Is your Windows 11 computer feeling a bit sluggish? You are not alone. To make it faster, you can take a few simple steps. We will focus on telling your computer to stop doing unnecessary things. This includes preventing programs from launching when you start up, turning off flashy visual effects, and cleaning out old digital junk files. By adjusting these settings, you give your computer more power to focus on the tasks you actually want it to do. It is like helping a runner shed extra weight before a race.
Tutorial – How To Make Windows 11 Faster
Let’s walk through the exact steps to get your computer running smoothly again. These changes are easy to make and do not require any special software. We are just going to use the tools that Windows 11 already provides. Follow along, and you will notice a difference in no time.
Step 1: Stop Apps from Starting Automatically
Disable programs that launch automatically when you turn on your computer.
Think about it. When you turn on your PC, do a bunch of apps you are not using right away pop up? Each one of these uses a piece of your computer’s brainpower, known as RAM. By telling them to wait until you actually click on them, you free up resources from the very beginning. You can find this list by right clicking the Start button, selecting Task Manager, and then clicking on the “Startup apps” tab. Simply right click any program you do not need immediately and select “Disable”.
Step 2: Adjust Visual Effects for Speed
Turn off the fancy animations and shadows that make Windows look pretty but slow it down.
Windows 11 has a lot of slick visual effects, like windows fading in and out or shadows under your mouse pointer. They look cool, but they also demand work from your system. To prioritize speed, we can turn these off. Open the Start menu, search for “View advanced system settings”, and open it. Under the “Performance” section, click “Settings”. Here, you can simply choose the “Adjust for best performance” option to turn them all off at once.
Step 3: Turn Off Notifications and Tips
Stop Windows from sending you constant notifications and suggestions.
While some notifications are useful, many are just distractions that use up a tiny bit of system power. Over time, this adds up. Go to Settings, then System, and then Notifications. Here, you can turn off notifications for specific apps or scroll to the bottom and uncheck the boxes for “Offer suggestions on how I can set up my device” and “Get tips and suggestions when I use Windows”.
Step 4: Use Storage Sense to Clean Your Drive
Let Windows automatically clean up temporary files for you.
Your computer creates a lot of temporary files that it does not always clean up afterward. These can clog up your storage space. Windows has a great tool called Storage Sense to handle this. Go to Settings, then System, then Storage. You can toggle Storage Sense on from this screen. This feature will automatically delete things like temporary system files and items that have been in your Recycle Bin for a long time.
Step 5: Uninstall Programs You Do Not Use
Remove old software that is just taking up space.
Many of us install programs we use once and then forget about. These applications not only take up valuable storage but can sometimes run processes in the background without you knowing. Head to Settings, then Apps, then “Installed apps”. Scroll through the list and if you see something you know for sure you do not need anymore, click the three dots next to it and select “Uninstall”.
Step 6: Change Your Power Plan
Switch your computer’s power plan to focus on performance.
Windows tries to balance power usage and performance, which is great for laptops on battery. If you are plugged in or using a desktop, you can tell it to forget about saving power and go for maximum speed. Search for “Choose a power plan” in the Start menu and open it. You might need to click “Show additional plans” to see the “High performance” option. Selecting this tells your computer to run at full throttle.
After you complete these actions, your computer should feel more responsive. Clicks will register faster, programs will open with less delay, and the whole experience of using your PC will feel smoother and less frustrating.
Tips for How To Make Windows 11 Faster
- Keep your system updated. Windows Updates often include performance improvements and security fixes that can help your computer run better. The same goes for your graphics card drivers.
- Consider a hardware upgrade. If your computer is still slow, it might be time for more RAM or, most importantly, switching from an old mechanical hard drive (HDD) to a solid state drive (SSD). An SSD is the single biggest speed boost you can give an older computer.
- Defragment your hard drive. If you have an older computer with a mechanical hard drive, defragmenting it can help. This organizes the data so it can be read faster. Do not do this if you have an SSD, as it is unnecessary and can reduce its lifespan.
- Scan for malware. Sometimes, slowness is caused by viruses or other malicious software running in the background. Use Windows Security or another trusted antivirus program to run a full scan.
- Limit background apps. Even after you uninstall programs, some apps might still have permission to run in the background. You can review these permissions in Settings, under Apps, and then “Installed apps” by checking the advanced options for each app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will these changes delete my personal files?
No, none of these steps will touch your personal documents, photos, music, or videos. We are only adjusting system settings, removing temporary junk files, and uninstalling software you choose to remove. Your important files are safe.
How often should I perform these steps?
It is a good habit to check on these settings every few months. Running Storage Sense or checking your startup apps once a month is a great way to keep your computer in top shape. You do not need to do it every day, but a little regular maintenance goes a long way.
Is it safe to disable all startup programs?
It is safe to disable most of them, especially software like music players, game launchers, or chat apps. You should be careful not to disable your antivirus software or programs related to your computer’s hardware, like graphics or audio drivers. If you are unsure, a quick search online for the program’s name can tell you what it does.
Will changing my power plan to High Performance hurt my computer?
No, it will not hurt your computer. It simply tells your processor that it is okay to use more electricity to run faster. The main downside is that for a laptop, this will drain your battery much more quickly. It is best used when your device is plugged into a power outlet.
My computer is still slow after trying everything. What now?
If you have tried all these software tweaks and your computer is still lagging, the issue might be with your hardware. Your computer may not have enough RAM for the tasks you are doing, or your hard drive could be failing. At that point, it might be time to consider a hardware upgrade or consult a professional technician.
Summary
- Disable unnecessary startup apps in Task Manager.
- Adjust visual effects to “best performance”.
- Turn off non-essential notifications and tips.
- Enable and run Storage Sense to clean up files.
- Uninstall applications you no longer use.
- Change your power plan to High Performance.
Conclusion
Bringing a slow computer back to life can feel like a huge task, but as we have seen, it often comes down to a series of small, manageable adjustments. You do not need to be a tech wizard to make a real difference. By taking control of what runs on your computer and when, you are essentially decluttering its digital workspace. Think of it like cleaning your garage. At first, it looks overwhelming, but once you start sorting things into “keep,” “store,” and “throw away” piles, you quickly make progress. Disabling startup apps is like clearing the doorway so you can get in and out easily. Adjusting visual effects is like taking down decorations that are collecting dust. And cleaning your storage is, well, just like throwing out the trash.
Each step we have covered builds on the last, contributing to a cumulative effect that you can actually feel. Your mouse might feel more responsive, your apps might snap open instead of crawl, and you will spend less time waiting and more time doing. The key is consistency. These are not “set it and forget it” fixes forever. As you install new software and use your computer, new clutter will accumulate. Making a habit of checking in on these settings every so often will ensure your machine stays lean and efficient for the long haul. So go ahead, dive into your settings. The path for how to make Windows 11 faster is at your fingertips, and a snappier, more enjoyable computer experience is your reward. You have the power to fine tune your machine’s performance, striking the perfect balance between looks and speed that works for you.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.