Windows 11 Running Slowly? 9 Settings and Checks Worth Trying

Start with the simplest fixes

Windows 11 can become sluggish for many reasons, but you do not need to download a collection of computer-cleaning applications to investigate the problem. Windows already includes tools for monitoring performance, managing startup programs, and recovering storage space. Here are nine useful places to start.

1. Restart your computer

Restarting closes running applications and starts a fresh Windows session. Save your work, open the Start menu, select Power, and choose Restart. This is particularly useful if your computer has been running for several days.

If performance improves after restarting but gradually deteriorates again, an application or background process may be contributing to the problem.

2. Disable unnecessary startup applications

Open Settings → Apps → Startup. Review the applications configured to start automatically. Turn off programs you do not need immediately after signing in. For example, a messaging application you rarely use may not need to start with Windows.

You can reverse this change by returning to the same menu and enabling the application again. Do not disable unfamiliar security software or system utilities without checking their purpose.

3. Find applications consuming resources

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc. In Task Manager, select Processes. Examine the CPU, Memory, and Disk columns. If an application is consistently using substantial resources, investigate whether it is performing an expected task.

For example, a video editor may legitimately use substantial processor resources while exporting a video. A browser with numerous tabs may consume considerable memory. Avoid ending unfamiliar system processes.

4. Check available storage

Open Settings → System → Storage. Windows displays how your storage is being used. Review large applications, temporary files, and personal files. Only delete material you recognize and no longer need.

If your drive is nearly full, moving large personal files to another storage location may help. Make sure the files have been copied successfully before deleting the originals.

5. Run Storage Sense

Storage Sense can help remove unnecessary temporary files. Find it under Settings → System → Storage → Storage Sense. Review its settings before running it, especially any options affecting Downloads or cloud-backed files.

Storage Sense can also manage items in the Recycle Bin according to its configured schedule. Do not assume every file selected for removal is unimportant.

6. Install Windows updates

Open Settings → Windows Update. Select Check for updates. Install appropriate updates and restart when required. Updates can resolve software problems, although they are not guaranteed to improve every computer's performance.

If a particular problem began immediately after an update, investigate that change rather than repeatedly installing unrelated software.

7. Check for malware

Open Windows Security and select Virus & threat protection. Run a scan. Malware can consume system resources, but poor performance alone does not establish that a computer is infected.

Avoid websites claiming that you must purchase an unfamiliar cleaner to fix your computer. Use the security software already installed and trusted on your device.

8. Review power mode

Open Settings → System → Power & battery. If your device provides a Power mode setting, review the available options. A performance-oriented setting may help certain workloads, but it can increase heat and battery consumption.

Use the balanced setting when longer battery life matters more. If the computer becomes unusually hot or its fans run constantly, investigate cooling rather than assuming a higher-performance setting is the solution.

9. Reduce unnecessary visual effects

Search Windows for Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows. Open the result and review the Visual Effects tab. Reducing animations and decorative effects may help some lower-powered computers. These settings can be reversed if you prefer the original appearance.

When these changes are not enough

If Windows remains slow, check whether the computer is consistently running out of RAM, using a mechanical hard drive, or overheating. Do not repeatedly reset Windows or install aggressive cleaning utilities without identifying the problem.

Back up important files before considering a reset or operating-system reinstallation. A reset can remove applications and settings, and some reset options can remove personal files.

The bottom line: Windows 11 already contains useful troubleshooting tools. Start with the built-in options and make one change at a time so you can identify what actually helps.

Sources and further reading

• Microsoft — Tips to improve PC performance in Windows: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/experience/performance-optimization/tips-to-improve-pc-performance-in-windows
• Microsoft — Configure startup applications in Windows: https://support.microsoft.com/en-US/Windows/Experience/Startup-Boot/configure-startup-applications-in-windows
• Microsoft — Manage drive space with Storage Sense: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/experience/storage-filemanagement/manage-drive-space-with-storage-sense