Alex Ruben
How to Fix Lagging and Slow Performance Issues on Windows 11
Windows 11 users often encounter lagging and slow performance issues that can hinder productivity and overall experience. Fortunately, there are several effective methods to enhance your system’s performance and smooth out any glitches. This comprehensive guide will walk you through various approaches to optimize your Windows 11 PC or laptop, ensuring it runs faster and more efficiently.
Before diving into the steps, ensure that your system is updated to the latest version of Windows 11. Additionally, close any unnecessary applications and back up important data to ensure a smooth optimization process. Now, let’s get started!
Step 1: Adjust Privacy Settings
Begin by configuring your privacy settings to enhance performance. Right-click the Windows icon and select Settings from the menu. Navigate to Privacy & Security on the left side. Under Windows permissions and App permissions, disable any unnecessary permissions that could be consuming system resources. Specifically, turn off:
- Let apps show me personalized settings
- Let apps show me personalized ads by using my advertising ID
- Let Windows improve start and search results by tracking app launches
- Show suggested content in the settings app
Disabling these options will help your computer run faster and more efficiently.
Step 2: Disable Online Speech and Typing Recognition
Return to the Privacy & Security menu and click on Speech. Turn off Online speech recognition, and then navigate to Inking & typing personalization to disable it as well. This can free up processing power by reducing background services that are not necessary for everyday use.
Step 3: Manage Diagnostic and Feedback Settings
Next, click on Diagnostics & feedback and turn off the option to send optional diagnostic data. Go back and select Activity history, then disable the activity history feature. These settings can unnecessarily consume resources and affect performance.
Step 4: Optimize App Permissions
Scroll down to App permissions and turn off permissions for features you don’t use, such as location services, camera, and microphone. Additionally, disable notifications and account info if they are not needed. This step is crucial as unused permissions can lead to performance degradation.
Step 5: Uninstall Unnecessary Applications
Go to Apps from the left menu, and under Installed applications, review the list. Uninstall any applications you do not need, particularly resource-heavy Microsoft apps like OneDrive and Copilot. Click the three dots next to the app and select Uninstall. This will help free up space and improve your system’s performance.
Step 6: Manage Startup Applications
Also under the Apps section, click on Startup. Disable any unnecessary third-party applications that launch at boot, such as Microsoft Teams or Steam. Reducing the number of startup applications can significantly decrease boot time and enhance overall performance.
Step 7: Adjust Visual Effects for Performance
To further enhance performance, right-click on the Windows icon and search for Advanced system settings. Under the Advanced tab, click on Settings in the Performance section. Select Adjust for best performance, and then enable the options for Show thumbnails instead of icons and Smooth edges of screen fonts. Click Apply and then OK to save your changes.
Step 8: Restart Your Computer
Once you have completed all the above steps, restart your computer. You should notice a significant improvement in the speed and responsiveness of your Windows 11 system.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
For optimal performance, regularly check for Windows updates and ensure your device drivers are up to date. If you continue to experience performance issues, consider checking your system for malware or performing a clean boot to identify problematic software.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can these steps really improve my PC’s performance?
Yes, these adjustments can significantly optimize your system’s performance by reducing background processes and freeing up resources.
What if I accidentally uninstall an important application?
You can always reinstall applications from the Microsoft Store or download them from their respective websites if needed.
How often should I perform these optimizations?
It’s a good practice to review these settings every few months or whenever you notice your system slowing down.