Windows 11 Lagging and Slow System [12 Fixes]

Introduction

Are you tired of your Windows 11 PC dragging its feet like a sloth on a lazy day? You’re not alone!

Lagging and slow performance can turn even the simplest tasks into frustrating marathons.

But fear not—there’s hope!

In this article, we’ll dive into the top fixes to turbocharge your system and reclaim that lightning-fast performance you crave. From tweaking settings to optimizing storage, we’ll cover practical, actionable solutions that anyone can implement.

Windows 11 Lagging and Slow System [8 Fixes]

When your Windows 11 computer starts running sluggishly or experiences lag, there are several ways to fix the slow performance issue effectively. Make sure you follow each troubleshooting step thoroughly. Believe me, it’s going to be tremendous. Take your time, do it right, and you’ll have your system running like a champion in no time.

1. Disable Unnecessary Startup Items

When your Windows 11 system is experiencing lag or slow performance, one highly effective way to fix this issue is to disable unnecessary startup items. These programs, which automatically launch when your computer boots up, can contribute to a laggy Windows 11 experience. While some of these applications are essential, many are not. By reducing the number of programs that start with your Windows 11 operating system, you can significantly improve boot times and overall system performance. Try disabling the startup by following the steps given below:

Step 1

Right Click on the Start icon or Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc

Step 2

Now Go to Startup Tabs

Step 3

Now select those applications that you consider unnecessary and click on Disable.

Step 4

After Completion restart your PC.

This straightforward adjustment, made through the Task Manager, will free up valuable resources, contributing to a smoother and more efficient Windows 11 experience. Implementing this change will help fix the issue of a slow and laggy PC or laptop, ensuring optimal performance and a more responsive system.

2. Update your Windows

To ensure that your Windows 11 system runs efficiently and smoothly, it is necessary to keep your operating system updated. Installing Windows updates regularly is not just a best practice; it is a decisive measure endorsed by Microsoft to address performance issues. These updates often contain critical fixes that resolve slow performance, enhance system efficiency, and bolster the overall stability of Windows 11.

3. Change Power Mode

Windows 11 offers different power modes that control how your computer uses energy, affecting its performance. By default, your computer might be set to a Best Power Efficiency Mode, which conserves energy but can also throttle your system’s performance. Follow the below steps to change the power plan:

Step 1

Open Setting

Step 2

Select the system and go to “Power & battery”

Select system and then Select Power and battery

Step 3

Now under the power section change the power mode to “Best performance”

4. Uninstall Unnecessary Apps or Programs

As time progresses, your computer can accumulate a variety of software that you no longer use or need. These applications not only consume valuable disk space but also contribute to system bloat, which can significantly impact performance.

Step 1

Open Setting

Step 2

Select apps and go to Installed apps

Select app and then select installed apps

Step 3

Now uninstall the apps you find useless

5. Deleted Temporary Junks Files

Your computer accumulates various temporary files from software installations, web browsing, system updates, cached data, installation remnants, and system logs, which can clutter your hard drive and significantly impact your computer’s performance.

Step 1

Press Windows key + R and type %temp%

Step 2

Now Select all and delete them.

Please follow the above steps for all given different commands: prefetch, temp

6. Optimize and Defragment Windows Drive

Over time, files on your Windows 11 computer become fragmented, breaking into pieces and scattered across your hard drive. This fragmentation can slow down data access and overall system performance. Follow these directions:

Step 1

Open This PC

Step 2

Right Click on Windows Drive and select Properties

Step 3

Now head over to tools and select “Optimize” under optimize and defragment drive

Step 4

Choose the Windows drive and select Optimize,(this process will take time)

After completion restart your PC.

7. Minimize Visual Effect

To improve the performance of your Windows 11 system, reducing visual effects and animations can make a significant difference. Visual effects such as animations and transparency can be resource-intensive, especially on older or less powerful hardware.

Step 1

Search Visual Effects and open

Step 2

Turn off the effects to restore performance

8. Run Disk Cleanup

Over time, your computer collects temporary files and junk files that can slow it down. By running Disk Cleanup, you can easily eliminate these unnecessary files and free up space on your hard drive, which can help your computer run faster. Do as directed:

Step 1

Right Click on Windows drive and select properties

Step 2

Now choose which files to be deleted and Click OK

Step 3

Click Delete Permanently

9. Increase C Drive Space

The C drive, which typically houses the operating system and essential applications, reaches its storage capacity, but the system struggles to manage files effectively. This can lead to increased data retrieval and writing latency, as the operating system requires some free space to operate smoothly. Windows utilizes the C drive for virtual memory, which acts as an overflow for RAM. Follow the steps given below:

Step 1

Search Manage Disk and Volume

Step 2

Now click on properties for C drive

Step 3

Now click on Change size

Step 4

Now enter the amount of MB you want to add and click OK.

10. Choose High-Performance Plan

You’ve got your Balanced, Power Saver, and High Performance options. Think of these like different gears for your PC or laptop—each one tweaks how your machine uses energy and how fast it can go. Most of the time, your Windows 11 computer is cruising on the Balanced plan, which is great for saving power while still keeping things pretty smooth. But if your system starts feeling slow and laggy, it’s time to switch gears. The High-Performance plan is like kicking things into overdrive. Sure, it uses more juice, but it lets your hardware stretch its legs and get things moving faster. It’s a simple way to boost system performance and get rid of that sluggishness.

Note: Skip step 4 to step 6 if you have the “High performance” option available.

Step 1

Search the control panel and open it.

Step 2

Click on hardware and sound

Step 3

Click on Choose a Power Plan

Step 4

Click on Create a Power Plan situated on the left side

Step 5

Choose “High Performance” and name the plan as High Performance and click next

Step 6

Click on Create

Step 7

Choose High-performance mode to set your PC

11. Upgrade your Hardware

If your PC feels sluggish, it’s probably time for some new parts. Start with your RAM—adding more can work wonders by letting your computer juggle more tasks at once without breaking a sweat. Then, there’s the magic of swapping out your old HDD for a shiny new SSD. This upgrade can turn those painful boot times into a distant memory and make your system snappy and responsive.

Additionally, don’t forget about the CPU and GPU. If you’re into gaming or heavy-duty tasks like video editing, upgrading these can take your setup from decent to downright awesome.

12. Run Deep Scan

Begin by launching your preferred antivirus software or the built-in Windows Security tool. A deep scan thoroughly examines your entire system for any hidden malware, spyware, or other malicious software that may be impacting performance. Unlike a quick scan, which only checks the most common areas, a deep scan meticulously inspects all files and programs, ensuring that no potential threats are missed. This process might take a bit longer, but it’s worth the wait.

FAQs

Why is my Windows 11 Computer Running Slow?

Your computer might be running a bit slow for a few reasons. Maybe you have too many programs open at the same time, or perhaps there’s not enough memory available. It could also be that some of your software is outdated. And let’s not forget about the possibility of malware or unnecessary background processes sneaking in and slowing things down.

Do I Need to Update Windows 11?

Keeping your Windows 11 up to date is really important! Updates often include fixes and improvements that help your computer run smoother.

How can I Tell if I have Enough RAM?

If your computer feels slow, it might not have enough RAM. You can check this in Task Manager under the “Performance” tab. If the memory is often at 80% or more, you might need more RAM. You may want a professional to help with this if you’re not comfortable with hardware.

What is defragmentation, and do I need to do it?

Defragmentation is like giving your hard drive a little spring cleaning! It rearranges the data on your drive so your computer can find and access everything more easily. On Windows 11, this process usually happens automatically, which is super convenient. But if you want to check it yourself, just type “Defragment and Optimize Drives” in the search bar and run the tool. This is especially helpful for older computers that use traditional hard drives. So, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on it!

Conclusion

Turbocharging your Windows 11 PC doesn’t have to be a daunting task.
By following the fixes we discussed—like disabling unnecessary startup items, updating your system, and optimizing your storage—you can breathe new life into your machine.

Remember, even small tweaks can lead to significant improvements in performance.
So, roll up your sleeves, tackle those tasks, and watch your computer transform from sluggish to speedy. With a little effort, you’ll be back to enjoying a smooth, efficient computing experience in no time!

Windows 11 Lagging and Slow System [12 Fixes]

Introduction