. Click the three dots next to the app > Uninstall.

✅ 3. Use Storage Sense to Free Up Space

How to:

1. Open Settings > System > Storage.
2. Enable Storage Sense.
3. Click Run Storage Sense now.

✅ 4. Adjust Visual Effects for Better Performance

How to:

1. Press Win + R, type sysdm.cpl, press Enter.
2. Go to Advanced > Performance > Settings.
3. Select Adjust for best performance.

✅ 5. Turn Off Background Apps

How to:

1. Go to Settings > Apps > Installed Apps.
2. Click the three dots > Advanced options for each app.
3. Set Background app permissions to Never.

✅ 6. Keep Windows Updated

How to:

1. Go to Settings > Windows Update.
2. Click Check for updates.
3. Install all updates and restart your PC.

✅ 7. Clean Your Disk Using Disk Cleanup

How to:

1. Press Win + S, type Disk Cleanup.
2. Select drive C: and click OK.
3. Select all options and click OK > Delete Files.

✅ 8. Upgrade to SSD

If you’re still using an HDD, switching to an SSD offers a major performance boost.

✅ 9. Disable Tips and Notifications

How to:

1. Go to Settings > System > Notifications.
2. Turn off Offer suggestions.

✅ 10. Use a Lightweight Antivirus

Use Windows Defender or lightweight alternatives like Bitdefender Free.

✅ 11. Perform a System Scan for Malware

How to:

1. Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Windows Security.
2. Click Virus & threat protection > Quick scan.

✅ 12. Restart Your PC Regularly

Restarting clears temporary data and applies updates.

✅ 13. Use Game Mode

How to:

1. Go to Settings > Gaming > Game Mode.
2. Turn it ON.

✅ 14. Disable SysMain (Superfetch)

1. Press Win + R, type services.msc.
2. Find SysMain, double-click it.
3. Click Stop, set Startup type to Disabled.

✅ 15. Change Power Plan to High Performance

1. Go to Control Panel > Power Options.
2. Select or create a high performance plan.

✅ 16. Disable Unneeded Background Services

1. Press Win + R, type services.msc.
2. Right-click unneeded services (e.g., Fax, Xbox Live) and disable them.

✅ 17. Clean Up the Windows Registry

Use safe tools like CCleaner and back up your registry first.

✅ 18. Turn Off Search Indexing

1. Open services.msc.
2. Find Windows Search, stop it, and disable it.

✅ 19. Adjust Virtual Memory

1. Search for Advanced system settings.
2. Under Performance, click Settings > Advanced.
3. Click Change under Virtual Memory, and set custom sizes.

✅ 20. Reset Your PC (Last Resort)

1. Go to Settings > System > Recovery.
2. Click Reset PC and follow the prompts.

Summary table of key tips for improving Windows 11 performance

Final Words

With these 20 practical tips, you can significantly enhance the speed and efficiency of your Windows 11 system—no technical expertise required. Revisit this guide periodically for optimal performance.