Tips to Enhance Windows 11 Speed and Optimize Performance

Step 1: Disable Transparency Effects

Transparency effects consume system resources unnecessarily, especially when performance is lacking. To turn off transparency effects:

• Right-click on the desktop and select Personalize.
• Navigating to the Personalization window, go to the Colors section.
• Under Transparency effects, toggle the switch to the left.

Pro Tip: After disabling, you will notice snappier navigation in the Settings app.

Step 2: Turn Off Shadows, Animations, and Other Visual Effects

To further enhance speed, disabling visual effects can help:

• Open Settings by pressing Win + I.
• Navigate to System, then click About.
• Select Advanced system settings under Device specifications.
• In the System Properties window, go to the Advanced tab and click Settings under Performance.
• Choose Adjust for best performance and click Apply followed by OK.

Pro Tip: You can also customize the effects by deselecting specific ones if you want to keep some visuals.

Step 3: Disable Startup Apps

Many apps launch at startup, taking up resources unnecessarily:

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
• Go to the Startup tab.
• Right-click on apps you rarely use and select Disable.

Pro Tip: Disabling unnecessary startup programs can significantly shorten boot times.

Step 4: Stop Programs Running in the Background

To close background apps that are non-essential:

• Right-click on the Windows icon and select Apps and Features.
• Find apps not needed in the background, click the three dots, and select Advanced options.
• Set Background apps permissions to Never for applicable apps.

Pro Tip: Stopping unnecessary background processes can free up critical resources for active applications.

Step 5: Configure Your PC as a Non-Gaming Device

If your settings are optimized for gaming but not general use, adjust as follows:

• Press Win + I to open Settings and select Gaming.
• Turn off Game Mode and Xbox Game Bar.
• Disable unnecessary captures under the Captures section.

Pro Tip: Non-gaming settings help prioritize system resources where they’re most needed.

Step 6: Troubleshoot Windows 11 Performance

Identifying problems can also enhance performance:

• Press Win + R, type %systemroot%\system32\msdt.exe -id MaintenanceDiagnostic, and hit Enter.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to troubleshoot and fix issues, applying any suggested fixes.

Pro Tip: Regularly troubleshooting can help maintain long-term performance.

Step 7: Change Power Plan Settings

Adjusting your power plan can improve performance:

• Access Control Panel and select Power Options.
• Select your active power plan and choose Change plan settings.
• Click on Change advanced power settings.
• Under Processor power management, set both Minimum and Maximum processor state to 100%.

Pro Tip: Optimized power settings can lead to a noticeable difference in performance.

Step 8: Clean Residual and Temporary Files

Regular cleanup will ensure optimal operating conditions:

• Press Win + R and input %temp%, then hit OK.
• Select all files within the Temp folder and click Delete.

Pro Tip: Automate periodic cleaning to keep your system clutter-free.

Step 9: Enable Storage Sense

This built-in feature helps regularly remove unnecessary files:

• Open Settings and go to System > Storage.
• Toggle on Storage Sense to automate cleanup.

Pro Tip: Customize settings to maximize storage efficiency based on your usage.

Step 10: Turn Off Search Indexing

While helpful, indexing may slow down your PC:

• Open the Run dialog with Win + R and enter services.msc.
• Locate Windows Search, right-click, and select Properties.
• Change Startup type to Disabled and apply changes.

Pro Tip: Disabling unnecessary indexing can improve system responsiveness.

Step 11: Uninstall Non-Essential Programs

Removing rarely used applications lightens system load:

• Open the Settings app, go to Apps > Apps & features to find and uninstall.

Pro Tip: A streamlined application list will enhance overall performance.

Step 12: Stop OneDrive Sync

To conserve resources, consider pausing OneDrive:

• Right-click the OneDrive cloud icon in the taskbar.
• Choose Help & Settings, then select Pause syncing for 2 hours.

Pro Tip: Regularly syncing may be better during your usage spikes instead of continuously.

Step 13: Defrag Your Hard Disk

Regular defragmentation can improve read times on traditional HDDs:

• Type defragment in the Start menu search and select Defragment and Optimize Drives.
• Choose your HDD and click Optimize.

Pro Tip: Schedule regular defragmentation to maintain system efficiency.

Step 14: Disable Boot Menu Timeout

To enhance boot time, you can disable the boot menu timeout:

• Open Advanced system settings through search.
• In the System Properties window, go to the Startup and Recovery section.
• Uncheck Time to display list of operating systems and click OK.

Pro Tip: This change can make your startup experience noticeably faster.

What is the fastest way to improve Windows 11 performance?

Can I reverse any changes made to boost performance?