Ways to Troubleshoot Slow Performance in Windows 11

[kle]

Windows 11 is known for its sleek design and improved features, but slow performance can sometimes be an issue. Fortunately, several steps can help speed up your system and improve overall performance. Here’s a detailed guide to troubleshooting slow Windows 11 performance.

1. Check for Updates:
First, ensure that your system is up-to-date. Microsoft regularly releases patches that fix bugs and performance issues. To check for updates:

Go to Settings > Windows Update.

Click Check for updates and install any available updates.

2. Disable Startup Programs:
Some programs start automatically when you boot up your system, which can slow down performance. To disable unnecessary startup programs:

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.

Go to the Startup tab and disable non-essential programs.

3. Optimize Power Settings:
Using a "Power Saver" plan can reduce your PC’s performance. Instead, switch to a high-performance plan:

Go to Control Panel > Power Options.

Choose the High-Performance option.

4. Clear Temporary Files:
Temporary files can accumulate over time, leading to sluggish performance. Here’s how to clear them:

Press Windows + R, type %temp%, and hit Enter.

Delete all the files in this folder. You can also use the Disk Cleanup tool.

5. Upgrade RAM or Storage:
If you have less than 8 GB of RAM or are using a hard drive instead of an SSD, consider upgrading. More RAM allows your system to handle multiple applications simultaneously, while an SSD significantly improves read and write speeds.

6. Disable Visual Effects:
Windows 11 comes with advanced visual effects that can tax older systems. You can disable them for better performance:

Right-click This PC, select Properties, and then click Advanced system settings.

Under Performance, select Settings and choose Adjust for best performance.

By following these steps, you should see a noticeable improvement in Windows 11 performance. Regularly maintaining your system by updating software, clearing unnecessary files, and limiting background processes can ensure a smooth experience.

[psycho]

Great tips! I'd like to add a few more ways to troubleshoot slow performance in Windows 11:

Scan for Malware: Sometimes slow performance is caused by malware or unwanted programs running in the background. I recommend running a full system scan with Windows Defender or your preferred antivirus software.
Open Windows Security from the Start Menu.
Go to Virus & threat protection and click Quick scan or Full scan for more thorough results.
Update Drivers: Outdated or faulty drivers can also impact performance. Be sure to check for driver updates, especially for graphics and chipset drivers:
Go to Device Manager (Right-click the Start button, then select it).
Expand the device categories and right-click the driver you want to update.
Select Update driver and choose Search automatically for updated driver software.
Check for Background Apps: Some apps run in the background without you noticing, consuming system resources. To manage these:
Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps and look for apps that are set to run in the background.
Disable background permissions for apps you don’t need.
Run the Performance Troubleshooter: Windows 11 has a built-in troubleshooter to help identify and fix performance issues:
Open Control Panel > Troubleshooting.
Under System and Security, click Run maintenance tasks.
Taking these additional steps alongside the ones mentioned can further optimize your system and help maintain its performance over time.

Let me know if this works for you or if you need more help!