Quick wins for a faster PC:
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A slow Windows 11 PC can be caused by low storage, too many apps running at startup, outdated software, unwanted software, or aging hardware. Start with the checks below and pay attention to when the slowdown happens; no single setting is guaranteed to speed up every computer.
1. Install Windows updates and check optional drivers
Updates can include fixes and performance improvements. Check for available updates first, and let Windows restart if required to finish installing them.
- Open Start > Settings > Windows Update.
- Select Check for updates and install available updates.
- To review driver updates, open Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates.
Optional drivers are not automatically necessary, and installing one is not a guaranteed performance improvement. Follow Microsoft’s Windows performance guidance and your device manufacturer’s advice if you are unsure which driver applies.
2. Check for malware and unwanted software
Malware can use processor and disk resources, making a PC feel slow. A slowdown alone does not mean your computer is infected, but a scan is a useful diagnostic step.
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- Open Windows Security.
- Select Virus & threat protection.
- Choose Quick scan.
Download apps from trusted sources, keep security products updated, and remove software you no longer need. Microsoft’s guidance on unwanted software covers these precautions.
3. Free up storage carefully
Low available disk space can affect performance and may also prevent Windows updates from installing. Windows 11’s storage tools can identify items that may be removable, but review the proposed categories before deleting anything.
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- Open Start > Settings > System > Storage.
- Review Cleanup recommendations and inspect categories such as temporary files, previous Windows installations, large or unused files, and rarely used apps.
- Select only items you are comfortable removing. You can also configure Storage Sense to help manage storage over time.
Microsoft also documents manual temporary-file cleanup and Disk Cleanup in its guide to freeing space for Windows updates and Windows storage settings overview. External storage can help provide space for an update in some cases; it is not a general-purpose speed upgrade.
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4. Reduce unnecessary startup and background activity
Apps that launch when you sign in can slow startup and affect performance afterward. Check what is enabled and disable only apps you do not need to start automatically. Keep unfamiliar system or security software enabled unless you know what it does.
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- For a simple list, open Start > Settings > Apps > Startup.
- For more detail, open Task Manager > Startup apps and review each app’s startup impact before changing its setting.
You can also uninstall apps you no longer use and manage background permissions where those options are available. Microsoft’s startup-app instructions explain the available controls.
5. Adjust performance settings and observe the result
Once updates, storage, and startup activity are addressed, consider optional settings that trade visual polish or battery life for performance. Change one thing at a time so you can tell whether it helps your particular PC.
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- RESPONSIVE MULTITASKING & STORAGE: Built with 4GB LPDDR4 RAM and 128GB eMMC storage for smooth daily essential use. Expand your storage by up to 1TB via the integrated TF card slot to easily store movies, photos, and working files
- ADVANCED CONNECTIVITY: Outfitted with 2x Full-Featured Type-C ports for data transfer, fast charging, and dual-monitor output, alongside 2x USB 3.2 Gen1 ports and a 3.5mm audio jack for complete peripheral compatibility
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Reduce visual effects
Visual effects use system resources. In Windows, search for Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows, open the Visual Effects tab, and select Adjust for best performance if you prefer fewer effects. This changes the visual experience, so you may prefer to keep some effects enabled.
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Open Start > Settings > System > Power & battery and choose Best performance when higher performance matters more than power use. Microsoft warns this mode increases power consumption; on a laptop it can drain the battery faster and make the device run warmer.
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- 【Fast Connectivity & Expansion】 Equipped with WiFi 6 (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.2 for stable, high-speed wireless. Features 3 x USB 3.0, HDMI 2.1, Type-C (supports PD3.0 fast charging), and a TF card slot expandable up to 2TB – easily connect external monitors, mice, drives, or expand storage for all your files
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Check resource use and optimize drives
- Open Task Manager to see whether CPU, memory, or disk use is consistently high. Close apps or browser tabs you are not using, then check whether the slowdown changes.
- Search for Defragment and Optimize Drives and use the built-in tool to check drive optimization.
- If performance remains poor, save your work and restart the PC before troubleshooting further.
Microsoft’s PC performance guide describes these options, but does not promise a particular speed gain from any one of them.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.When settings changes are not enough
If the computer is older or its hardware is outdated, software changes may have limited effect. Microsoft notes, “Older PCs with outdated hardware may not see significant improvements from these steps.” A hardware upgrade may be a longer-term option, but the right component depends on the exact PC model and its compatibility; these general steps cannot identify one.
There is no reliable universal ranking or percentage speed gain for these fixes. The best next step depends on the symptom: storage cleanup addresses low disk space, startup changes address apps launching automatically, and power mode favors performance at the cost of energy use and, on laptops, battery life.
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