If your Windows 11 laptop is feeling slow and unresponsive, you’re not alone. Whether you’re a student, professional, or casual user, performance issues can affect productivity. Guide to help you speed up your Windows 11 laptop without needing technical expertise.
1. ✅ Disable Startup Programs
Too many apps launching at startup can slow down boot time.
Step: Press
Ctrl + Shift + Escto open Task ManagerGo to: “Startup Apps” tab
Action: Disable unnecessary apps
2. ✅ Uninstall Unused Apps
Old software takes up valuable space and resources.
Go to Settings > Apps > Installed Apps
Remove apps you no longer use
3. ✅ Clean Up Disk Space with Storage Sense
Settings > System > Storage > Storage Sense
Turn it ON to auto-delete temp files and cache
4. ✅ Stop Background Apps
Navigate to Settings > Apps > Apps & Features
Click on app > Advanced Options > Disable background activity
5. ✅ Upgrade to an SSD (If Using HDD)
Switching to a Solid State Drive (SSD) drastically improves speed. Consider this for long-term improvement.
6. ✅ Increase Virtual Memory (Pagefile)
Search “View advanced system settings” > Performance Settings > Advanced
Increase the virtual memory (paging file) size manually
7. ✅ Check for Windows 11 Updates
Outdated systems can slow performance.
Go to Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates
Install important updates
8. ✅ Disable Visual Effects
Right-click This PC > Properties > Advanced system settings > Settings
Choose “Adjust for best performance”
9. ✅ Scan for Malware and Viruses
Use Windows Defender or any reliable antivirus to check for threats.
10. ✅ Restart Your Laptop Regularly
It sounds basic, but restarting clears temporary issues that can cause lag.
🔁 Bonus Tip: Add More RAM
If your laptop supports it, adding more RAM can make multitasking much smoother, especially if you run large applications.
📈 Final Thoughts
You don’t need to buy a new device to enjoy better performance. With these simple steps, your slow Windows 11 laptop can feel brand new again.
FAQ
Q1. Why is my Windows 11 laptop so slow?
A slow Windows 11 laptop may be caused by too many background apps, full storage, outdated drivers, or malware.
Q2. How can I make Windows 11 run faster?
You can disable startup apps, clean up disk space, stop background activity, and upgrade to an SSD for faster performance.
Q3. Does upgrading RAM help speed up Windows 11?
Yes, adding more RAM improves multitasking and system responsiveness, especially if you run heavy applications.
Q4. Is Windows 11 slower than Windows 10?
Some older devices may find Windows 11 slower due to higher system requirements, but with optimization, performance can improve significantly.
Q5. Can I use built-in tools to clean my Windows 11 laptop?
Yes, use tools like Storage Sense, Disk Cleanup, and Windows Security for optimization and protection.