Boost Windows 11 Performance: 4 Simple Tune-Up Tips

Windows 11 has grown into a favorite among many users, but even the best car on the lot will need a tune-up now and then. If you find yourself sitting in front of a laggy PC that’s supposed to be running with the buttery smoothness Microsoft promises, don’t panic just yet. There’s good news: the remedy to most performance issues might already be within your grasp—and no, you won’t need to dig into BIOS settings or download any questionable third-party apps. Let's jump into four simple things you can address right now to squeeze peak performance out of your Windows 11 machine.

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1. Update Windows and Its Drivers: Security and Speed in One Go​

Unless you’re one of those "update police" types constantly on top of notifications, you might miss the potential goldmine of performance tweaks hiding in an update. Microsoft’s patches often carry a combo of bug fixes, new features, and general performance enhancements. Sure, sometimes patches accidentally light tiny fires (remember some of those unpredictable Windows updates?), but more often than not, they’re here to help.
Here’s how you can ensure your system is fresh off the developer’s workbench:

• Open Settings > Windows Update.
• Click Check for Updates and install any that are ready to go.
• Need to update drivers? Head to Advanced Options > Optional Updates within the same menu to see any pending driver updates (those sneaky ones, like Bluetooth drivers, often lurk there).

Fun Fact: If a specific update sabotages your PC’s performance instead of improving it (it happens!), you can roll it back via Update History under the Windows Update section. Just click Uninstall Updates and kick that bad patch out of your system.

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2. Startup App Culprits: Stop the Resource Hogs​

Ever feel like your PC is crawling along before you've even launched a single app? Blame startup programs. Some apps essentially elbow their way into your boot sequence just so they’re ready to roll the second the desktop appears. But too many of these freeloaders may as well be handing Windows bricks to carry during startup.
Here's how to rein in the madness:

• Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and navigate to the Startup Apps section.
• See that "Status" column? It shows which apps are permitted to launch at startup.
• Right-click any unwanted startup apps and hit Disable.

Bonus Tip: Microsoft’s own OneDrive service is often guilty of overzealous synchronization after boot—pause its startup behavior to notice an immediate sprint.
Pro Note: Disabling an app from startup won't uninstall or damage it. Think of it as politely asking the app to wait its turn, instead of sprinting out of the gate uninvited.

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3. Trim the Fat: Deactivate Features You Never Use​

Windows 11 is packed with features, some of which might be more novelty than necessity for certain users. While they’re pretty to look at, these features also gobble up precious system resources. Imagine them as passengers on an overstuffed bus—and it’s time to make some space.
Consider switching off these resource-hunters:

• Transparency Effects: Windows 11 leans heavily into aesthetics, but translucent windows can strain older hardware. Disable this feature under Settings > Personalization > Colors.
• Notifications: Go to Settings > System > Notifications to toggle off the distractions (and the corresponding CPU usage).
• Device Usage Tips: In Settings > Personalization, locate Device Usage and disable it to ensure system ads, tips, and suggestions aren’t parasitically feasting on your CPU.

These tweaks might seem minor, but cutting away the unnecessary fluff frees up your system’s attention on the things you actually use.

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4. Wave Goodbye to Malware​

Ah, malware—the ultimate nemesis to smooth PC operation. A single rogue program running undetected in the background can throttle performance harder than a dozen active Chrome tabs (yes, with 10 video streams simultaneously). You’ll need a good antivirus solution to detect, eliminate, and prevent these nasty bits of code from wreaking havoc.

Built-in Protection​

Windows 11 comes armed with Windows Security, a fundamental (but not flawless) defense mechanism. It will handle most scenarios decently well, but it occasionally misses subtler phishing attempts or more advanced threats.

Enhanced Third-Party Options​

If you're serious about keeping things sparkling clean:

• Bitdefender Total Security: A heavyweight offering excellent malware detection, anti-phishing tools, a VPN, and protection from ransomware attacks. It’s subscription-based but worth its weight in gold for all-around protection.
• On a tighter budget? Go for AVG Antivirus Free—not as loaded with bells and whistles, but reliable for standard malware annihilation.

Don't just focus on existing malware. Proactively keep those nasties out by avoiding suspicious downloads and being skeptical of email links—even if they claim you've “won” something (spoiler: you haven’t).

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Summing Up: Your PC Tune-Up Checklist​

• Update First: Check both Windows updates and driver updates.
• Trim Startup Programs: Bid farewell to unwanted services hogging boot time.
• Shut Off Glitzy Features: Resource-heavy visuals and unused notifications beg to be disabled.
• Scan for Threats: Invest in robust antivirus software and never let your guard down against malware.

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The Bottom Line​

Your Windows 11 PC doesn’t have to feel like a retired racehorse, desperately clinging to relevance. A few system tweaks, regular updates, and occasional tune-ups can restore it to factory-like speed and responsiveness. Think of this guide as a little love letter to your PC—because happy hardware makes for a happy user!
Feel free to share any other nifty performance tips in the comments—our community thrives on enthusiasts like you!

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Source: ZDNet Windows 11 not running smoothly? 4 things I always check first