How to Speed Up Windows 11 for Better Performance

If your PC feels slow or less responsive, the good news is that you don’t need new hardware to fix it. In most cases, a few smart adjustments can significantly improve speed and overall responsiveness. This is especially true after a fresh setup, where reviewing the best Windows 11 settings to change after installation can make an immediate difference before applying performance-specific tweaks.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to speed up Windows 11, using simple and effective methods that work on desktops, laptops, and gaming PCs alike.

Windows 11 settings to improve performance

Make Sure Windows 11 Is Fully Updated

Before changing any settings, check for updates.

Go to Settings > Windows Update and install all available updates. Microsoft regularly releases performance fixes, driver improvements, and security patches that can noticeably improve system speed.

Restart your PC once updates are complete.

Disable Unnecessary Startup Programs

Too many startup apps slow down boot time and waste system resources.

How to disable them:

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
Go to Startup apps
Disable apps you don’t need immediately at startup

This alone can make Windows 11 feel much faster.

Change Power Mode to Best Performance

Power mode has a direct impact on speed.

Steps:

Go to Settings > System > Power & battery
Set Power mode to Best performance

Laptop users can switch back to Balanced mode when on battery.

Windows 11 power mode set to best performance

Turn Off Visual Effects and Animations

Visual effects look nice but can slow down some systems.

What to do:

Go to Settings > Accessibility > Visual effects
Disable Transparency effects
Turn off Animation effects if performance is a priority

This improves responsiveness, especially on older PCs.

Free Up Storage Space

Low disk space can seriously affect performance.

Recommended actions:

Open Settings > System > Storage
Enable Storage Sense
Remove temporary files
Uninstall apps you no longer use

Try to keep at least 15–20% of your drive free.

Free up storage space to speed up Windows 11

Optimize Background Apps

Some apps continue running in the background unnecessarily.

How:

Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps
Click an app > Advanced options
Set Background app permissions to Never for non-essential apps

This reduces CPU and RAM usage.

Check for Malware and Security Issues

Malware can slow down Windows dramatically.

Steps:

Open Windows Security
Run a full virus and threat scan
Make sure real-time protection is enabled

Windows 11’s built-in security is more than enough for most users.

Optimize Startup Drive (SSD or HDD)

For SSD users:

Windows 11 automatically optimizes SSDs – no action usually needed.

For HDD users:

Search for Defragment and Optimize Drives
Run optimization on your hard drive

This helps improve file access speeds.

Reduce Background Services (Advanced Users)

Some services aren’t necessary for all users.

If you’re comfortable with advanced settings:

Disable unused third-party services
Avoid disabling Microsoft system services unless you know exactly what they do

Proceed carefully – this step is optional.

Keep Drivers Up to Date

Outdated drivers can reduce performance.

Check:

Windows Update (recommended)
GPU drivers (especially for gaming)

Updated drivers improve stability, performance, and compatibility.

When Hardware Upgrades Make Sense

If you’ve optimized everything and performance is still poor:

Adding more RAM
Switching from HDD to SSD

These upgrades offer the biggest real-world performance boost.

If you’re reinstalling or upgrading Windows 11 as part of a performance reset, make sure your system is properly activated so all features work without restrictions – you can find reliable Windows 11 keys here.