How to Make Windows Faster

If your computer is slow to boot, open apps, or switch between tasks, you can recover performance with a few direct Windows 11 adjustments. The goal here is to improve daily use without removing important system features.

1) Reduce startup apps

Many applications launch with Windows and consume memory (RAM, the short-term memory your computer uses for active tasks) and disk before you even start working.

1. Open Task Manager (`Ctrl + Shift + Esc`).
2. Go to Startup apps.
3. Disable what is not essential for your routine.

2) Keep enough free storage

A nearly full SSD (Solid State Drive, a fast storage hardware using microchips) or HDD (Hard Disk Drive, a traditional storage drive with mechanical spinning disks) reduces overall responsiveness. Keep at least 15% to 20% free space when possible.

• Use Settings > System > Storage.
• Enable Storage Sense (an automatic tool that deletes temporary files to save space).
• Remove large files and apps you no longer use.

3) Tune visual effects for performance

Animations and transparency look good, but they can impact lower-end machines.

1. Search for Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows.
2. Select Adjust for best performance.
3. Turn back on only the effects you really want.

4) Choose a suitable power mode

On laptops, aggressive battery saving can limit CPU (Central Processing Unit, the main chip that processes instructions and runs programs) behavior and reduce responsiveness.

5) Update Windows, drivers, and firmware

Updates fix bottlenecks, compatibility issues, and stability problems.

• Run Windows Update regularly.
• Update GPU (Graphics Processing Unit, the hardware that renders images and video) and chipset drivers from the vendor.
• Apply BIOS/UEFI (Basic Input/Output System, the low-level firmware that initializes hardware before the operating system boots) updates carefully when needed.

6) Check malware and background apps

Hidden processes can consume CPU, disk, and network. A full scan often fixes unexpected slowdowns.

• Run a full scan with Microsoft Defender.
• Review background permissions for installed apps.

7) Restart periodically

PCs left on for many days accumulate processes, cache (temporary storage areas for quick data retrieval), and degraded services. Restarting can restore system fluidity.

Services you can disable (with caution)

Not every service should be disabled. Create a restore point first and test one change at a time.

Avoid disabling critical services such as Windows Update, core networking, security, and encryption services.

Useful scripts (PowerShell)

Run in PowerShell (a command-line shell used for task automation and system administration), with administrator privileges when required. Review every command before executing.

1) List startup apps

Get-CimInstance Win32_StartupCommand |
Select-Object Name, Command, Location, User |
Sort-Object Name

2) Free disk space by disabling hibernation (optional)

powercfg -h off

To enable it again: powercfg -h on.

3) Basic temporary files cleanup

$paths = @($env:TEMP, "$env:windir\\Temp")
foreach ($p in $paths) {
  if (Test-Path $p) {
    Get-ChildItem $p -Force -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue |
    Remove-Item -Recurse -Force -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue
  }
}

This script skips locked files. Close running apps first for better cleanup results.

Quick summary

• Cut startup apps.
• Keep free disk space.
• Reduce visual effects when needed.
• Use the right power mode.
• Keep system and drivers updated.

With these tweaks, you will usually notice faster boot times, quicker app launches, and a smoother Windows 11 experience.