9 Effective Tweaks to Optimize Windows 11/10 Performance 2024

Posted by on
Windows 11 offers a sleek interface and advanced features, but optimizing its performance can significantly enhance your computing experience, especially if you’re dealing with a slow or lagging system. Whether you’re using a high-end machine or an older model, these nine tweaks can help boost your system’s speed and responsiveness. From adjusting visual effects to managing startup programs, these steps will help you get the most out of Windows 11.

1. Adjust Visual Effects

Reducing the visual effects can improve system performance, particularly on older hardware.

  • Open Performance Options:

    • Press Windows + R, type sysdm.cpl, and press Enter. In the System Properties window, go to the “Advanced” tab and click “Settings” under the Performance section.

  • Adjust for Best Performance:

    • Select “Adjust for best performance” to disable all visual effects. If you prefer to keep some effects, choose “Custom” and uncheck the options you don’t need.

  • Apply Changes:

    • Click “Apply” and “OK” to save your settings.

2. Manage Startup Programs

Disabling unnecessary startup programs can reduce boot time and free up system resources.

  • Open Task Manager:

    • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. Go to the “Startup” tab.

  • Disable Unnecessary Programs:

    • Review the list of startup programs and disable those you don’t need by right-clicking on them and selecting “Disable.”

  • Restart Your Computer:

    • Restart your computer to apply the changes.

3. Uninstall Unnecessary Applications

Removing unused applications can free up disk space and reduce background activity.

  • Open Settings:

    • Press Windows + I to open Settings. Go to “Apps” > “Installed apps.”

  • Uninstall Apps:

    • Browse through the list and select apps you no longer need. Click on the app and choose “Uninstall.”

  • Follow Prompts:

    • Follow any prompts to complete the uninstallation process.

4. Optimize Storage

Freeing up disk space and defragmenting your drive can enhance performance.

  • Run Storage Sense:

    • Go to Settings > “System” > “Storage” and click on “Storage Sense.” Turn it on and configure how often it runs to clean up temporary files and manage storage.

  • Defragment and Optimize Drives:

    • Press Windows + S, type “Defragment and Optimize Drives,” and select the tool. Choose your primary drive (usually C:) and click “Optimize” to defragment and optimize it.

5. Update Drivers

Keeping your drivers up-to-date ensures compatibility and optimal performance.

  • Open Device Manager:

    • Press Windows + X and select “Device Manager.”

  • Update Drivers:

    • Right-click on hardware devices, particularly those with a yellow exclamation mark, and select “Update driver.” Choose “Search automatically for updated driver software.”

  • Visit Manufacturer Websites:

    • For critical components like graphics cards, visit the manufacturer’s website to download and install the latest drivers.

6. Adjust Power Settings

Optimizing power settings can improve performance, especially on laptops.

  • Open Power Options:

    • Press Windows + I to open Settings. Go to “System” > “Power & battery” > “Power mode.”

  • Select High Performance:

    • Choose “Best performance” from the options to ensure your computer is running at full capacity.

  • Adjust Advanced Settings:

    • For more control, go to Control Panel > “Hardware and Sound” > “Power Options” and select “High performance.” Click on “Change plan settings” and “Change advanced power settings” to adjust additional settings.

7. Disable Background Apps

Limiting background apps can reduce resource usage and improve performance.

  • Open Settings:

    • Press Windows + I to open Settings. Go to “Privacy & security” > “Background apps.”

  • Turn Off Background Apps:

    • Toggle off apps that you don’t need running in the background. You can also toggle off “Let apps run in the background” to disable all background apps.

8. Run System Maintenance Troubleshooter

The built-in troubleshooter can help identify and fix performance issues.

  • Open Troubleshooter:

    • Press Windows + I to open Settings. Go to “System” > “Troubleshoot” > “Other troubleshooters.”

  • Run System Maintenance:

    • Locate “System Maintenance” and click “Run.” Follow the on-screen instructions to identify and resolve any issues.

9. Adjust Visual Effects for Better Performance

Fine-tuning visual effects can balance appearance with performance.

  • Open System Properties:

    • Press Windows + R, type sysdm.cpl, and press Enter. In the System Properties window, go to the “Advanced” tab and click “Settings” under Performance.

  • Custom Adjustments:

    • Choose “Custom” and uncheck options that are less important, such as animations and fading effects, to improve responsiveness.

  • Apply and Restart:

    • Click “Apply” and “OK” to save your changes and restart your computer.

Conclusion

Optimizing Windows 11 performance involves a combination of tweaking system settings, managing startup programs, and ensuring that your hardware and drivers are up-to-date. By following these nine practical tweaks, you can enhance the speed and responsiveness of your system, ensuring a smoother and more efficient computing experience. Regular maintenance, such as updating drivers and managing storage, will help keep your Windows 11 system running at its best.