How to Make Windows Faster

If your computer is slow to boot, open apps, or switch between tasks, you can recover performance with a few direct Windows 11 adjustments. The goal here is to improve daily use without removing important system features.

1) Reduce startup apps

Many applications launch with Windows and consume memory and disk before you even start working.

Open Task Manager (`Ctrl + Shift + Esc`).
Go to Startup apps.
Disable what is not essential for your routine.

2) Keep enough free storage

A nearly full SSD or HDD reduces overall responsiveness. Keep at least 15% to 20% free space when possible.

Use Settings > System > Storage.
Enable Storage Sense.
Remove large files and apps you no longer use.

3) Tune visual effects for performance

Animations and transparency look good, but they can impact lower-end machines.

Search for Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows.
Select Adjust for best performance.
Turn back on only the effects you really want.

4) Choose a suitable power mode

On laptops, aggressive battery saving can limit CPU behavior and reduce responsiveness.

Scenario	Recommended setting
Everyday use (browser, study, office)	Balanced mode
Editing, light gaming, multitasking	Best performance
Low battery away from charger	Temporary battery saver

5) Update Windows, drivers, and firmware

Updates fix bottlenecks, compatibility issues, and stability problems.

Run Windows Update regularly.
Update GPU and chipset drivers from the vendor.
Apply BIOS/UEFI updates carefully when needed.

6) Check malware and background apps

Hidden processes can consume CPU, disk, and network. A full scan often fixes unexpected slowdowns.

Run a full scan with Microsoft Defender.
Review background permissions for installed apps.

7) Restart periodically

PCs left on for many days accumulate processes, cache, and degraded services. Restarting can restore system fluidity.

Services you can disable (with caution)

Not every service should be disabled. Create a restore point first and test one change at a time.

Service	When to consider disabling	Expected impact
Fax	If you do not use fax send/receive features	Small memory/process reduction
Remote Registry	Home PC without remote administration	Reduces background service surface
Xbox Live Auth Manager / Xbox Services	If you do not use Xbox features on Windows	Fewer processes on startup
Print Spooler	If you never print from this machine	Removes print queue service activity
Bluetooth Support Service	If the device does not use Bluetooth	One less always-on background service

Avoid disabling critical services such as Windows Update, core networking, security, and encryption services.

Useful scripts (PowerShell)

Run in PowerShell, with administrator privileges when required. Review every command before executing.

1) List startup apps

Get-CimInstance Win32_StartupCommand |
Select-Object Name, Command, Location, User |
Sort-Object Name

2) Free disk space by disabling hibernation (optional)

powercfg -h off

To enable it again: powercfg -h on.

3) Basic temporary files cleanup

$paths = @($env:TEMP, "$env:windir\Temp")
foreach ($p in $paths) {
  if (Test-Path $p) {
    Get-ChildItem $p -Force -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue |
    Remove-Item -Recurse -Force -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue
  }
}

This script skips locked files. Close running apps first for better cleanup results.

Quick summary

Cut startup apps.
Keep free disk space.
Reduce visual effects when needed.
Use the right power mode.
Keep system and drivers updated.

With these tweaks, you will usually notice faster boot times, quicker app launches, and a smoother Windows 11 experience.