How to Speed Up Windows 11: Windows 11 is a powerful and feature-rich operating system, but it may slow down over time due to background processes, software bloat, or outdated settings. If your PC feels sluggish, don’t worry! This guide will show you 7 easy fixes to boost performance and make Windows 11 run faster in 2025.
Table of Contents
Why Does Windows 11 Slow Down?

Before jumping into solutions, here are some common reasons your Windows 11 PC might be lagging:
✔️ Too many startup programs
✔️ Background apps consuming system resources
✔️ Outdated drivers and Windows updates
✔️ Insufficient RAM or virtual memory
✔️ Junk files and unnecessary cache buildup
✔️ Malware or viruses affecting system performance
✔️ Fragmented hard drive (for HDD users)
Now, let’s optimize your system!
How to Speed Up Windows 11, 7 Easy Fixes
1. Disable Unnecessary Startup Programs
Some apps launch automatically when you start your PC, slowing it down. Disabling them can free up system resources and improve boot times.

Steps to disable startup programs:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Click on the Startup tab.
- Right-click on unnecessary apps and select Disable.
- Restart your PC to apply changes.
Tip: Keep only essential programs enabled, like antivirus software and system utilities.
2. Uninstall Unused Programs & Bloatware
Windows PCs often come with pre-installed apps that you may never use. Removing them can improve speed and free up storage space.
Steps to uninstall unnecessary apps:
- Press Win + I to open Settings.
- Go to Apps > Installed apps.
- Select the app you want to remove and click Uninstall.
Tip: Use third-party tools like Revo Uninstaller to remove leftover files after uninstallation.
3. Clear Cache, Junk Files, and Temporary Data
Junk files accumulate over time and take up storage, slowing down your PC. Regular cleanup improves system performance.

Steps to delete temporary files:
- Press Win + R, type %temp%, and hit Enter.
- Select all files and press Shift + Delete to permanently remove them.
- Repeat the process by typing temp and prefetch in the Run box.
- Open Settings > System > Storage and enable Storage Sense to automate cleanup.
Tip: Use CCleaner or Windows Disk Cleanup for a deeper cleanup.
4. Adjust Performance Settings & Disable Animations
Windows 11 includes visual effects that look nice but can slow down older systems. Adjusting these settings can improve speed significantly.
Steps to optimize performance settings:
- Press Win + R, type sysdm.cpl, and hit Enter.
- Go to the Advanced tab and click Settings under Performance.
- Select Adjust for best performance or manually disable effects.
- Click Apply and OK.
Tip: Disable transparency effects by going to Settings > Accessibility > Visual effects.
5. Increase Virtual Memory (Page File)
Virtual memory acts as extra RAM when your physical RAM is full. Adjusting it can boost performance.

Steps to increase virtual memory:
- Open Settings and go to System > About.
- Click Advanced system settings > Performance settings.
- Go to the Advanced tab and click Change under Virtual memory.
- Uncheck Automatically manage paging file size and set Custom size (Recommended: 1.5x your RAM).
- Click OK, then restart your PC.
Tip: Set virtual memory on an SSD for faster performance.
6. Update Drivers, Windows, and Security Software
Outdated drivers and Windows versions can slow down performance. Keeping everything updated ensures smooth operation and security.
Steps to update Windows:
- Open Settings (Win + I) and go to Windows Update.
- Click Check for updates and install available updates.
Steps to update drivers:
- Right-click the Start Menu and select Device Manager.
- Expand categories like Display adapters and Network adapters.
- Right-click on a driver and select Update driver > Search automatically.
Tip: Use tools like Driver Booster to keep drivers updated.
7. Scan for Malware & Remove Unwanted Background Processes
Malware or unnecessary background tasks can drain system resources. A quick scan and process management can improve performance.

Steps to scan for malware:
- Open Windows Security (Win + I > Privacy & security > Windows Security).
- Click Virus & threat protection > Quick scan.
- For a deeper scan, choose Full scan or use a tool like Malwarebytes.
Steps to disable background processes:
- Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc).
- Go to the Processes tab and sort by CPU/Memory usage.
- Right-click unnecessary processes and select End Task.
Tip: Be cautious while ending processes—avoid stopping system-critical tasks.
Final Thoughts
How to Speed Up Windows 11: By following these 7 easy fixes, you can significantly boost your Windows 11 speed in 2025. Whether you disable unnecessary startup programs, clear junk files, or optimize settings, these steps ensure faster and smoother performance.
Need more tech tips? Stay tuned for more step-by-step guides on how2guidess.online!
FAQs: How to Speed Up Windows 11?
Does Windows 11 run slower than Windows 10?
Windows 11 is optimized for performance, but older hardware may struggle without tweaks.
Can I speed up Windows 11 without upgrading hardware?
Yes! Disabling startup apps, clearing junk files, and adjusting performance settings can help.
Should I upgrade my RAM for better performance?
If your PC has 4GB or 8GB RAM, upgrading to 16GB RAM can make a noticeable difference.
Is it safe to disable Windows services?
Some services can be disabled, but avoid stopping critical Windows processes.
Would you like more performance optimization tips? Let us know in the comments!