Microsoft has certainly made some improvements with the release of the Windows 11 operating system. However, some common problems that users face with Windows 10 are not fully optimized. Like previous versions, the new generation of OS – Windows 11, is not immune to slowdowns or slowdowns. Fortunately, one can easily fix this problem. This article covers Microsoft’s tested and recommended ways to fix the Windows 11 slow issue. However, before that, let’s consider the factors that contribute to system slowness.
What makes Windows 11 slow?
Multiple factors can cause Windows 11 to be slow. These factors can range from hardware/software malfunction to a virus attack on your system. Here, we have listed the most common ones as follows:
- Windows 11 fits the best visuals
- Unwanted start-up services
- Using HDD instead of SSD
- Obsolete device drivers
- Defective or aging hard drive
- Lack of space on system drives
- Temporary files available on the system in bulk
- Outdated operating system
- Installing faulty software
- Insufficient RAM
How to fix the Windows 11 slow issue?
Since there could be many possible reasons behind the Windows 11 slow issue, we have come up with the DIY (Do-it-yourself) methods accordingly. You can follow the instructions to speed up Windows 11 quickly. Let’s get started.
Caution: Beware of those ‘Speed Up Your PC’ ads that make you install third-party registry cleaners. These programs can expose your system to malware, causing further damage to your already slow PC. Also, make regular system backups and have data recovery software on hand to prevent data loss in case any mishaps occur.
v Reboot your system
Sometimes when your system becomes slow or hangs, try restarting your PC or laptop. It will help you put an end to programs running in the background that can slow down your Windows 11. Go to Start, right-click, and choose Shut Down or Sign Out > Restart.
The system will reboot and hopefully work properly. After rebooting the system, proceed with the following methods.
v Run the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter
Sometimes some incompatible programs may cause the system to run slowly. Fortunately, Windows comes with a Program Compatibility Troubleshooter. This tool checks the compatibility of the program with the system and fixes the problems so that the system runs smoothly. Here are the steps to run the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter:
- Open Settings by pressing Windows + I, and then type Troubleshoot in the search bar.
- Select Troubleshoot Configuration Issues from the visible options.
- Next, click Additional Troubleshooters
- On the next screen, scroll down, and under Find and Fix other problems, search for Program Compatibility Troubleshooter > Run the troubleshooter.
- You will see the list of programs. Select the program you are having problems with and click Next.
- Next, you can choose “ Try recommended settings” or “ Troubleshoot the program .”
- Depending on your selection, you will see more instructions; Follow them to complete the process.
v Make sure you have the latest Windows updates installed
Missing important Windows updates or broken files can cause various errors in your system and affect its performance. To speed up Windows 11, you need to make sure you have the latest Windows updates for Windows and device drivers installed. For this, follow these steps:
- Go to Start right-click and select Settings.
- Next, go to Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates.
v Disable/remove unnecessary startup apps/services
Several programs run automatically in the background when the system boots, causing the system to respond slowly. You can remove or disable programs that you don’t use often from startup to resolve the Windows 11 lag problem. Follow the indicated steps:
- Open Settings with the instructions above, then follow Apps > Home.
- Select the program that you do not want to run automatically at startup and disable it.
- Once done, restart the system and check if the Windows 11 slow startup issues have been resolved and the system loads quickly.
v Free your system from junk files
Your system may have junk files or temporary files in a heap. They are quite easy to overlook as something that can consume a lot of disk space. But if there are too many junk files, they can contribute to the slow performance of Windows 11. So you can delete them and increase the performance of your system. To remove junk or temporary files from your system, follow the given steps:
- Press Windows + R; The Run dialog box will open.
- In the box, type %temp%and press Enter.
- The temporary files folder will open. Select all files and type Shift + Del to remove them from the system. Click Yes to confirm.
- Once this is done, close the window.
v Make sure your system manages page file size
A paging file is an area of a hard drive that acts as memory for Windows. You can manage the paging file size to speed up Windows 11. Follow these steps:
- Go to Windows Search, type Advanced System, and select View Advanced System settings.
- On the next screen, go to the advanced tab and click Settings in the Performance area.
- Next, select the advanced tab under Performance Options and click Change in the Virtual Memory area.
- Now, check the box next to automatically manage paging file sizes for all drives > OK.
- Reboot the system and check if it is now working properly.
v Check your available disk space
The Windows 11 slow issue can also occur if you do not have enough disk space available on your system. To solve this, you need to remove unnecessary data to increase system performance. Follow the indicated steps:
Run Disk Cleanup:
- Go to Windows Search, type Disk Cleanup, and open it.
- Select the boxes corresponding to the options/files you want to delete, and then click OK.
- You can also click on the Cleanup system files option and select the files you want to delete.
Uninstall unwanted applications:
- Open Settings by pressing Windows + I and then follow Apps > Apps & features.
- Select the app that you barely use or don’t use at all. Click Uninstall.
- A pop-up window will appear; Click Uninstall to continue.
- Click Yes to confirm the uninstall.
v Disable unnecessary visual effects
Windows 11 contains many visual effects, including shadow effects and opening and closing animations, but they can be disabled or turned off. To do this, follow the steps indicated:
Disable visual effects:
- Open Windows Search, type Adjust appearance, and then click Adjust Windows appearance and performance.
- On the next screen, select Visual Effects > Customize.
- Select the options that you do not want to continue running and click Apply.
- Restart the system and see if it helps to fix the “Windows 11 very slow” issue.
Adjust performance:
- Go to Windows Search, type Performance, and then click Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows.
- Next, on the Visual Effects tab, select Adjust for best performance > Apply.
- Reboot your system and see if system performance improves.
v Pause syncing with OneDrive
When you configure your system, you can choose where your files will be saved by default. You can save them to your system or OneDrive and sync files between locations. If you choose to sync your files with OneDrive, it will allow you to access your files on a machine or device and allow you to be sure that your files are backed up. Unfortunately, syncing your files between the system and OneDrive can slow down your system. So, try giving OneDrive sync a pause and see if it helps. To do this, follow these steps:
- In the taskbar, find OneDrive and open it.
- Go to Help & Settings > Pause Sync and choose the pause duration.
- Reboot the system and check if the system performance has improved.
v Scan your PC for malware
A possible reason for your Windows 11 running very slow is malware or virus attacks on the system. If your system is infected or has malicious software installed, it could run slowly or lag. Additionally, you may experience unusual activities on your system, such as various programs running or closing automatically, files disappearing, etc. You can scan your system for malware infections using the Windows Security feature. Follow the steps mentioned below:
- Open Settings by pressing Windows + I, and then follow Update & security > Windows security > Virus & threat protection > Quick scan
- After the scan is completed, run an advanced scan or contact Microsoft Support based on the scan results and recommendations.
v Perform system restore
You can perform a system restore if the Windows 11 slow issue is not resolved after all the above methods. Running System Restore helps restore the system to a previous working or default state. However, reverting to a previous or default setting will remove all device manager-related changes such as drivers, settings, files, apps, updates, and more. Therefore, you can backup system data and other important things before proceeding with this method. To restore your system, follow these steps:
- Open Windows Search, type Create a restore point, and click Open.
- In the System Properties window, navigate to the System Protection tab and click System Restore.
- Click Next in the Restore Files and Settings window by selecting the recommended restore point or choosing a different one.
- Next, select the restore point and click Scan for affected programs.
- It will show you the list of programs affected during the process.
- Click Close > Next > Finish to complete the process.
- After the process is completed, restart the system and check if the system performance has improved.
v 12 Reinstall Windows 11
If your Windows 11 is running slow due to any software or operating system issue, you can reinstall Windows. It will help you fix slow issues and speed up Windows 11. However, reinstalling Windows may cause data loss. Therefore, it is advised to back up the data stored on the system and reinstall Windows 11.
Speeding up Windows 11 is easy when you follow the right tactics and practices. All the methods discussed above will help you to fix the Windows 11 slow issue. You can try them out and see what works best for you.