Taking a squiz at how to boost your Windows 11 PC can make a world of difference — it’ll feel quicker and less like you’re slogging through mud. The trick isn’t just poking around blindly; it’s knowing what’s bogging things down and tidying it up. If your system’s crawling or running slow most of the time, these tips might help you out. Sometimes, a good clean-up, tweaking a few settings, or updating your drivers is all it takes. Keep in mind, because Windows can be a bit sneaky, what works on one setup might need a bit of fiddling on another, so a bit of trial and error is part of the fun.
How to Speed Up My Computer on Windows 11
Basically, giving your Windows 11 a boost involves a mix of clearing out the junk, turning off apps that start up automatically, and adjusting some settings. These simple steps can give your PC a bit of a dose of energy, helping it run smoother without needing you to be a tech whiz.
Method 1: Uninstall Stuff You Don’t Need
This might seem obvious, but it’s often overlooked. Unused programs just clutter up your PC and gobble resources. So, pop over to Start and type Apps & features (or “Add or remove programs” if you’re on an older version). Scroll through and remove anything you don’t need or that’s just taking up space. Be careful, though — some apps are pretty important for Windows to run properly, so don’t delete what you’re not sure about unless you know what you’re doing. Removing bloatware or old trial versions can help your system breathe easier.
On some setups, this menu can be a bit slow or glitchy—give it a moment or restart if it’s being stubborn. Patience is key.
Method 2: Turn Off Unnecessary Startup Programs
This made a huge difference for me. Hit Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, then switch to the Startup tab. See what apps are loading every time you boot up. Plenty of programs start automatically, even ones you don’t need straight away, and that slows down your startup. Disable the ones you don’t need right now by right-clicking and choosing Disable. Some machines can be finicky—turn off a few, restart, and then disable more if needed. It might take a couple of goes to get it right.
Method 3: Run Disk Cleanup
This one’s a bit old-school but still works a treat. Search for Disk Cleanup in the Start menu and select your main drive (usually C:). The scan might take a second or two, then you’ll see a list of junk files—temporary files, cache, old setup files, and the like. Pick what you want gone and hit OK or Delete Files. Sometimes, running it a couple of times helps clear out everything, especially if it’s been a while since you last did it.
Method 4: Keep Windows and Drivers Up to Date
Updates can sometimes help performance, but other times they can be a bit tricky. Head to Settings > Windows Update and click Check for updates. Make sure your system’s got all the latest patches. Also, go into Device Manager (right-click Start and choose it) to update your drivers—graphics, network cards, sound—you name it. Sometimes, Windows will handle it automatically; other times, you’ll need to do it manually. Updating drivers can fix odd slowdowns, especially with graphics and network hardware.
Heads up: on some setups, the first update might fail, but try again after a reboot—that’s Windows for you, making life interesting.
Method 5: Switch Power Settings to ‘High Performance’
This is a quick and easy way to squeeze more speed out of your PC if battery life isn’t a big concern. Go to Settings > System > Power & sleep > Additional power settings (on the right). Choose High performance. It’ll use a bit more power, but your PC will prioritise speed over energy efficiency. If you’re on a desktop, it’s pretty safe; on a laptop, keep an eye on your battery. Also, check the Change plan settings to tweak any limits on CPU speed or sleep times if needed.
Once you’ve knocked these over, your Windows 11 should feel much livelier. Faster boot times, less lag when multitasking, and a generally more nimble system. It’s not magic, but a fair dinkum tune-up.
Tips for Speeding Up My PC on Windows 11
- Stay on top of Windows updates—they often include handy performance tweaks.
- Adding more RAM can be a real game-changer if your multitasking gets sluggish.
- Swapping out that old HDD for an SSD makes a massive difference in load times.
- Restart your PC now and then to clear out hibernation files and free up memory.
- Run quick virus scans with Windows Security or your antivirus to make sure malware isn’t slowing things down.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Windows 11 PC running slow?
There’s a few reasons — too many programs starting up, malware, outdated drivers, cluttered disk, or just heaps of apps running in the background. Sometimes, it’s a bit of everything.
Can I speed up my PC without spending a dollar?
Absolutely. Uninstall unused apps, turn off auto-start programs, clean out junk files, update Windows and drivers, tweak power settings, and maybe add a bit of extra RAM if possible. Hardware upgrades help too, but a lot of the boost comes from smart software tweaks.
How often should I run Disk Cleanup?
Once a month is a good rule of thumb. But if your PC feels sluggish or fills up quick, do it more often. It’s quick and keeps things running smoothly.
What’s the best power plan for speed?
“High performance” usually does the trick. Just remember it eats more battery on laptops. If you’re plugged in or don’t mind the power usage, it’s the way to go.
Do I need antivirus software on Windows 11?
For sure. Windows Security is decent, but a good third-party antivirus can give you that extra peace of mind and stop malware from slowing your system down.
Summary
- Uninstall apps you don’t need
- Turn off programs that start up automatically
- Run Disk Cleanup regularly
- Keep Windows and drivers up to date
- Switch to high-performance power mode
And that’s about it. A bit of regular maintenance and a few tweaks can keep your Windows 11 running nice and quick. No need to splash out hundreds on hardware upgrades unless you’re pushing hard. Hope this helps, and if it works, give yourself a pat on the back!