Speed up Windows 11: the safe steps Microsoft recommends
When Windows slows down, the internet is full of long lists like "disable these services" or "change this registry value". This guide contains only the steps Microsoft recommends on its own support page; none of them will break your system and all of them can be undone. Because a slow PC can have more than one cause, Microsoft suggests trying all of them.
To find out which program is slowing you down, first open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc). On the Processes tab you can see which program uses the most CPU, memory or disk.
1. Install updates
Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates. If updates are available, select Download & install. For driver updates, also look under Advanced options > Optional updates.
2. Scan for malware
According to Microsoft, malware can slow a PC down by keeping the processor and disk busy. Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Quick scan.
3. Free up disk space
- Storage Sense: In Settings > System > Storage, turn on Storage Sense and run it.
- Temporary files: On the same page, select Temporary files, tick what you want to delete and select Remove files.
- Disk Cleanup: Type Disk Cleanup in the Start menu, open it and choose the drive.
To see what is taking up space, a disk analyzer such as WizTree makes the job easier.
4. Uninstall programs you don't use
In Settings > Apps > Installed apps (Apps & features in older versions), open the ... menu next to the program and select Uninstall.
5. Turn off startup apps
Programs that start automatically with Windows slow down startup and everyday use. In Task Manager > Startup apps, right-click a program you don't need and select Disable. This does not delete the program; it only stops it from starting with Windows. For a more detailed list, Microsoft's own tool Autoruns can be used.
6. Limit background apps
Some apps keep running in the background even when you are not using them. In that app's settings, under Background app permissions, you can stop it from running in the background.
7. Reduce visual effects
Type Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows in the Start menu and open it. On the Visual Effects tab, select Adjust for best performance. Window animations and shadows are turned off; the difference is noticeable especially on older PCs.
8. Set the power mode to "Best performance"
Settings > System > Power & battery > Power mode > Best performance. Microsoft's caveat: this setting uses more power and drains a laptop battery faster.
9. Optimize your drives
Type Defragment and Optimize Drives in the Start menu, open it, choose the drive and select Optimize. Windows usually does this on a schedule as well.
10. Restart
On a PC that has been running for a long time without shutting down, memory can fill up. Start > Power > Restart fixes a lot of slowness on its own.
Create a restore point first
Creating a restore point before changing settings is a good habit: type Create a restore point in the Start menu and select Create on the System Protection tab. According to Microsoft this feature may be turned off by default; if it is, turn it on with Configure. If something goes wrong, you can return to that point with System Restore.
Still slow?
- Low frame rates in games: increase FPS in games.
- Memory always full: high RAM usage.
- "Disable services" advice and tweaking tools: does disabling Windows services help?
- If the disk is still slow, check its health; moving from an old hard drive to an SSD often makes the biggest difference.
