Whether you’re navigating daily workflows or running demanding software, your Windows 11 PC can always benefit from a performance boost. Below are eight smart ways to streamline your system, ensuring it runs faster and smoother—all without adding unnecessary clutter or bloatware.
1. Switch to Maximum Power Mode
A quick and effective way to enhance your PC’s performance is by shifting to Maximum Power Mode. Most systems default to a balanced mode to conserve energy, but switching to high performance unlocks your computer’s full potential. It keeps your processor ready to handle any task, though it will drain your battery faster on laptops.
How to Activate:
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- Open Settings > System > Power & battery.
- Under Power mode, select Best performance.
2. Perform a Comprehensive Malware Check
Hidden malware and viruses can significantly slow down your system, often without you realizing it. While Windows Security provides solid protection, complementing it with a deep scan using MalwareBytes or similar software can catch any lingering threats and free up resources.
How to Run a Full Scan:
- Open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection.
- Choose Full scan and follow the prompts.
3. Turn Off Unnecessary Search Indexing
Windows 11’s search indexing is helpful for quick searches, but it consumes valuable resources in the background. If you don’t frequently use the search bar, disabling this feature can speed up your system.
Steps to Disable:
- Go to Settings > Privacy & security > Searching Windows.
- Click Customize search locations and uncheck all boxes.
For faster, more efficient file searching, consider using the Everything app as an alternative tool.
4. Increase Your Page File Size
If your PC is running low on RAM, you can improve performance by increasing the size of the page file, which is a portion of your hard drive used as virtual memory. Adjusting this can be especially useful for systems with limited RAM (4GB to 8GB).
How to Adjust the Page File:
- Open Settings > System > About.
- Under Device specifications, click Advanced system settings.
- Under Performance, select Settings and switch to the Advanced tab.
- Click Change in the Virtual memory section, uncheck Automatically manage paging file size, and set a custom size.
- Choose a value at least equal to your physical RAM.
5. Limit Bandwidth Usage for Windows Updates
Windows Update can hog your bandwidth, which may slow down your browsing or downloading speeds. Limiting the bandwidth used for updates can help restore network performance.
Steps to Limit Update Bandwidth:
- Open Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options.
- Select Delivery optimization.
- In the Background limit section, reduce the percentage of bandwidth Windows Update can use. You can also set an absolute bandwidth limit if preferred.
6. Disable Startup Programs
Many programs set themselves to run at startup, which can slow down your system’s boot time and consume resources. By disabling unnecessary startup apps, you can speed up your PC’s overall performance.
How to Disable Startup Apps:
- Right-click the Taskbar and open Task Manager.
- Switch to the Startup tab.
- Right-click any app you don’t need at startup and select Disable.
7. Manage Efficiency Mode in Task Manager
Efficiency mode in Windows 11 reduces the CPU usage of background apps to save resources. However, this can slow down important apps, so it’s worth checking whether any critical applications are being throttled.
How to Adjust Efficiency Mode:
- Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
- Right-click on the app you want to modify and choose Efficiency mode. If it’s enabled, uncheck it to give the app more CPU resources.
8. Clean Up Bloatware with Win11Debloat
Windows 11 comes with pre-installed apps and services that many users don’t need. Using a tool like Win11Debloat, you can remove unnecessary programs, disable telemetry, and clean up your system without manual uninstalls.
How to Use Win11Debloat:
- Download the script from a trusted source.
- Open PowerShell as an administrator.
- Run the script to remove bloatware, unwanted features, and services from your Windows 11 installation.
This lightweight script helps declutter your system, improving speed and responsiveness.
By following these eight steps, you can ensure your Windows 11 PC operates at peak performance without slowing down due to unnecessary programs or background services. Whether it’s a simple power mode switch or removing built-in bloatware, optimizing your system is key to maintaining speed and efficiency.
