Windows 11 represents a significant update to Microsoft’s Windows operating system. However, if you’re experiencing slow performance with Windows 11, there might be several causes for it. It’s important to note that even if your PC or laptop meets the requirements for Windows 11, improving its performance might still require additional hardware or resources.
This article discusses why your computer is slow and a few ways that will help you enhance the performance of your Windows 11 PC.
Why is your Windows 11 PC slow?
There can be various reasons that might be affecting your computer’s performance:
- Startup apps are slowing it down.
- Issues with the hard disk.
- Using an outdated version of the operating system.
- Outdated device drivers.
- Using HDD.
- Insufficient RAM.
Also read: How much RAM does Windows 11 use?
How to fix it?
Here are some ways that will help you restore your Windows 11 Computer’s functionality:
Disable Startup programs
Frequently, it’s observed that having too many unnecessary programs or applications can slow down the startup time of your Windows PC or laptop. To resolve the problem of Windows 11 booting slowly, make sure to disable any unwanted applications and programs from the Startup tab. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Press the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys together to open the Task Manager and then click on the Startup tab.

Step 2: Now, click on the services you want to disable and then click on the Disable button at the bottom right corner of the Task Manager window.

Update device drivers
Outdated device drivers can cause several issues on your Windows PC. Ensure to keep all the device drivers updated, mainly graphics, network and storage device drivers. Here are the steps to do that:
Step 1: Press the Windows+X and tap on the Device Manager option in the dropdown menu.

Step 2: Find and then expand the device category in which you want to update the drivers, and right-click on the driver.

Step 3:Â Click on the Update driver option in the pop-up menu.

Step 4: In the new window, click on the Search option automatically for drivers.

Also read: How to change the time zone on Windows 11?
Update Windows
Regularly updating Windows 11 is crucial for security and performance improvements. With every new update comes various enhancements and bug fixes for your Windows. Here is how to update your Windows 11 PC:
Step 1: Press the Windows + I key to open settings.
Step 2: Click on Windows Update, available on the sidebar, and then click on the Check for updates button on the top right corner of the screen.

Delete temporary files
The Windows operating system creates temporary files in the memory while you are performing any tasks on your PC. These files help the system run smoothly and quickly when you run the same tasks again. However, if these temporary files become corrupted or outdated, it can cause Windows 11 to slow down. To delete them, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Press the Windows + R keys together to launch the Run.
Step 2: In the Run dialogue box, type %temp% and hit Enter.

Step 3: Now, press the Ctrl + A keys together to select all files and press the Delete button to delete them. If you wish to delete them permanently, press the Shift + Delete keys together.

Upgrade your Hardware
Boosting your PC’s speed can be achieved through hardware upgrades, which are reliable. Upgrading your RAM and switching to an SSD can give your system a significant speed boost, often at a reasonable cost.
For instance, if your PC currently operates on 4GB of RAM, upgrading to 8GB or more can make a noticeable difference. Additionally, SSDs offer much faster performance compared to traditional hard drives. They facilitate quicker system boot-up and smoother overall operation.
Investing in quality RAM and an SSD not only enhances performance but also extends the life of your computer by several years. Sometimes, you might even have the option to add an SSD alongside your existing hard drive for improved performance.
Also read: How to turn off background apps in Windows 11?