Summary

This guide helps you troubleshoot and resolve: Optimizing Windows 11 Performance. Follow the steps below to fix the issue.

Common Causes

Step-by-Step Optimisation

1. Manage Startup Programs

Programmes that launch automatically with Windows can significantly slow down boot times.

• Right-click the Start button and select Task Manager.
• Go to the Startup apps tab.
• Review the list and Disable any non-essential programmes. Check the “Startup impact” column.

2. Check Task Manager for High-Resource Processes

Identify processes that are consuming excessive CPU, memory, disk or network.

• Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc).
• Click the CPU, Memory, Disk or Network column header to sort by that resource.
• Investigate any process with consistently high usage and consider terminating it or adjusting its settings.

3. Clean Up Disk Space

Freeing up space can improve overall system responsiveness.

• Open Settings (Win + I).
• Navigate to System > Storage.
• Click Temporary files and select items such as “Previous Windows installation(s)”, “Windows Update cleanup” and “Recycle Bin”. Only select “Downloads” if you wish to permanently delete those files. Then click Remove files.
• Enable Storage Sense to automatically free up space by deleting temporary files and managing your Recycle Bin content. Configure it via Storage Sense settings.

4. Adjust Visual Effects

Windows 11’s animations and visual effects can consume system resources.

• Search for “Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows” in the Start menu and open it.
• In the Performance Options dialog, on the Visual Effects tab, select Adjust for best performance.
• Alternatively, choose “Custom” and uncheck individual effects you don’t need (e.g., “Animate windows when minimising and maximising”).
• Click Apply and OK.

5. Keep Windows Up-to-Date

Updates often include performance improvements, bug fixes and security patches.

• Open Settings > Windows Update.
• Click Check for updates and install any available updates.
• After installing, select View optional updates to ensure you have the latest build and optional driver updates.
• For detailed guidance, see How to update Windows.

6. Update Device Drivers

Outdated drivers can lead to system instability and poor performance.

• Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
• Look for devices with a yellow exclamation mark.
• Right-click critical devices (e.g., Display adapters, Network adapters) and choose Update driver > Search automatically for drivers.
• For graphics drivers, download the latest version directly from the manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel).

7. Defragment and Optimise Drives (HDDs only)

SSDs do not need defragmentation; it can even reduce their lifespan. This step applies only to traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDDs).

• Search for “Defragment and Optimise Drives” in the Start menu and open it.
• Select your hard drive (e.g., C:) and click Optimise.
• Schedule automatic optimisation if it isn’t already enabled.

8. Manage Background Apps

Some apps run in the background even when you’re not using them, consuming resources. In Windows 11 the setting is located at:

Settings > Privacy & security > App permissions > Background apps

• Open Settings > Privacy & security > App permissions > Background apps.
• Toggle off any apps you do not need to run in the background.

9. Scan for Malware

Malware can significantly degrade performance.

• Open Windows Security (search for it in the Start menu).
• Go to Virus & threat protection.
• Click Quick scan or choose Scan options for a full scan.
• If you encounter alerts, see Antivirus alerts – what to do for next steps.

10. Adjust Power Settings

Ensure your power plan is set for performance, especially on desktops.

• Open Settings > System > Power & battery.
• Scroll down to Related settings and click Additional power settings. This opens the classic Control Panel Power Options.
• Select High performance if available; otherwise, leave Balanced selected.
• Click “Change plan settings” > “Change advanced power settings” to further customise.

11. Check Disk Health

Run chkdsk /f /r from an elevated Command Prompt to scan and repair the drive. Restart when prompted.

If you notice frequent application crashes after a disk check, refer to Applications freezing or crashing for additional troubleshooting.

12. Review Scheduled Tasks (Advanced)

Unnecessary scheduled tasks can run in the background and affect performance.

• Open Task Scheduler (search for it in the Start menu).
• Browse the Task Scheduler Library and look for tasks you do not need.
• Right-click the task, select Disable as appropriate. Avoid deleting tasks unless you are certain they are not required.

13. Fast Startup

Fast Startup combines elements of shutdown and hibernation to speed up boot times. It is generally safe to leave enabled on most business PCs.

• Open Settings > System > Power & battery > Additional power settings.
• Click “Choose what the power buttons do”.
• Click “Change settings that are currently unavailable”.
• Check or uncheck “Turn on fast startup (recommended)” as required and click Save changes.

14. Update BIOS/Firmware

Visit your PC or motherboard manufacturer’s website for the latest BIOS/firmware version and follow their instructions carefully. Updating firmware can resolve compatibility and performance issues.

15. Restart Your Computer

After making these changes, restart your computer to ensure all settings take effect and temporary files are cleared.

Conclusion

Following these steps should improve the performance of your Windows 11 PC. Start with the basic steps such as managing startup programs and cleaning up disk space before attempting advanced changes like BIOS updates.

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