Windows 11 Performance Optimization
Complete guide to speed up your Windows 11 PC. Learn to optimize boot time, free up resources, disable unnecessary services and keep your system running like new.
Last updated: December 2024
In This Guide
Initial System Diagnosis
Before optimizing, it's important to identify what's slowing down your PC. Windows 11 includes built-in tools to diagnose performance issues.
Task Manager
Ctrl + Shift + EscGo to 'Performance' tab to see CPU, RAM, disk and network usage in real time. The 'Processes' tab shows which applications consume the most resources.
Resource Monitor
resmonAdvanced tool that shows exactly which processes are using each resource. Useful for identifying specific bottlenecks.
System Information
msinfo32Shows complete hardware and software specifications. Check installed RAM, storage type and system version.
Performance Monitor
perfmonCreates detailed performance logs over time. Ideal for identifying intermittent issues.
Tip: If your disk is constantly at 100%, consider upgrading to an SSD. It's the most impactful upgrade you can make.
Optimize Startup Time
A slow boot is one of the most common problems. Every program that starts with Windows adds seconds to boot time and consumes resources.
Disable Startup Programs
Open Task Manager > Startup apps. Disable everything you don't need immediately at startup (Spotify, Discord, Steam, etc.). Each disabled app saves 1-5 seconds.
Enable Fast Startup
Control Panel > Power Options > Choose button behavior > Change unavailable settings > Check 'Turn on fast startup'. This uses partial hibernation to boot faster.
Configure BIOS/UEFI
Restart and enter BIOS (Del, F2 or F12). Disable unused peripherals (serial ports, Floppy). Enable 'Fast Boot' if available.
Review Startup Services
Run 'msconfig' > Services > Hide Microsoft services > Disable unnecessary third-party services (updaters, printer services if not used, etc.).
Warning: Don't disable Microsoft services or security programs. They can cause system instability.
RAM Management and Optimization
Windows 11 requires minimum 4GB of RAM, but 8GB is the practical minimum and 16GB is recommended for smooth use. Optimize how your available RAM is used.
Adjust Virtual Memory
- 1.System > Advanced system settings > Performance > Settings
- 2.Advanced tab > Virtual Memory > Change
- 3.Uncheck 'Automatically manage' for manual control
- 4.Initial size: 1.5x your RAM. Maximum size: 3x your RAM
- 5.Place paging file on your fastest SSD
Clean Memory with Tools
- 1.Task Manager shows apps using most RAM
- 2.Close unused browser tabs (Chrome uses lots of RAM)
- 3.Consider using Edge - optimized for Windows 11
- 4.Restart apps that have been open for long (they release memory)
Disable RAM-Using Effects
- 1.Settings > Personalization > Colors > Turn off Transparency effects
- 2.Settings > Accessibility > Visual effects > Turn off animations
- 3.These options free GPU RAM and improve responsiveness
How Much RAM Do You Need?
Disk Cleanup and Optimization
A full or fragmented disk significantly slows down the system. Windows needs free space to function properly (minimum 10-15% of disk).
Disk Cleanup
Search 'Disk Cleanup' > Select your disk > Clean up system files. Delete: temp files, Windows Update cache, previous Windows installations.
Storage Sense
Settings > System > Storage > Storage Sense. Enable it for automatic cleanup. Configure to delete temp files and empty recycle bin automatically.
Uninstall Unused Applications
Settings > Apps > Installed apps. Sort by size to find the largest. Uninstall games you don't play, programs you don't use.
Clear Browser Cache
Browsers accumulate GB of cache. Chrome: Settings > Privacy > Clear data. Edge: Settings > Privacy > Choose what to clear.
Optimize SSD/HDD Drives
Search 'Defragment and Optimize Drives'. Windows automatically optimizes SSDs (TRIM) and defragments HDDs. Verify it's scheduled weekly.
Typical recoverable space: 5-30GB depending on usage. Previous Windows installations can take 20GB+.
Services and Processes Management
Windows runs many services in the background. Some are essential, others can be safely disabled to free up resources.
Safe to Disable Services
SysMain (Superfetch)
Preloads apps in RAM. On modern SSDs can be disabled since load times are negligible.
Windows Search
Indexes files for quick search. If you don't use search much, disable it. Constantly consumes disk and CPU.
Windows Fax
Unless you send faxes, completely unnecessary.
Print Spooler
Only needed if you have a printer connected. Disable if you don't print.
Connected User Experiences
Microsoft telemetry. Can be changed to Manual without issues.
How to disable: Run 'services.msc' > Find service > Double-click > Startup type: Disabled or Manual.
Important: Never disable services you don't know. They may be critical to the system. When in doubt, set to 'Manual' instead of 'Disabled'.
Optimize Visual Effects
Windows 11 has attractive visual effects that consume resources. Disabling them can significantly improve performance on older PCs.
Quick Setting (Best Performance)
- 1.Search 'Adjust appearance and performance of Windows'
- 2.Select 'Adjust for best performance'
- 3.This disables ALL visual effects
- 4.Optional: Re-enable 'Smooth edges of screen fonts' for better readability
Disable Transparency
- 1.Settings > Personalization > Colors
- 2.Turn off 'Transparency effects'
- 3.Significantly reduces GPU usage
- 4.Especially useful on integrated graphics
Disable Animations
- 1.Settings > Accessibility > Visual effects
- 2.Turn off 'Animation effects'
- 3.Windows appear instantly
- 4.System feels more responsive
Reduce Window Animations
- 1.In 'Adjust appearance and performance'
- 2.Uncheck: Animate controls in windows
- 3.Uncheck: Animate windows when minimizing/maximizing
- 4.Uncheck: Show shadows under windows
Note: On PCs with modern dedicated GPU, these settings will have minimal impact. They're more useful on laptops and PCs with integrated graphics.
Power Settings for Performance
The power plan determines how Windows manages CPU and GPU. For maximum performance, you need aggressive settings.
Balanced (Default)
Balance between performance and consumption. Reduces CPU speed when idle. Good for laptops on battery.
High Performance
Keeps CPU at high speed constantly. Higher power consumption but better performance in demanding applications.
Ultimate Performance (Hidden)
The most aggressive plan. Eliminates all power saving. Enable with: powercfg -duplicatescheme e9a42b02-d5df-448d-aa00-03f14749eb61
Recommended Advanced Settings
For Laptops: Use High Performance only when plugged in. On battery, Balanced will preserve duration.
Regular System Maintenance
Keeping Windows optimized requires periodic maintenance. These tasks should be done monthly to maintain performance.
Update Windows Regularly
MonthlyUpdates include performance optimizations and security patches. Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.
Update Drivers
QuarterlyEspecially GPU drivers. Use GeForce Experience (NVIDIA), AMD Software (AMD) or Intel Driver Support Assistant.
Run Disk Cleanup
MonthlyRun Disk Cleanup including system files. Delete previous Windows installations after updates.
Review Startup Programs
MonthlyNew applications often add themselves to startup. Review and disable unnecessary ones in Task Manager.
Malware Scan
WeeklyWindows Security does automatic scans, but run a full scan monthly: Windows Security > Virus protection > Full scan.
Check System Integrity
QuarterlyOpen CMD as admin and run: sfc /scannow to repair system files. Then: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Tip: Enable Storage Sense to automate disk cleanup and schedule Windows updates outside work hours.
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