Windows 11 Performance Secrets That Make Your PC Faster

Windows 11 is one of Microsoft’s smoothest and most polished operating systems yet, but many users still complain about slow boot times, laggy apps, and decreased system performance. The good news is that Windows 11 comes packed with hidden features and optimization tricks that can dramatically improve speed without upgrading your hardware.

In this guide, we’ll reveal the most effective Windows 11 performance secrets to make your PC run faster, smoother, and more efficiently. Whether you’re a gamer, student, or professional, these tips will help you get the best out of your machine.

Why Windows 11 Sometimes Feels Slow

Before jumping into the performance hacks, let’s understand why Windows 11 might feel sluggish:

• Startup programs overload your system during boot.
• Background processes consume memory and CPU power.
• Visual effects look good but drain resources.
• Old drivers or updates create performance bottlenecks.
• Low storage space slows down data processing.

By addressing these issues, you can transform your PC into a high-performance machine.

1. Disable Startup Programs You Don’t Need

One of the easiest ways to speed up your PC is by disabling unnecessary startup apps.

Steps:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Go to the Startup tab.
3. Right-click unnecessary programs and select Disable.

👉 This ensures your PC boots faster and only loads essential apps.

2. Optimize Windows 11’s Power Settings

Windows 11 often defaults to Balanced Mode, which saves energy but reduces performance.

Steps:

1. Open Settings > System > Power & Battery.
2. Under Power Mode, choose Best Performance.

This instantly makes your PC snappier, especially for gaming or heavy multitasking.

3. Enable Storage Sense to Free Up Space

Low storage can severely slow down Windows 11. Microsoft has a built-in feature called Storage Sense that automatically cleans temporary files and cache.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings > System > Storage.
2. Turn on Storage Sense and customize cleanup options.

This keeps your PC clutter-free without manual effort.

4. Update Drivers and Windows Regularly

Outdated drivers and unpatched Windows versions cause lag and instability.

• Update drivers from Device Manager or use official manufacturer tools like NVIDIA GeForce Experience or Intel Driver Support.
• Always keep Windows 11 updated from Settings > Windows Update.

💡 Updated drivers = smoother performance and fewer crashes.

5. Adjust Visual Effects for Speed

Windows 11’s animations and transparency effects look modern but consume system resources.

Steps:

1. Open System Properties (Win + R → type sysdm.cpl).
2. Under Advanced > Performance Settings, choose Adjust for Best Performance.

This disables unnecessary animations, making your system run faster.

6. Use ReadyBoost (For Older PCs)

If you’re using an older PC with limited RAM, ReadyBoost can help by using a USB drive as additional memory.

Steps:

1. Insert a USB drive.
2. Right-click it → Properties → ReadyBoost tab.
3. Select Use this device and allocate space.

It won’t replace RAM but improves speed on older machines.

7. Manage Background Apps

Too many background apps eat CPU and RAM silently.

Steps:

1. Open Settings > Apps > Apps & Features.
2. Click on each app → Advanced Options → Disable Background App Permissions.

This reduces resource consumption and increases battery life.

8. Defragment and Optimize Drives

For HDD users, fragmentation slows file access. Windows 11 offers an easy fix.

Steps:

1. Search for Defragment and Optimize Drives.
2. Select your hard drive and click Optimize.

For SSDs, Windows automatically optimizes TRIM operations, so no manual defrag is needed.

9. Use Game Mode (Even If You’re Not a Gamer)

Windows 11 includes a Game Mode that reduces background activity and prioritizes performance.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings > Gaming > Game Mode.
2. Toggle On.

Even non-gamers benefit from smoother multitasking.

10. Upgrade Virtual Memory (Paging File)

If your PC frequently runs out of RAM, increasing virtual memory helps.

Steps:

1. Search Advanced System Settings.
2. Under Performance > Advanced, click Virtual Memory.
3. Increase paging file size (usually 1.5x your RAM).

11. Remove Bloatware and Unnecessary Apps

Pre-installed apps consume storage and slow performance.

Steps:

1. Open Settings > Apps > Installed Apps.
2. Uninstall what you don’t use.

Alternatively, tools like PC Decrapifier can automate this process.

12. Keep Your PC Malware-Free

Viruses and malware not only steal data but also slow your system.

• Use Windows Security (built-in antivirus).
• Run occasional scans with trusted tools like Malwarebytes.

This ensures your PC stays safe and fast.

13. Upgrade Hardware (If Possible)

If your PC still struggles:

• Upgrade to an SSD for lightning-fast speed.
• Add more RAM (8GB is minimum, 16GB ideal).
• Consider a better GPU if gaming or video editing.

Even small upgrades can double your performance.

Expert Tip: Use PC Optimization Tools

If you want an all-in-one solution, PC optimization tools can help clean junk files, disable unnecessary processes, and monitor system health. Tools like CCleaner are widely trusted for this purpose.

Final Thoughts

Windows 11 is powerful, but like any operating system, it requires regular optimization to run at its best. By disabling startup apps, adjusting power settings, updating drivers, and cleaning storage, you can significantly boost performance without spending a penny.

For older PCs, features like ReadyBoost and Game Mode provide noticeable improvements, while hardware upgrades can make a world of difference.

If you follow the performance secrets shared above, your Windows 11 machine will feel faster, smoother, and more efficient than ever before.