If your Windows 11 laptop is not as fast as before, hangs frequently or apps take a lot of time to open, it does not mean that you have to buy a new laptop immediately. Every system slows down over time – reasons could be unnecessary apps running in the background, load at startup, full storage, outdated drivers, or incorrect settings. The good thing is that Windows 11 itself has many built-in tools and settings with the help of which you can improve the performance of your laptop to a great extent. Here we are telling you some latest, tested and practical methods, by following which you can make your slow system smooth again.
1. Minimize Startup Apps (Most Important Step)
As soon as the laptop is turned on, many apps start automatically, due to which the system becomes slow. In such a situation, limiting Startup Apps is a good option. However, keep in mind here that first understand how each app works (use Google to find out about it) and only then disable the process or app. Disabling system apps sometimes causes system functions to stop working properly.
How to do:
Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc
Go to the “Startup apps” tab on the left menu.
Disable apps that are not needed
2. Delete Unnecessary Apps
Many times we keep such apps installed which are not in use but are consuming system resources. Removing such apps will free up both RAM and storage.
How to do:
Settings > Apps > Installed apps
Uninstall any app you don’t need by clicking on it.
3. Keep storage clean (Disk Cleanup + Storage Sense)
Full storage is also a major reason for system slowness. In such a situation, it is a good option to remove garbage from the disk from time to time. It is better to keep at least 20-25% storage free.
How to do:
Settings > System > Storage
Delete unnecessary files by going to “Temporary files”
Turn on “Storage Sense” (for auto cleanup)
4. Close Background Apps
Many apps keep running in the background without any need. Turning them off saves both CPU and battery.
How to do:
Settings > Apps > Installed apps
Click on an app > Advanced options
Never set background apps permissions
5. Reduce Visual Effects
Windows’ animations look nice, but they reduce performance on slow systems. It is better to keep these to a minimum or stop them altogether. Although this may reduce the visual experience, it has a positive impact on performance.
How to do:
Search “Performance” in Start
Open “Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows”
Select “Adjust for best performance”
6. Keep Windows Update and Drivers Updated
Outdated system files or drivers can also cause slowness. It is a good idea to update the system and drivers from time to time. This not only improves performance but also fixes bugs.
How to do:
Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates
Update drivers by going to Device Manager
7. Do Malware Scan
Sometimes viruses or malware slow down the system. In today’s time, the system has to face virus or malware attacks through internet or apps. To avoid this, you do not need to install third-party anti-virus or anti-malware. For this, Windows’ own defender is sufficient.
How to do:
Open Windows Security
Virus & threat protection > Quick scan / Full scan
Never turn off your Windows Defender
8. Change Power Mode
By default the laptop runs in balanced mode, which limits performance. If you are at home or in a place where the laptop can get a continuous power supply, it is a good idea to keep the system on Performance Mode. This drains the battery quickly, but if you don’t mind keeping your laptop on constant charge, this would be a good decision.
How to do:
Settings > System > Power & battery
Set Power mode to Best performance
9. RAM or SSD Upgrade (Long-term Fix)
If the difference is still minimal after trying all the above methods, then upgrading hardware is the best option.
- Installing SSD instead of HDD makes a big difference in speed.
- Increasing RAM makes multitasking smoother
10. Try Restart and Clean Boot
Sometimes slowness also occurs due to the system being on for a long time. For this, restart the system yourself 2-3 times a week.
If you follow these steps correctly, your Windows 11 laptop will run faster and smoother without any expense.
