12 Proven Tips to Speed Up Windows 11 and Boost Your PC Performance

Since its release, Windows 11 has brought noticeable improvements in speed, efficiency, and overall usability, making it a strong upgrade over previous versions. Yet, as with any operating system, there are still ways to fine-tune its performance. In this guide, you’ll find 12 practical methods to further enhance Windows 11’s speed and responsiveness, helping you get the most out of your system.

Method 1 - Pause syncing to OneDrive

Pausing OneDrive syncing can reduce background activity and free up system resources, which can improve your Windows 11 performance. Here are the steps to pause syncing in OneDrive:

1. Locate the OneDrive icon:

    - Go to the taskbar at the bottom right of your screen and look for the OneDrive cloud icon. If it’s not immediately visible, you might need to click the upward arrow (show hidden icons) to see it.

2. Open OneDrive settings:

    - Right-click on the OneDrive cloud icon to open the context menu. From here, select Pause syncing.

3. Choose a duration to pause syncing:

    - Once you click on Pause syncing, you’ll be presented with options to pause for 2 hours, 8 hours, or 24 hours. Choose the duration that works best for your needs. This will temporarily stop OneDrive from syncing, which can reduce network usage and background processing.

4. Resume syncing when needed: 

    - If you want to resume syncing before the chosen duration is over, right-click the OneDrive icon again, and select Resume syncing.

Optional: Permanently Stop OneDrive from Starting on Boot

If you want to permanently disable OneDrive from automatically syncing when you start your computer:

• Right-click the Start Menu Icon and select Settings.
• Select Apps
• Select Startup
• Find Microsoft OneDrive and select Off

Pausing or disabling OneDrive syncing can help conserve system resources, particularly if you’re using a device with limited processing power or storage space.

Method 2 - Disable programs that run on Startup

Disabling unnecessary programs that run on startup can significantly improve your system's boot time and overall performance. Here are the steps to manage and disable startup programs in Windows 11:

1. Open Task Manager:

    - Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open the Task Manager, or right-click the taskbar and select Task Manager from the menu.

2. Navigate to the Startup tab:

    - In Task Manager, click on the Startup Apps tab at the left. This tab displays a list of all programs that are set to start automatically when Windows boots.

3. Review the list of startup programs:

    - For each program, you’ll see its Name, Publisher, Status (Enabled or Disabled), and Startup impact (Low, Medium, or High). The Startup impact column is particularly useful for identifying programs that slow down your boot time.

4. Disable unwanted programs:

    - Select a program that you don’t need to run at startup, then click the Disable button in the bottom right corner of Task Manager. Repeat this process for each program you want to disable.

    - Common examples of programs you may want to disable are media players, instant messengers, or applications like Spotify and Adobe Creative Cloud, which don’t need to start with the system.

5. Close Task Manager:

    - Once you’ve disabled the unnecessary startup programs, close Task Manager. These changes will take effect the next time you start your computer.

Note: Only disable programs you recognize or are certain you don’t need at startup. Essential programs, such as antivirus software, should remain enabled to ensure system security and functionality.

Method 3 - Use efficiency mode

Efficiency Mode in Windows 11 is designed to optimize resource usage, allowing your system to run more smoothly, especially when running resource-intensive applications. Here’s how to enable and use Efficiency Mode:

1. Open Task Manager:

    - Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Task Manager. You can also right-click the taskbar and select Task Manager from the menu.

2. Go to the Processes tab:

    - In Task Manager, click on the Processes tab to see a list of all running applications and background processes.

3. Select the application:

    - Find the application you want to optimize for efficiency in the list. It is recommended to select the applications that consume a lot of CPU, RAM. If you don’t see the application you’re looking for, make sure it’s currently running.

4. Enable Efficiency Mode:

    - Right-click on the application’s name to open the context menu. From this menu, select Efficiency mode. - A prompt will appear, confirming that you want to enable Efficiency Mode for that application. Click Enable.

5. Confirm the change:

    - Once enabled, you’ll see a small leaf icon next to the application in the Processes tab, indicating that Efficiency Mode is active. This mode limits the app’s resource usage, which can help improve overall system performance.

Additional Information:

    - Disabling Efficiency Mode: If you later decide to disable Efficiency Mode for the application, simply right-click it again in Task Manager and select Efficiency mode to toggle it off.

    - Limitations: Keep in mind that while Efficiency Mode can help improve performance for the rest of your system, it may reduce the performance of the specific application you enable it for, so use it for applications that do not require high resources.

Method 4 – Remove Adware, Virus and Malware

Removing adware, viruses, and malware is essential for maintaining system performance and security in Windows 11. These malicious programs can consume resources, slow down your computer, and compromise your data. Here’s how to effectively scan for and remove these threats:

1. Update Windows Security: 

    - Before running any scans, ensure that Windows Security (formerly Windows Defender) is updated. 

    - Go to Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Check for updates to download the latest virus definitions.

2. Run a Quick Scan: 

    - In the Windows Security window, click on Quick scan under Current threats. This scan checks the most common areas where malware might be hiding. 

    - Allow the scan to complete. If threats are found, follow the prompts to remove or quarantine them.

3. Run a Full Scan:

    - For a more comprehensive check, click on Scan options and select Full scan. This scan examines all files and running programs on your hard drive, which can take more time but is more thorough. 

    - Once the scan is complete, follow the same prompts to handle any detected threats.

4. Use Windows Security Offline Scan: 

    - If you suspect a persistent malware infection, you can run an offline scan. In the Virus & threat protection section, select Scan options, then choose Microsoft Defender Offline scan and click Scan now. This will reboot your computer and run a scan before Windows loads.

5. Use Third-Party Anti-Malware Tools: 

    - For additional protection, consider using reputable third-party anti-malware tools, such as Malwarebytes or Bitdefender. Install the software, update it, and run a full system scan. Follow the prompts to remove any detected threats.

6. Remove Unwanted Programs: 

    - Sometimes adware is bundled with legitimate software. Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps and look for any unfamiliar or suspicious programs. Uninstall them if necessary.

7. Reset Browser Settings: 

    - If your web browser is acting strangely due to adware, consider resetting its settings: 

    - For Microsoft Edge, go to Settings > Reset settings > Restore settings to their default values.

    - For Google Chrome, go to Settings > Advanced > Reset and clean up > Restore settings to their original defaults.

8. Regularly Update Software:

    - Ensure that your operating system, browsers, and any installed software are updated regularly to protect against vulnerabilities that malware can exploit.

Additional Precautions:

    - Use a Firewall: Ensure that the built-in Windows Firewall is enabled to help block unauthorized access.

    - Practice Safe Browsing: Be cautious of downloading software from untrusted sources, clicking on unknown links, or opening suspicious email attachments.

By regularly scanning for and removing adware, viruses, and malware, you can significantly enhance your system's performance and protect your data from potential threats.

Method 5 - Turn off Search Indexing

Turning off search indexing in Windows 11 can help improve system performance, especially on devices with limited resources. Search indexing allows Windows to quickly find files and applications, but it can consume CPU and disk usage in the background. Here’s how to disable search indexing:

1. Open the Settings app:

    - Click on the Start menu (Windows icon) or press the Windows key on your keyboard. - Select Settings (the gear icon) from the menu.

2. Go to Privacy & security:

    - In the Settings window, click on Privacy & security in the left sidebar.

3. Open Windows Search settings:

    - Under the Windows permissions section, click on Searching Windows.

4. Change indexing options:

    - Scroll down to find the More indexing options section and click on it. This will open the Indexing Options window.

5. Modify indexing options:

    - In the Indexing Options window, click on the Modify button.

    - You’ll see a list of locations that are currently indexed. Uncheck any locations you want to exclude from indexing, or to disable indexing entirely, select all locations and uncheck them.

6. Disable indexing service:

    - If you want to turn off indexing completely, go back to the Indexing Options window and click on the Advanced button.

    - In the Advanced Options window, under the Index Settings tab, look for the Troubleshooting section and click on Rebuild. This may take some time, but it will rebuild the index without the unnecessary files.

    - Finally, you can stop the Windows Search service by pressing Windows + R to open the Run dialog, typing `services.msc`, and pressing Enter. In the Services window, scroll down to find Windows Search, right-click it, and select Properties. Set the Startup type to Disabled, then click Stop to halt the service.

7. Apply changes and close the settings:

    - Click OK to save your changes and close the Indexing Options and Settings windows.

Note: Disabling search indexing may slow down file searches, as Windows will need to scan the entire drive rather than relying on a pre-built index. If you find that search performance is significantly impacted, you can always enable indexing again using the same steps.

Method 6 - Disable Shadows, Animations, and Visual Effects

Disabling shadows, animations, and visual effects in Windows 11 can help improve performance, especially on older or less powerful machines. Reducing these graphical effects frees up system resources, leading to a more responsive experience. Here’s how to adjust these settings:

1. Open System Properties:

    - Press Windows + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog.

    - Type `sysdm.cpl` and press Enter. This will open the System Properties window.

2. Navigate to Performance Settings:

    - In the System Properties window, go to the Advanced tab.

    - Under the Performance section, click on the Settings button. This opens the Performance Options window.

3. Adjust Visual Effects:

    - In the Performance Options window, you’ll see a list of visual effects. You have two options here:

    - Adjust for best performance: This option disables all visual effects. To use this, click on Adjust for best performance. This will automatically uncheck all visual effects.

    - Custom settings: If you want to keep some effects while disabling others, select Custom and manually uncheck the boxes next to the effects you want to disable. Common effects to disable include:

        - Animate windows when minimizing and maximizing

        - Show shadows under mouse pointer

        - Show window contents while dragging

        - Fade or slide menus into view

        - Fade out menu items after clicking

4. Apply and Confirm Changes:

    - After adjusting the settings to your preference, click Apply, then OK to save the changes. You can then close the System Properties window.

5. Restart (if necessary):

    - Some changes might take effect immediately, but if you notice any delay, a quick restart of your computer can ensure that the settings are fully applied.

Method 7 - Change your Power Settings

Changing your power settings can significantly impact the performance of Windows 11, especially if you’re using a laptop or a system with adjustable power profiles. By selecting a power plan optimized for performance, you can enhance responsiveness and overall speed. Here’s how to change your power settings:

1. Open Settings:

    - Click on the Start menu (Windows icon) or press the Windows key on your keyboard. - Select Settings (the gear icon) from the menu.

2. Navigate to System:

    - In the Settings window, click on System from the left sidebar.

3. Go to Power & battery settings:

    - Scroll down and select Power & battery from the options on the right.

4. Select a Power Mode:

    - Under the Power section, look for the Power mode dropdown menu.

    - Click on the dropdown and select Balanced/Best Power Efficiency. This setting prioritizes energy efficiency first, which can enhance the longevity of your system.

5. Adjust Additional Settings (optional):

    - For more detailed power settings, click on Additional power settings (this will redirect you to the Control Panel).

    - In the Power Options window, you can select a power plan or click on Change plan settings next to the selected plan to further customize settings like sleep and display times.

6. Customize Advanced Settings (optional):

    - In the same Power Options window, click on Change advanced power settings. Here, you can tweak specific settings like processor power management, hard disk sleep time, and PCI Express link state management.

    - For example, you can set the Minimum processor state to 100% to ensure the CPU runs at full power.

7. Save Changes:

    - After making any changes in the advanced settings, click OK to apply them.

8. Restart Your Computer (if necessary):

    - Most changes will take effect immediately, but restarting your computer can ensure that all new settings are applied properly.

Method 8 - Use Storage Sense to Make Windows 11 Faster

Using Storage Sense in Windows 11 can help improve system performance by automatically freeing up disk space and managing storage efficiently. It helps to remove unnecessary files, such as temporary files and those in the Recycle Bin, which can contribute to a slower system. Here’s how to enable and configure Storage Sense:

1. Open Settings:

    - Click on the Start menu (Windows icon) or press the Windows key on your keyboard. - Select Settings (the gear icon) from the menu.

2. Navigate to System:

    - In the Settings window, click on System from the left sidebar.

3. Go to Storage:

    - Click on Storage in the right pane. This section provides an overview of your disk usage.

4. Enable Storage Sense:

    - Under the Storage management section, look for the Storage Sense toggle. - Switch it On to enable Storage Sense. This feature will help automatically clean up files and manage storage.

5. Configure Storage Sense Settings:

    - Click on Storage Sense to access additional settings.

    - You can configure how Storage Sense operates:

        - Run Storage Sense: Choose how often you want Storage Sense to run (Every day, Every week, Every month, or During low free disk space).

        - Delete temporary files: Choose whether to delete temporary files that apps aren’t using.

        - Remove files in my Recycle Bin: Set a time frame (e.g., 1 day, 14 days, 30 days) after which files in the Recycle Bin will be removed.

        - Remove files in my Downloads folder: Set a time frame for deleting files in the Downloads folder that haven’t been opened or modified.

6. Run Storage Sense Manually (optional):

    - If you want to run Storage Sense immediately after enabling it, scroll to the bottom of the Storage Sense settings page and click on the Clean now button. This will start the cleanup process right away.

7. Check Storage Usage (optional):

    - After running Storage Sense, you can return to the Storage section to see how much space has been freed and which categories are using the most storage.

Additional Tips:

    - Regular Maintenance: While Storage Sense can automate cleanup, it’s good to periodically review your storage manually for large files or applications that you no longer need.

    - Disk Cleanup Tool: For a more comprehensive cleanup, consider using the built-in Disk Cleanup tool, which can be accessed by searching for "Disk Cleanup" in the Start menu.

Method 9 - Disable Game Mode Disabling

Game Mode in Windows 11 can improve performance, particularly if you're not using your system for gaming. Game Mode is designed to optimize system resources for gaming, but it can sometimes consume resources unnecessarily if you're using the computer for other tasks. Here’s how to disable Game Mode:

1. Open Settings: 

    - Click on the Start menu (Windows icon) or press the Windows key on your keyboard. 

    - Select Settings (the gear icon) from the menu.

2. Navigate to Gaming: 

    - In the Settings window, click on Gaming from the left sidebar.

3. Select Game Mode: 

    - Click on Game Mode in the Gaming section. This will take you to the Game Mode settings. 

4. Turn Off Game Mode: 

    - In the Game Mode settings, you will see a toggle switch for Game Mode. 

    - Click the toggle to turn it Off. This action will disable the Game Mode feature. 

5. Close Settings: 

    - After making the change, you can close the Settings window. The change will take effect immediately.

Method 10 - Disable Background apps

Disabling background apps in Windows 11 can help improve system performance by reducing resource consumption. Many applications run in the background, which can slow down your computer and drain battery life on laptops. Here’s how to disable these background apps: 

1. Open Settings:

    - Click on the Start menu (Windows icon) or press the Windows key on your keyboard. - Select Settings (the gear icon) from the menu. 

2. Navigate to Apps: 

    - In the Settings window, click on Apps from the left sidebar. 

3. Select Apps & features: 

    - Click on Apps & features in the right pane. This section lists all installed applications. 

4. Identify Background Apps: 

    - Scroll through the list to find apps that you suspect might be running in the background and consuming resources. You can also use the search bar to quickly locate specific apps. 

5. Adjust Background App Permissions: 

    - Click on the three dots (ellipsis) next to the app you want to modify and select Advanced options. 

    - In the advanced settings, look for the Background apps permissions section. Here, you will see options to allow the app to run in the background. 

6. Disable Background Running: 

    - Set the Background apps permissions to Never to prevent the app from running in the background. 

    - Repeat this step for any other apps you want to restrict from running in the background. 

7. Close Settings: 

    - After adjusting the background app settings, you can close the Settings window. Changes will take effect immediately. 

Additional Tips: 

    - Task Manager: You can also use Task Manager to identify which background apps are using the most resources. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, then click on the Processes tab to see a list of running applications and their resource usage. 

    - Startup Apps: To further improve performance, consider disabling unnecessary startup programs. You can do this by going to Task Manager > Startup tab, where you can disable apps that run when your computer starts.

Method 11 – Delete Temporary Files

Deleting temporary files in Windows 11 can help free up disk space and improve system performance. Temporary files accumulate over time from software installations, updates, and web browsing, and they can take up significant space on your hard drive. Here’s how to delete temporary files:

    - Using Disk Cleanup: - You can also use the built-in Disk Cleanup tool for a more comprehensive cleanup: 

        1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog. 

        2. Type `cleanmgr` and press Enter. 

        3. Select the drive you want to clean (usually C:). 

        4. The Disk Cleanup tool will scan for files. Once it completes, check the boxes next to Temporary files and any other file types you want to delete, then click OK. 

    - Manually Deleting Temp Files: 

        - You can manually delete temporary files by navigating to the Temp folder: 

        1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog. 

        2. Type `%temp%` and press Enter. This will open the Temp folder. 

        3. Select all files (Ctrl + A) and delete them. Note that some files may be in use and cannot be deleted.

Method 12 - Update device drivers

Updating device drivers in Windows 11 is essential for ensuring that your hardware operates efficiently and effectively. Outdated or incompatible drivers can lead to performance issues, crashes, and other malfunctions. Regularly updating your drivers can enhance system stability and performance. Here’s how to update your device drivers:

1. Open Device Manager: 

    - Right-click the Start button (Windows icon) on the taskbar or press Windows + X on your keyboard. - From the context menu, select Device Manager. This will open the Device Manager window, which displays a list of all hardware components on your system. 

2. Identify the Device: 

    - In Device Manager, browse through the list to find the device you want to update. Common categories include Display adapters, Network adapters, and Sound, video and game controllers. 

3. Update Driver: 

    - Right-click the device you want to update and select Update driver from the context menu. This will open the Update Drivers wizard. 

4. Choose How to Search for Drivers: 

- You will see two options: 

    - Search automatically for drivers: This option allows Windows to search for the latest driver software online and install it automatically. 

    - Browse my computer for drivers: If you have downloaded the latest driver from the manufacturer’s website, select this option to manually navigate to the driver file on your computer. 

5. Follow the Prompts: 

    - If you selected the automatic search option, Windows will search for the latest driver. If a new driver is found, follow the on-screen instructions to install it. 

    - If you chose to browse for drivers, navigate to the location of the driver file, select it, and follow the prompts to install. 

6. Restart Your Computer: 

    - After the driver installation is complete, it’s a good practice to restart your computer. This ensures that the new driver is fully integrated into the system. 

Additional Methods to Keep Drivers Updated: 

    - Windows Update: 

        - You can also check for driver updates through Windows Update: 

        1. Open Settings (Windows + I). 

        2. Click on Windows Update in the left sidebar. 

        3. Click Check for updates. If any driver updates are available, Windows will download and install them automatically. 

- Manufacturer’s Website: 

    - For critical hardware components like graphics cards and motherboards, consider visiting the manufacturer’s website (e.g., NVIDIA, AMD, Intel, or the motherboard manufacturer) to download the latest drivers directly. Manufacturers often provide specialized drivers that may include performance enhancements or bug fixes not available through Windows Update.

In conclusion, Windows 11 has many improvements for speed and efficiency, but there are still ways to make it even better. By making a few simple changes and regularly checking your system, you can help your computer run faster and smoother. These steps will ensure you get the best performance from Windows 11, making your daily tasks easier and more enjoyable.