Windows 11 is the latest operating system from Microsoft promises a fast, secure, and sleek user experience. Also, Microsoft regularly releases Windows updates aims, the latest bug fixes and optimizes Windows 11 performance. However, everyday use and software changes can slow it down. Users report that Windows 11 is very slow, takes longer to boot up, launch apps, or perform tasks, how to speed up my laptop? If you’ve noticed your Windows 11 laptop slowing down, becoming unresponsive, or experiencing freezes, Here are a few tweaks to speed up your laptop.
Whether you upgraded to Windows 11 from an older version of Windows or bought a new laptop with Windows 11 pre-installed, these tips can help you improve your laptop’s performance and extend its lifespan.
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How to Speed Up a Slow Laptop
Several factors can contribute to a slow laptop, Corrupted system files, insufficient RAM, excessive startup programs or hardware incompatibility are common. Additionally, malware or viruses, outdated software, and a fragmented disk can all impact overall performance.
- If your laptop doesn’t meet the minimum system requirements for Windows 11, it may struggle to deliver optimal performance.
- Default settings might not always align with your preferences. Visual effects and unnecessary background apps can consume precious system resources.
- Limited memory can result in slow multitasking and overall system responsiveness.
- Too many programs launching at startup can extend boot times and consume system resources.
- Over time, your laptop accumulates unnecessary files, programs, and applications, leading to a cluttered system that can impede performance.
- Security threats can not only compromise your data but also significantly degrade your laptop’s speed. Malware and viruses often operate in the background, consuming resources without your knowledge.
Whatever the reason, here is How to Speed Up Your Windows 11 Laptop:
Restart Your Laptop Regularly
One of the easiest and most effective ways to speed up your Windows 11 laptop is to restart it regularly. Restarting your laptop clears the memory, closes unnecessary programs, and fixes any software glitches that may be slowing down your system.
- Click on the Start menu -> power and select “Restart.”
- Alternatively, you can use the power button to shut down your laptop and then turn it back on after a few seconds.
- Make it a habit to restart your laptop at least once a week to maintain peak performance.
Update Windows 11 and Drivers
Another important way to speed up your Windows 11 laptop is to keep your system and drivers up to date. Regular Windows 11 updates from Microsoft not only introduce new features and security patches but also include performance optimizations.
It also includes driver updates for your hardware devices, such as your graphics card, sound card, or printer. Drivers are essential for your devices to communicate with your system and function properly.
To update your Windows 11 system:
- Press Windows key + I to open Settings
- Go to Windows Update and click the Check for Updates button
- If new updates are available, allow them to download and install. You may need to restart your laptop after the installation is complete.
Click on Advanced options, then optional updates to install driver updates, if available.
To update your drivers using the Device Manager:
Drivers are software that helps your hardware devices communicate with your system. Outdated or missing drivers can cause compatibility issues and slowdowns.
- Press the Windows key + X and select Device Manager,
- Click on the device category that you want to update, such as Display adapters or Printers & scanners.
- Right-click on the device name, select update driver,
- Click on Search automatically for drivers and follow the instructions on the screen to search for and install the latest driver for your device.
Optimize Startup Programs
One of the common reasons why your Windows 11 laptop may be slow is that there are too many apps running in the background when you start your laptop. These apps can consume a lot of memory, CPU, and disk resources, and affect your system performance. Some of these apps may be useful, such as antivirus software or cloud storage services, but others may be unnecessary or unwanted.
Disabling unnecessary startup programs accelerates your laptop’s boot-up time and ensures that system resources are allocated more efficiently.
- Right-click on the taskbar and select “Task Manager.”
- Go to the “Startup” tab and disable programs that aren’t essential for startup.
Alternately go to Settings > Apps > Startup. You will see a list of apps that can run at startup, along with their impact on your system’s performance. To disable an app from running at startup, turn off its toggle switch.
In addition, Limit background apps reduce the strain on your system’s resources, and allow it to focus on the tasks you’re actively performing. Go to Settings > Privacy > Background apps and disable apps that don’t need to run in the background.
Free Up Disk Space
Another reason why your Windows 11 laptop may be slow is because of low disk space on your hard drive or SSD. This can affect laptop performance by causing file fragmentation, slowing down read and write speeds, prevent Windows 11 from creating temporary files or installing updates. Free up disk space allows your operating system to function more efficiently.
To free up disk space on your Windows 11 laptop, you can use the Storage Sense feature or a third-party tool like CCleaner.
Also performing regular disk cleanups removes temporary files and frees up disk space, contributing to improved system responsiveness.
- Type “Disk Cleanup” in the Windows search bar and run the tool.
- Select the types of files to delete, and click “OK.”
Removing applications you no longer use not only declutters your system but also frees up valuable storage space
- Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
- Uninstall programs that you no longer need.
Transfer large files to external storage devices, or cloud storage. Consider using disk space analysis tools to identify and remove large, unnecessary files.
Adjust the Appearance and Performance of Windows
One of the features of Windows 11 is its sleek and modern design, which includes animations, transparency effects, shadows, and other visual elements. However, these visual effects can also consume a lot of system resources and slow down your laptop. If you prefer speed over appearance, you can adjust the appearance and performance of Windows 11 by disabling some or all of these visual effects.
Optimizing visual effects settings reduces the strain on your GPU and enhances overall system performance.
- Press Windows key + R, type SystemPropertiesAdvanced and click ok to open system properties,
- Click on”Settings” under the “Performance” section and choose “Adjust for best performance” or customize the settings based on your preferences.
Again Malware and viruses can significantly degrade your laptop’s speed by operating in the background. Regular scans help identify and eliminate these threats. We recommend run a full system scan using Windows security (defender) or installed antivirus software.
Sometimes adjusting power plan settings can optimize your laptop’s performance based on your preferences, offering a balance between power conservation and speed. Open settings -> System -> Power and battery and select the Best power efficiency option next to power mode.
In addition, upgrading hardware components like RAM or switching to an SSD provides a tangible boost in overall system speed.
Pro Tip: If you notice the laptop’s slow performance while browsing web pages, it might be a corrupted browser cache or extensions that affect the laptop’s performance. Navigate chrome://settings/clearBrowserData and clear browsing data then remove extensions here chrome://extensions/.
Also, Run System File Checker (SFC) that scans and repairs corrupted system files, and addresses potential issues that could impact performance. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator, Type sfc /scannow press Enter, and let it complete 100%. Running SFC ensures the integrity of essential system files, contributing to a more stable and efficient laptop performance.
