If you notice your Windows 11 PC is getting slower, taking forever to boot up, or sluggish when you open multiple applications, it doesn't necessarily mean it's time to give up. With a series of With well-thought-out performance adjustments, you can get much more out of your computer. without having to change computers.
Throughout this guide you will find a unified compilation of everything that the best sources offer on the subject: Windows tricks, best practices, advanced options, gaming tips, and some hardware maintenanceThe idea is to have everything you need to optimize Windows 11 in general in a single article, whether you only browse and work or also play games.
Why Windows 11 is worth optimizing
Windows 11 is prettier than its predecessors, but also more demanding: It consumes more resources, loads more services, and relies heavily on graphics.On older or less powerful computers, this translates into lag, slow program opening times, and reduced fluidity when working or playing games.
Applying a series of adjustments will help you achieve Faster response times, better multitasking, and a smoother user experienceFurthermore, an optimized system experiences fewer crashes, extends the lifespan of the hardware, and makes daily life much less frustrating.
All of this applies both to those who only use the PC for basic tasks and to those who runs demanding applications, edits video, or plays games regularlyThe goal is for Windows to stop being a hindrance and become an ally, not a bottleneck.
Keep Windows 11 and drivers always up to date
Before touching anything else, it's a good idea to make sure that Windows 11, the computer's drivers and firmware are up to dateMany updates include performance improvements, bug fixes, and optimizations for newer hardware.
To update Windows 11, open Settings and go to Windows Update > Check for updatesThere you can install both regular and optional updates, where they usually appear device drivers that Windows does not install by default but they can improve stability. If your device isn't receiving official updates, check how force the update to the latest version.
In the advanced options section of Windows Update you will find the Optional updatesIt's a good idea to check your graphics card, sound card, chipset, or external device drivers. Keeping these up to date reduces crashes and improves overall performance.
Additionally, it's advisable to go directly to the website of your motherboard or laptop manufacturer to update BIOS, chipset and specific drivers that Windows Update might miss. And, of course, visit the official pages of NVIDIA, AMD or Intel to download the latest graphics drivers, especially if you play games.
Clean up programs, files, and storage
One of the biggest enemies of performance is disorder: Programs you don't use, temporary files, junk on your disk, and desktops full of iconsAll of that eventually takes its toll, especially if your system drive is almost full. If you're looking to automate the cleanup, you can use a script for deep cleaning.
To begin, enter Settings > Apps > Installed Apps and uninstall anything you don't use. Sorting by size helps you quickly locate the programs that take up the most space. If you see that some applications are missing, open the classic Control Panel > Uninstall a program to complete the cleaning.
Windows 11 includes several very useful tools for managing disk space. System > Storage you can activate the Storage sensorThis feature automatically removes temporary files and cached data periodically, preventing disk saturation and slower read and write speeds.
In addition, you have the Disk CleanupYou can access it by searching for it by name. Select the drive, check the items you want to delete, and click on Clean system files To gain more gigabytes, removing remnants of old and temporary updates can make a noticeable difference.
Don't forget to keep your desk tidy: Every icon and file on the desktop has to be loaded when you log inIf it's completely full, startup will be slower. Move non-essential items to organized folders and only keep truly useful shortcuts on the home screen.
Control of startup programs and background processes
Another key to speeding up Windows 11 is to limit what runs automatically when you turn on your computer. The more applications that load at startup, the slower the system boots and the more memory is consumed unnecessarily..
Open the Task Manager Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc and go to the tab of Home or to the section Applications on startup (depending on your version's design). There you'll see the impact of each program when Windows starts, and you can disable what you don't need with a simple right-click > Disable.
You can also manage startup programs from Settings > Apps > Home, where you'll find a complete list of apps that start with Windows and a switch for each one. Deactivate everything unnecessaryespecially manufacturer software, synchronizers you don't use daily, and accessory utilities.
Regarding background processes, some apps continue running even when minimized. To prevent this in specific apps, go to Settings> Applications, find the application in the list, open its Advanced and in the background permissions section choose NeverThis way, it will only consume resources when you actually have it open. For more control, check out our privacy hardening guide.
For a more detailed analysis, use the Resource Monitor From the Task Manager itself (Performance tab). This tool shows which processes are consuming CPU, memory, disk, or network resources, so you can locate bottlenecks and close anything that isn't essential.
Memory management, restarts, and bloatware
As the days go by, Windows ends up accumulating processes, browser tabs, third-party services, and countless other things that They get stuck in memory and slow down the systemThat's why something as basic as restarting your PC regularly makes a difference.
Each restart allows that This will free up RAM, close background processes, and finish applying certain updates.If you tend to leave your computer in sleep mode indefinitely, consider a full restart every so often to keep performance in check.
Another key issue is the so-called bloatwareThat is, all those pre-installed applications that add nothing and only consume resources. Windows 11 comes loaded with utilities, integrated advertising, widgets, and services you rarely need. Reducing them to a minimum is vital, especially for gaming or working with resource-intensive apps.
You can uninstall many apps from the settings and disable advertising, recommendations, and suggestions in the relevant sections. Privacy, system and personalizationThere are third-party tools that specialize in removing this bloatware, but it's best to use them carefully and understand what you're disabling.
Power settings and performance plans
Power settings directly influence how your computer performs. A balanced plan aims to... Reduce consumption and noise, but at the cost of limiting maximum performanceSomething that might not interest you when you need power.
Sign in Settings > System > Power & sleep and from there in Additional power settings To access the classic plans, if your device allows it, activate a standard plan. High performance or its equivalent, which prioritizes speed over battery life. If you use the manufacturer's software, see how configure performance profiles.
On many laptops with Windows 11 you'll find a slider or specific settings that allow you to switch from power saving mode to peak performanceIdeally, use the most aggressive mode when your device is plugged in and switch back to a more moderate mode when running on battery power.
You can further customize each plan by clicking on Change plan settings and later Change advanced power settingswhere aspects such as processor policy, disk, and Wi-Fi are controlled. Adjusting these parameters thoughtfully allows for... to squeeze out a little more speed when you really need it.
Reduce visual effects, transparencies, and animations
Windows 11 is heavily focused on visuals: transparencies, shadows, animations… All very eye-catching, but Each extra effect puts extra work on the CPU and, especially, on the GPU.If your team is short on resources, cutting back in this area will be noticeable.
To start, go to Settings > Personalization > Colors and disable the Transparency effectsThat alone lightens the interface a bit, especially on computers with integrated graphics.
If you want a more in-depth adjustment, type "performance" in the search bar and open Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows. In the tab Visual effects You can mark Adjust for best performance, which disables virtually all graphical flourishes.
If that seems too abrupt, you also have the option of manually uncheck specific effectsFeatures like animated windows when minimizing and maximizing, taskbar animations, shadows under windows, and menu fades are all included. Removing just these elements results in a noticeably more responsive system.
Note that there are two similar levels: adjustment from system performance properties, and adjustment from Accessibility > Visual Effects in Windows settings, where you can disable global animations. By combining both control points you can significantly reduce the graphical load. without leaving the system completely "bare".
Notification management, OneDrive, and background services
The Windows 11 notification center can unintentionally turn into a carnival, with constant notifications from apps, browser, and system. Besides being annoying, each notification is one more process to deal with., and adds load to the machine.
Sign in Settings > System > Notifications and disable everything that isn't important. You can leave only the critical applications (work email, security, etc.) and mute the rest. The same applies to the browser: Blocks unnecessary web notifications to prevent them from coming back again and again.
Another point to keep an eye on is OneDrive. Its continuous synchronization is great if you use it intensively, but On systems with limited resources, it may reduce performance, especially when moving many files.From the OneDrive icon in the taskbar you can access Help and setup and use the option of Pause sync Leave it for a while to see if you notice any improvement.
It is also advisable to review the telemetry services and data collection features. Settings > Privacy and security You will find sections such as General, Voice, Handwriting and typing customization, Diagnostics and feedbackThere you can disable almost everything you don't consider essential for Avoid background tasks that contribute little to nothing.Check out our [link/review] if you want a complete overview.
Finally, search indexing is useful for quickly locating files, but on slow computers it can compromise performance. It can be disabled completely from [link to relevant section]. services.msc stopping the Windows Search service, or limit its scope from Indexing Options so that it only indexes key folders like Documents instead of the entire disk.
Security, antivirus and malware removal
A system infected with a virus or malware is not only a danger, but also This is one of the most common reasons why Windows 11 runs terribly.Even if you use the equipment carefully, something unwanted can always slip through. Check our good security practices to reduce risks.
Windows 11 integrates Windows security (Microsoft Defender), which is more than enough for most users. Since Settings > Privacy and security > Windows security You can open the panel and check the protection status. And if you want to add more Defender, check out... apps to improve security.
In the section of Protection against viruses and threats you will find the Protection updatesMake sure they are up to date by clicking on Search for updatesThen, run a Quick test And, if you want to go further, a complete or advanced analysis.
Another very powerful option is the Microsoft Defender Offline Scan, accessible in the Exam optionsThis mode restarts the PC and analyzes the system before Windows loads, so It is capable of detecting and eliminating more persistent threatsThe process only takes a few minutes and can make all the difference.
If, despite everything, you continue to experience strange symptoms (invasive advertising, unusual processes, constant crashes) that the antivirus doesn't resolve, at that point the most sensible thing to do is consult a professional that can thoroughly review both software and hardware.
Specific settings to improve gaming performance
When you enter the realm of video games, every frame counts. Windows 11 isn't a system made solely for gaming, but it includes several specific features that They can make a noticeable difference in FPS, latency, and smoothness..
The first thing is to keep your graphics card drivers up to date and take advantage of the official control panels from NVIDIA, AMD, or IntelThese applications allow you to apply game-optimized profiles or activate technologies such as scaling, adaptive synchronization, or advanced power management.
In Windows 11, it's advisable to activate and review the Game mode. Go into Settings > Games > Game Mode and make sure it's turned on. This feature reduces background activity, pauses some Windows Update tasks, and prioritizes resources for the foreground game.
Another interesting option is the Hardware-accelerated GPU programming. From Settings > System > Display > Graphics > Advanced graphics settings (The route may vary.) You can check if it's available. By activating it, Part of the programming work is offloaded from the CPU to the GPUwhich can reduce latency on some devices.
If your monitor and graphics card support it, also enable technologies for variable refresh rate (VRR) such as G-SYNC, FreeSync or Adaptive-Sync from the GPU control panel or from Screen > Advanced settingsThis helps synchronize the FPS with the screen's refresh rate and reduces tearing and pulling.
Using the appropriate GPU, refresh rate, and Auto HDR
Many laptops and some desktops have both integrated and dedicated graphics. If Windows 11 decides to use the integrated graphics for a demanding game, performance plummetsFortunately, you can choose which GPU each app should use.
Go to Settings > System > Display > Graphics and search for the game or app. If it doesn't appear, add it manually. Then, go into Options and indicates the preference of High performancewhich will normally force the use of the most powerful dedicated GPU.
In that same settings area you can activate the Optimizations for windowed gamesdesigned for titles in windowed or borderless window mode access the screen in a manner similar to exclusive full-screen modereducing latency and improving FPS compared to the traditional method.
Don't forget to check the your monitor's refresh rate. Go into Settings > System > Display > Advanced display and select the highest refresh rate your display supports (for example, 120 Hz or 144 Hz). If your graphics card can handle enough FPS, the feeling of fluidity will be much greater than at 60 Hz.
If you have a compatible HDR monitor, visit Settings > System > Display > HDR tab and activate Auto HDR when available. This feature improves the color and contrast of SDR games without a serious impact on performance, offering a more visually appealing image without having to touch each title separately.
Security and virtualization: memory integrity and VBS
Windows 11 incorporates several layers of virtualization-based security, such as memory integrity and core isolationThey are designed to protect the system against advanced attacks, but on certain computers they can reduce performance somewhat, especially in games.
If you notice FPS drops or strange behavior only while playing, you can try temporarily disabling these options. Go to Windows Security > Device Security > Kernel Isolation and turn off the switch Memory integrityYou'll need to restart for the change to take effect. See the guide for details. configure memory integrity If you need more technical details.
Furthermore, Settings > System > Optional features > More Windows features you can locate the function Virtual machine platform and disable it if you don't use WSL, containers, or virtual machines. Removing these virtualization layers usually returns some resources to the system.although it implies a slight reduction in the level of protection.
The idea is for you to assess the balance between security and performance based on your specific needs. For a work computer handling sensitive data, you might not want to change anything, while for a PC dedicated almost exclusively to gaming, it's more sensible to experiment with these settings.
Optimize disk, game location, and wallpapers
The type of storage unit greatly influences the overall speed. An SSD is practically mandatory these days If you want Windows 11 to run smoothly, and you're still using a mechanical hard drive (HDD) for your system, consider migrating at least the operating system to an SSD. If you're using NVMe, these Adjustments to optimize I/O queues They can help improve performance.
If you still have an HDD, use the built-in tool of Defragment and optimize drivesSearch for it from the start menu, choose your mechanical hard drive, and click on it. Optimize to reorganize the data and reduce search times. Remember that SSDs should not be defragmented in this way, since they have their own TRIM mechanism.
As for games, whenever possible, install them on a secondary SSD different from the one used by the operating systemHaving the operating system and several demanding games competing for the same hard drive can lengthen loading times and cause lag, especially in open-world titles. See the Best games optimized for DirectStorage to take advantage of fast NVMe drives.
One detail that often goes unnoticed: if you use animated wallpapers, slideshows, or image carouselsYou're loading one more element every time you start up and every time you switch. It's not a game-changer, but if your team is short on resources, switching to a static background or even a solid color It helps to lighten the environment a little.
Additionally, you can clean up leftover items from the taskbar. Settings > Personalization > Taskbarby disabling widgets, icons you don't use, and chat apps you never open. Fewer resident elements means less memory and CPU consumption continuously.
Third-party programs and advanced performance settings
Although you can get a lot done with the tools included in Windows 11, there are third-party utilities that They concentrate many of the advanced settings into a single interface.making it easier for users who don't want to search through the entire system.
One of the most interesting alternatives is to opt for solutions of open source These allow you to audit exactly what they're doing. They typically offer options to disable unnecessary services, reduce telemetry, fine-tune game mode, adjust the network, and disable rarely used components.
In any case, it's best to take it easy: Many of these tools have dozens of boxes and buttons.And messing with something without knowing what it is can leave you without features you'll later miss. Ideally, you should apply changes gradually, checking the effect, and always keep a restore point or backup in case you need to revert.
If after applying all reasonable adjustments you still don't notice any improvement, or if the system is experiencing serious errors (frequent blue screens, crashes, extreme slowness for no apparent reason), there are two paths: Reset Windows 11 to factory settings from the settings, or go to a technician to check both software and hardware.
Resetting your device involves deleting apps and settings, and if you choose the most drastic option, personal files as well. That's why it's essential to back up your data to the cloud or an external drive beforehand. In return, You will recover a clean system without the accumulated dirt of months or years.which usually translates into a feeling of "new PC".
By combining regular updates, software and file cleanup, background process control, power adjustments, visual effect reduction, and a few game-specific optimizations, you can achieve that Windows 11 runs much more smoothly and makes better use of the hardware, without needing to spend a fortune on a new team as long as the base is at least minimally decent.
