Speed Up Windows 11: 10 Quick Fixes (Step-by-Step)

If your PC feels sluggish after updates or over time, these quick tweaks will make Windows 11 feel fast again — no risky hacks, just practical changes.

Before you start

• Time needed: 10–20 minutes
• You’ll need: A local admin account to change settings

Step-by-step

1. Disable startup apps — Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc → Startup apps → set unneeded apps to Disabled.
2. Uninstall bloat — Settings → Apps → Installed apps → remove trials and unused software.
3. Free up disk space — Settings → System → Storage → enable Storage Sense. Run Cleanup recommendations.
4. Switch to Best performance — Settings → System → Power & battery → Power mode: Best performance (on laptops, prefer Balanced on battery).
5. Turn off visual extras — Search “Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows” → choose Adjust for best performance (or keep smooth fonts).
6. Indexing trim — Settings → Privacy & security → Searching Windows → set to Classic and exclude heavy folders from indexing.
7. Background apps — Settings → Apps → Installed apps → for chat/stream apps, set Background app permissions → Never.
8. Ensure SSD TRIM — Open Defragment and Optimize Drives → select SSD → Optimize and schedule weekly.
9. Update drivers & BIOS — Use your OEM app (Dell/Lenovo/HP) or Windows Update → Advanced options → Optional updates.
10. Reset with files kept (last resort) — Settings → System → Recovery → Reset this PC → Keep my files.

Tips

• Keep at least 15–20% free disk space for best performance.
• If RAM is under 8 GB, consider a memory upgrade — it’s the biggest speed boost.
• Use a lightweight antivirus and avoid overlapping “cleaner” tools.

Related tools

• Data Size Converter — understand GB vs GiB when managing storage.
• Unit Converter — quick math for storage and transfer rates.
• QR Code Generator — share fix checklists with teammates.

FAQ