Remove Unnecessary Applications

Many programs launch automatically at startup and can drain your system’s resources, leading to longer boot times. Open Settings > Apps > Startup and disable applications you don’t need immediately, helping conserve your computer’s power.

Screenshot: Windows 11 Startup Apps settings showing disabled unnecessary applications.

Tweak Visual Effects

Although Windows 11 offers appealing visual enhancements like animations and shadows, they can tax your system. Open System Properties, click the Advanced tab, and navigate to the Performance section. In Settings under the Visual Effects tab, select “Adjust for best performance.” You might need to restart your PC for the change to take effect.

Screenshot: Visual Effects settings in Windows 11 with the "Adjust for best performance" option selected.

Activate Storage Sense

Insufficient disk space can slow down your system. Windows 11’s Storage Sense, found in System > Storage, automatically clears temporary files and empties the recycle bin according to a schedule you define, ensuring optimal storage without manual cleanup.

Screenshot: Storage Sense settings interface in Windows 11, highlighting cleanup options.

Review Virtual Memory Settings

Virtual memory, managed through a paging file on your hard drive, plays a vital role in system performance. Visit System Properties > Advanced tab > Performance Settings, then click the Advanced tab and choose Virtual Memory > Change. Confirm that “Automatically manage paging file size for all drives” is enabled.

Screenshot: Virtual Memory settings window showing the automatic management option enabled in Windows 11.

Explore ReadyBoost Options

If you’re using a traditional hard drive, ReadyBoost can enhance responsiveness by utilizing a USB flash drive or memory card as additional cache space. Insert the drive, open File Explorer, right-click it, select Properties, and switch to the ReadyBoost tab. If your device qualifies, choose “Use this device” for an extra performance boost.

Screenshot: USB drive properties window in Windows 11 highlighting the ReadyBoost tab and the “Use this device” option.

Utilize the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter

Older applications not optimized for Windows 11 may slow your system down. To resolve this, search for “troubleshoot” from the Start menu, open Troubleshoot settings > Other troubleshooters, and click Run next to the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter. Follow the prompts to adjust compatibility settings for the problematic app.

Screenshot: Program Compatibility Troubleshooter interface in Windows 11.

Manage OneDrive Synchronisation

Continuous file synchronisation with OneDrive can consume significant system resources and network bandwidth. To improve performance, click the OneDrive icon in the taskbar, then navigate to Help & Settings > Pause syncing until your system returns to its normal performance.

Screenshot: OneDrive interface showing the option to pause syncing.

Ensure Robust Windows Security

Viruses and malware can severely impair system performance. Make sure Windows Security is active by going to Start > Settings > Privacy & Security > Windows Security. Run regular scans, such as the “Quick scan,” to detect and eliminate any threats to your system.

Screenshot: Windows Security dashboard with active scan options and threat detection.

Activate System Protection

System Restore is an invaluable tool that lets you revert your PC to an earlier state if recent changes cause issues. To enable this feature, search for “create a restore point,” open the System Protection tab, select your drive, click Configure, and then choose “Turn on system protection.”

Screenshot: System Protection settings in Windows 11 highlighting the restore point creation process.