How to Speed Up Windows 11 Computer in 2025: 15 Proven Methods That Actually Work

Why Your Windows 11 Computer is Running Slow

Understanding why your computer has slowed down is crucial before learning how to speed up Windows 11 computer performance. Several factors contribute to decreased system performance, and identifying these issues helps target the right solutions.

Common Causes of Slow Windows 11 Performance

The most frequent reasons your Windows 11 computer runs slowly include:

• Background apps consuming resources: Many programs automatically start with Windows
• Insufficient storage space: Less than 15% free disk space significantly impacts performance
• Outdated drivers: Old or incompatible drivers cause system bottlenecks
• Malware and viruses: Malicious software secretly uses system resources
• Registry errors: Corrupted registry entries slow down system operations
• Visual effects: Heavy animations and transparency effects drain performance

15 Proven Methods to Speed Up Windows 11 Computer

These tested solutions will show you exactly how to speed up Windows 11 computer performance using built-in tools and free software. Each method addresses specific performance bottlenecks affecting your system.

Method 1: Disable Startup Programs

Learning how to speed up Windows 11 computer starts with managing startup programs. Many applications automatically launch when Windows starts, consuming valuable system resources and slowing boot times.

Step-by-step process:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
2. Click the Startup tab
3. Right-click high-impact programs you don’t need immediately
4. Select Disable for unnecessary applications
5. Restart your computer to see improvements

Focus on disabling programs like Spotify, Skype, Adobe updaters, and other non-essential software that can wait until you manually open them.

Method 2: Update Windows 11 and Drivers

Microsoft regularly releases performance improvements and bug fixes that directly impact how to speed up Windows 11 computer operations. Outdated drivers often cause compatibility issues and performance degradation.

Update process:

1. Open Settings (Windows key + I)
2. Navigate to Windows Update
3. Click Check for updates
4. Install all available updates
5. Visit manufacturer websites for latest driver updates

Method 3: Clean Up Disk Space

Insufficient storage space dramatically affects how to speed up Windows 11 computer performance. When your hard drive is nearly full, Windows struggles to manage virtual memory and temporary files efficiently.

Disk cleanup steps:

1. Open File Explorer
2. Right-click your main drive (usually C:)
3. Select Properties
4. Click Disk Cleanup
5. Check all boxes for temporary files, recycle bin, and system cache
6. Click OK and Delete Files

Additionally, use Storage Sense to automatically clean temporary files and manage disk space more effectively.

Method 4: Adjust Visual Effects for Performance

Windows 11’s visual effects look beautiful but consume significant system resources. Adjusting these settings is essential when learning how to speed up Windows 11 computer on older hardware.

Visual effects optimization:

1. Right-click This PC and select Properties
2. Click Advanced system settings
3. Under Performance, click Settings
4. Select Adjust for best performance
5. Click Apply and OK

This change alone can provide noticeable performance improvements, especially on computers with limited RAM or older graphics cards.

Method 5: Scan for Malware and Viruses

Malware significantly impacts system performance and is often overlooked when people search for how to speed up Windows 11 computer solutions. Hidden malicious software consumes CPU, memory, and network resources.

Comprehensive malware removal:

1. Run Windows Security full system scan
2. Download and run Malwarebytes free scan
3. Use AdwCleaner to remove browser hijackers
4. Check browser extensions for suspicious add-ons
5. Reset browser settings if necessary

Regular malware scans should be part of your routine maintenance to maintain optimal performance.

Advanced Performance Optimization Techniques

These advanced methods require more technical knowledge but provide significant improvements when learning how to speed up Windows 11 computer performance for power users and gaming.

Method 6: Optimize Power Settings

Windows 11 default power settings prioritize battery life over performance. Changing these settings is crucial for understanding how to speed up Windows 11 computer for desktop users and laptop users connected to power.

Power optimization steps:

1. Open Control Panel
2. Navigate to Power Options
3. Select High Performance or Balanced mode
4. Click Change plan settings
5. Set both options to Never
6. Save changes

High performance mode prevents the CPU from downclocking and keeps system components running at optimal speeds.

Method 7: Increase Virtual Memory

Virtual memory acts as additional RAM when your physical memory is full. Properly configuring virtual memory is essential when learning how to speed up Windows 11 computer with limited RAM.

Virtual memory configuration:

1. Open System Properties (Right-click This PC > Properties)
2. Click Advanced system settings
3. Under Performance, click Settings
4. Go to Advanced tab
5. Click Change under Virtual Memory
6. Uncheck Automatically manage paging file size
7. Set Custom size to 1.5x your RAM amount
8. Click Set and OK

Method 8: Disable Background Apps

Background apps continuously run and consume system resources even when not actively used. Managing these apps is fundamental to how to speed up Windows 11 computer effectively.

Background app management:

1. Open Settings (Windows + I)
2. Go to Apps
3. Select Apps & features
4. Click Advanced options for resource-heavy apps
5. Change Background app permissions to Never
6. Repeat for unnecessary applications

Focus on disabling background permissions for apps like mail clients, social media apps, and games you don’t use frequently.