25 Effective Tips to Boost Your Computer’s Speed on Windows 11 in 2023

Essential Information

• The speed and efficiency of your computer primarily rely on its hardware, Windows configurations, and your usage patterns.
• To maximize Windows PC performance, it’s recommended to turn off visual effects, remove temporary files, and disable unneeded services and applications that consume resources unnecessarily.
• Given that Windows 11 demands considerable memory and storage, maintaining a minimal system environment is crucial to optimize resource usage.
• If adjusting software settings doesn’t yield the desired improvements, consider enhancing your PC with more RAM and additional storage space.

Windows 11 stands as the most prevalent operating system globally, making a case for it being the top contender in the market. However, users may encounter performance lags not solely related to hardware aging, but due to Windows itself.

Several default settings and features in Windows may put a strain on your computer’s performance. If you’re aiming to enhance your computer’s overall speed and get more out of Windows 11, consider utilizing the following solutions, tips, and tricks.

Enhancing Your Windows 11 PC’s Performance

A sluggish Windows 11 device can stem from various factors, including hardware limitations, age, malware infection, excessive startup applications, bloatware, clutter, visual effects, and general usage habits. Fortunately, most of these issues are resolvable, and addressing them is pivotal for achieving optimal performance from your Windows 11 system.

Part 1: 22 Adjustments in PC Settings for Improved Speed

Many performance enhancements can be accomplished directly within Windows, eliminating the need for third-party applications or immediate hardware upgrades. Consider implementing the following changes to enhance your Windows experience.

1. Turn Off Startup Applications

If your computer prompts you to close applications upon startup, consider permanently disabling them. Startup applications can unnecessarily drain resources when running in the background. This includes not only native applications but also any you may have installed.

Here’s how to deactivate startup apps:

Video Tutorial:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Press Win+I to access the Settings application and click on Apps in the left menu.

Step 2: Scroll to the right and select Startup.

Step 3: Review the list of apps set to open at login and toggle off those you deem unnecessary.

Note that this section doesn’t show every startup app. To view all, check the Task Manager.

Step 4: Right-click the taskbar and select Task Manager (or press Ctrl+Shift+Esc).

Step 5: Click on Startup apps on the left.

Step 6: Click the ‘Status’ tab to list enabled apps at the top.

Step 7: Select any enabled app, then click Disable to prevent it from running at startup.

Continue to disable any other unnecessary apps.

Note: Exercise caution with driver services and unknown apps, as altering their settings may lead to system issues.

2. Remove Unnecessary Applications

As time passes, we accumulate applications that may no longer be useful. These programs not only consume storage but also add entries to the Windows registry, generate temporary files, and can interfere with other applications. This accumulation can cause your PC to slow down, but it’s an issue that can be resolved easily.

Video Tutorial:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Launch the Settings app (Win+I) and select Apps.

Step 2: Select Installed apps.

Step 3: Review the installed applications and identify those you wish to remove. Click the three-dot icon next to the unwanted app.

Step 4: Select Uninstall.

Step 5: Confirm your choice by clicking Uninstall again.

Repeat this process for all unwanted applications to free up system resources.

Step 6: If you have applications installed on another drive, navigate to their location and run the uninstall setup file.

Step 7: Follow any subsequent instructions provided to complete the uninstallation.

3. Execute Disk Cleanup

Over time, disk space can become cluttered with various cache files, temporary files, logs, and more. Utilizing the Disk Cleanup utility can help you eliminate these files regularly. Follow these instructions:

Video Tutorial:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Open the Start menu, type ‘Disk Cleanup’, and launch the utility.

Step 2: Select the C: drive and confirm with OK.

Step 3: Click on Clean up system files.

Step 4: Again select the C: drive and press OK.

Step 5: Wait while files are scanned.

Step 6: Select the files you wish to delete. You can safely delete most files, but retain any you think might be necessary. Click OK.

Step 7: Confirm by clicking Delete Files.

4. Close Unused Applications

While Windows 11 excels in multitasking, unnecessary applications running simultaneously can hinder performance. Organize your workflow by focusing on one task at a time and only launch crucial applications.

Additionally, be mindful of browser tabs, as they are resource-intensive. Close any tabs you’re not actively using or enable memory-saving features such as Chrome’s Memory Saver or Edge’s Sleeping tabs.

Video Tutorial:

5. Exit System Tray Programs

Numerous applications continue to run in the background after you close them, often residing in the system tray.

Video Tutorial:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Click on the upward arrow in the taskbar to see those applications.

Step 2: Right-click on any unnecessary apps and choose Exit.

6. Disable Visual Effects, Transparency, and Animations

One of the most effective ways to boost your computer’s performance is to disable the aesthetic visual effects that Windows 11 offers. While these enhancements contribute to the sleek look of the OS, they can significantly tax your computer’s resources.

You can improve performance by optimizing three categories of effects: visual effects, transparency, and animations. Here’s how to adjust these settings:

Video Tutorial:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Search for “Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows” in the Start menu to locate the Control Panel page.

Step 2: You’ll see options for managing animations and visual effects, which Windows defaults to optimize for your system.

Step 3: Select Adjust for best performance to disable all effects, maximizing performance.

However, this setting may significantly alter your Windows user experience. Alternatively, select Custom and uncheck options that include fading and shadows, followed by clicking Apply.

Step 4: To further improve speed, disable Transparency and Animation effects. Access these through the Settings app under Accessibility.

Step 5: Click on Visual effects.

Step 6: Toggle off both Transparency and Animations.

Reducing visual effects will liberate resources for other processes.

7. Disable Notifications

While notifications can be beneficial, they also consume valuable system resources to function properly. They’re designed to alert you to events as they occur, which can create an additional load on your system.

Video Tutorial:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: To disable notifications, open the Settings app, select System from the left menu, then click Notifications on the right.

Step 2: Toggle off Notifications at the top to deactivate all alerts.

While this may seem like a minor adjustment, reducing the workload on your computer can yield significant cumulative effects.

8. Utilize Efficiency Mode

Efficiency mode is a relatively new feature in Windows 11 that facilitates better prioritization of applications and efficient resource usage. This not only extends battery life but also enhances system performance by reallocating resources where they are most needed.

Video Tutorial:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Access Efficiency mode via the Task Manager. Right-click the taskbar and select Task Manager.

Step 2: Under ‘Processes’, review the applications currently running. Those already utilizing Efficiency Mode will display a leaf icon.

Step 3: Right-click on any process and switch it to Efficiency mode.

Note: Efficiency mode can only be activated for individual processes, not entire process trees. Ensure to expand the application tree to apply the mode where needed.

9. Detect and Eliminate Malware and Viruses

The presence of malware and viruses can severely impact your system’s performance. Despite improved Windows security, these threats persist and can slow down your computer. Here’s how to scan for malware:

Step 1: Open the Start menu, type ‘Windows Security‘, and launch it.

Step 2: Select Virus & threat protection.

Step 3: Choose Quick Scan.

Step 4: For a more comprehensive check, opt for Scan options.

Step 5: Select Full Scan and click Scan Now.

Conducting regular scans, whether quick or full, is recommended at least once a month to safeguard your computer against potential threats.

10. Free Up Storage and Enable Storage Sense

Inadequate storage space, particularly on the C: drive, can significantly hinder your computer’s speed. A lack of sufficient space can affect essential Windows functions, including file management and system operations.

If it’s been a while since you last cleaned up your system, you’ll likely find files that can be removed. Here’s how to do it:

Video Tutorial:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Press Win+I to access Settings, select System on the left, then click Storage.

Step 2: View the storage space divided into various categories and select Temporary files.

Step 3: Windows will suggest files for deletion, but you can confidently include all items listed. Afterwards, click Remove files.

Step 4: Confirm the deletion.

Step 5: Turn on Storage Sense to have Windows regularly clean temporary files and manage storage efficiently.

Step 6: Review Cleanup recommendations for additional cleanup opportunities.

Step 7: Select the files to clean up and click Clean up.

11. Disable Background Apps

Limiting apps from executing in the background is crucial as it conserves system resources. Background apps always consume memory, even when optimized for lower priority use.

Windows 11 does not provide a single toggle to disable all background apps collectively. Instead, you must configure each app’s settings individually:

Video Tutorial:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Launch the Settings app, click on Apps on the left, and select Installed Apps on the right.

Step 2: Click the three-dot icon next to any app, then select Advanced options.

Note: Some apps might not have ‘Advanced options’; typically, these will not run as background apps.

Step 3: Scroll down to find the “Background apps permissions” dropdown menu.

Step 4: Choose Never.

Repeat this for all applicable apps to prevent them from running in the background.

12. Disable Restartable Apps

Similar to startup apps, Windows automatically restarts certain applications upon login to enable quicker workflow continuity. However, this can be counterproductive if you’re experiencing overall system slowdowns. Disabling this feature can help reclaim resources otherwise used to restart these applications on login.

Video Tutorial:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Open the Settings application and navigate to Accounts on the left.

Step 2: Scroll down on the right pane to find and click on Sign-in options.

Step 3: Toggle off the option to Automatically save my restartable apps and restart them when I sign back in.

13. Adjust Power Settings for Optimal Performance

For laptops or portable devices, the power plan determines the compromise between battery longevity and performance. To enhance performance, ensure your system is set to prioritize power use.

Video Tutorial:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Right-click the battery icon in the system tray and choose Power and sleep settings.

Step 2: Scroll down and select the dropdown for Power mode.

Step 3: Select Best Performance.

14. Update Windows Regularly

Microsoft frequently releases updates for Windows and drivers to address bugs, feature enhancements, and overall optimization. Keeping your system current ensures you benefit from the latest updates that can improve performance.

Step 1: To request updates, access the Settings app, click on Windows Update on the left.

Step 2: Click Check for updates on the right to install any available updates.

This process will provide both features and driver updates.

15. Pause OneDrive Syncing

Many find OneDrive less than ideal. Moreover, its continuous file sync can overtax system resources, leading to slower performance. It’s advisable to pause the OneDrive synchronization.

Video Tutorial:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Click the OneDrive icon in the system tray.

Step 2: Access Settings by clicking the gear icon.

Step 3: Select Pause syncing.

Step 4: Choose to pause syncing for 24 hours.

If desired, you can completely quit OneDrive; however, if it’s set to restart on login, it will resume syncing. Opting to disable it as a startup program would be wiser.

16. Disable Windows Tips and Suggestions

Windows provides tips and suggestions for new users to navigate its features efficiently. However, these notifications consume resources and aren’t particularly beneficial. To turn off Windows tips:

Video Tutorial:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Launch the Settings app (Win+I) and select System on the left pane, then Notifications on the right.

Step 2: Scroll down and click on Additional settings to expand this section.

17. Turn Off Game Mode

Game Mode is designed to optimize the gaming experience by limiting background processes or reducing their priority. Though it seems beneficial while gaming, it can cause unnecessary background services related to Xbox to remain active even when not gaming.

Video Tutorial:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Open the Settings app and select Gaming from the menu on the left.

Step 2: Choose Game Mode on the right panel.

Step 3: Toggle off Game Mode.

Step 4: While in this menu, consider disabling Xbox Game Bar, as it relies on Xbox services for input detection.

18. Rely on Windows Security (Avoid Third-Party Antivirus Software)

With current enhancements to Windows Security, it’s often sufficient to maintain your system’s security without needing a separate antivirus application. These additional programs can consume significant resources, display ads, and incur costs. To enhance your Windows experience, it’s advisable to trust Windows Security for your protection.

19. Deactivate Search Indexing

Windows uses indexing to streamline file searches, but this feature can detract from overall performance. Disabling search indexing can result in additional performance gains, even if your computer is already fast.

Video Tutorial:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: Press the Start button, type Services into the search bar, and select it.

Step 2: Scroll to find Windows Search and double-click it.

Step 3: Click Stop to disable indexing.

While this will slow searches, the overall performance enhancement will outweigh the inconvenience.

If you need to retain some search capabilities, open the Indexing Options in the Start menu to customize which folders to include or exclude from indexing.

Step 4: Utilize the Modify option to adjust your search indexing settings.

Step 5: Select folders from the ‘Included Locations’, and modify as necessary to include or exclude specific folders in the indexing process.

20. Enable Fast Startup

The Fast Startup feature in Windows optimizes the boot process by storing system information on the drive, allowing it to boot more swiftly post-shutdown. While it’s generally activated by default, it’s prudent to verify that it’s enabled.

Step 1: To check, open the Start menu, type control panel, and access it.

Step 2: Click on Power Options.

Step 3: Select Choose what the power buttons do from the left menu.

Step 4: Click Change settings that are currently unavailable.

Step 5: Ensure that Turn on fast start-up is checked, then click Save changes.

21. Defragment Drives (For HDDs)

If your operating system is installed on a hard disk drive, defragmentation is an efficient way to optimize your PC by consolidating fragmented files, allowing for quicker data access.

Video Tutorial:

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 1: To initiate defragmentation, press Start, type defrag, and select Defragment and Optimize Drives.

Step 2: Select the Windows drive and click Optimize.

Note: This procedure is unnecessary for SSDs, as Windows optimizes them automatically. It’s advisable not to defrag SSDs to avoid performance and longevity issues.

22. Factory Reset Windows

If your system is cluttered with software, temporary files, malware, and other hindrances, a complete reset may be necessary. This will solve many issues that affect speed.

Step 1: Prior to resetting, back up your essential files and settings. Then, access the Settings application (Win+I). With System selected on the left, scroll down on the right to select Recovery.

Step 2: Click on Reset this PC.

Step 3: Select the option to Remove everything.

Follow the on-screen prompts to completely reset Windows. After finishing, your computer should exhibit noticeable performance improvements.

Part 2: Hardware Upgrades and External Solutions for PC Speed Enhancement

While optimizing software settings can enhance speed, some limitations might necessitate hardware upgrades. If your computer lacks sufficient resources for your tasks, investing in new hardware may be the best course of action.

1. Upgrade Your RAM

For computers experiencing serious slowdown, adding more memory can significantly improve performance. Increased physical memory provides greater capacity for multitasking, handling demanding applications, and ensuring future efficiency.

Typically, you can find DDR4 memory, such as an additional 8GB or 16GB, for approximately $15-$40. If your budget allows, consider upgrading to 32GB and transitioning to DDR5 memory, which offers substantial performance benefits for modern applications.

2. Transition to Solid State Drives (SSDs)

Switching from traditional hard drives to SSDs delivers remarkable improvements in read/write speeds. This shift enhances Windows load times, file retrieval speeds, and overall system responsiveness.

If possible, configure your SSD as the C: drive for optimal performance.

3. Maintain Cleanliness for Enhanced Cooling

Over time, dust accumulates and can obstruct airflow, leading to thermal throttling, which adversely affects performance. Regularly cleaning air vents and ensuring good ventilation in your workspace can significantly enhance your computer’s speed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a few common queries regarding enhancing the performance of a Windows PC.

Is Windows 11 outperforming Windows 10?

Due to its advanced graphics and configurations, Windows 11 generally requires more memory and storage than Windows 10, which may result in slower performance on older computers. However, appropriate settings adjustments can optimize its speed on your existing system.

Should I keep Game Mode active or deactivate it for enhanced performance?

If you’re not gaming, it’s advisable to disable Game Mode to prevent unneeded Xbox services from running in the background.

How can I enhance boot time on Windows 11?

To improve boot time, ensure you have sufficient storage space on your C drive, enable the Fast Boot option, and disable unnecessary startup applications. For more detailed guidance, consult the earlier sections of this article.

Optimizing your Windows 11 experience doesn’t need to break the bank. For most, simply turning off unused features, uninstalling redundant apps, removing temporary files, and fine-tuning settings can significantly enhance daily performance. We hope this guide empowers you to achieve a faster and more efficient computing experience. Until next time!

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