Boost Your Windows 11 Performance: 4 Easy Tweaks You Must Try

Windows 11 has now been around for a few years, and while many have grown fond of its sleek UI and powerful features, things can get rocky over time. From unnecessary apps hogging resources to pesky updates with bugs, your once-speedy machine may now crawl slower than a browser with 30 tabs open—and no, you can't just blame Edge for everything this time. But fret not! Today, we're diving into four straightforward tweaks for Windows 11 that can smooth out your PC performance and rekindle your love affair with Microsoft's flagship OS.
The best part? You won't need to be a tech wizard, dive into the BIOS, or download a sketchy app to get this done. Buckle up as we take this journey step by step! If you're a Windows 11 user, or just someone gearing up for the upgrade, this guide might just be your system's lifeline.

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1. Download the Latest Updates – Because Ignorance Isn't Bliss​

Updates may not always be exciting, but they’re crucial. Microsoft rolls out patches regularly for Windows 11 to address bugs, tighten security, and often sneak in performance boosts. Here’s what you need to know and do:

• Why Updates Matter:
  Updates can patch vulnerabilities, improve hardware compatibility, and optimize your system's overall efficiency. That new driver for your GPU or the fix for that random system crash? Yup, it’s usually hiding behind one of these updates.
• How to Get Them (The Right Way):
  Navigating updates in Windows 11 couldn’t be easier:
• Open the Settings menu.
• Head to Windows Update and hit Check for Updates. If there are updates available, start installing them right away.
• For optional updates (like missing drivers), navigate to Advanced Options > Optional Updates. Found a patch? Install it.
• Pro-Tip for Troublesome Updates:
  Feeling like an update is making things worse? It happens. Navigate to Update History, scroll to the bottom, and select Uninstall Updates to remove buggy patches. Always proceed with caution here.

Challenging Microsoft: Isn't it ironic that the very feature designed to boost performance sometimes causes unexpected slowdowns? Fortunately, handling rogue updates is easier than ever with these steps.

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2. Disable Startup Apps – Cut the Dead Weight​

Ever feel like your PC wakes up slower than you do? The culprit might just be your startup apps queue. These are apps that automatically launch and run in the background every time you turn on your system, hogging valuable resources.
Here’s how to stop them:

• Right-click your taskbar and open Task Manager.
• Navigate to the Startup Apps section.
• Spot anything unnecessary? Right-click and choose Disable.

Disabling doesn't uninstall the app or remove its features. It simply stops it from launching at boot. If you ever want it back, just revisit the Task Manager and re-enable it.

• Apps to Watch Out For:
  While you’re there, double-check OneDrive. Yes, Microsoft loves it, but it can severely slow down performance through constant synchronization. Disable it during startup if you aren't actively using it.

What’s the Rush?: Imagine your PC as a party host. Too many apps barging into the party at once = chaos. Editing the guest list is key.

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3. Disable Unused Features – Because Not Every Bell Needs to Ring​

Windows 11 prides itself on its advanced features. But let’s face it—you're probably not using half of them. These dormant features still consume resources, so turning them off can noticeably speed things up.
Here’s how to strip away the fluff:

• Notifications: Go to System > Notifications, then toggle off notifications you don’t need. Do you really need reminders every time Bing scores a search ranking?
• Transparency Effects: Pretty but taxing.
  Navigate to Settings > Personalization > Colors, then disable Transparency Effects. It gives Windows 11’s UI a cleaner, more minimalist look and frees up memory allocation for visuals.
• Device Usage Recommendation Ads:
  Found in Settings > Personalization > Device Usage, these ads are a resource thief. Kill the toggle and reclaim your performance.

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4. Remove Malware – The Real Villain You Can't See​

Few things grind your machine to a halt like malware—viruses, ransomware, or all-around nasties that bog down performance. Even if they’re not outright stealing your data, they sap system resources until you cry mercy.

• Windows Security Is Good—But Not Perfect:
  Windows 11 comes with a built-in antivirus utility, Microsoft Defender (formerly Windows Security). For most users, this does a passable job of keeping malware at bay, but there are crucial limitations. Phishing attempts? Advanced threats? Forget it—Defender might not be enough.
• Upgrade to Premium Tools Like Bitdefender:
  If you want the big guns, Bitdefender Total Security is a powerhouse. Beyond malware and ransomware protection, you'll get a VPN and phishing defense. This isn't here for dramatic effect: A multi-layered security solution can save you grief.
• Don’t Want to Pay? Try Free Options
  Tools like AVG Antivirus are lightweight alternatives that’ll keep your device safe without lightening your wallet.

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Why It’s Worth the Time​

Here’s the rub: following these steps may seem basic, but the devil is in the details. Each tweak compounds to create a better-performing, more secure machine. It’s about giving your system back what it needs—resources, speed, and yes, a little less to worry about.

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Bonus: The Long View—Optimal PC Maintenance Tips​

• Restart Weekly: Frequent rebooting clears the cache and refreshes RAM.
• Check for Bloatware: Got pre-installed apps you never touch? Uninstall them.
• Upgrade Hardware (If Needed): If performance tips don’t cut it, it may be time to add more RAM or switch to an SSD (game-changers for older devices).

Remember: Windows 11 is like a race car—fast and sleek when maintained, but clunky when neglected. By making these changes, you'll ensure smooth operation and enjoy your system as it was meant to be experienced.
Have any secret performance tips for Windows 11? Share them with your fellow forum members below!

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Source: ZDNet Your Windows 11 PC is acting up? 4 essential settings I always check first