How to Speed Up Your PC Windows 11: Simple Tips & Tools [2025 Edition]

Published On: 05/10/2025

The good news is that you don’t have to rush out and buy a new laptop just because your current one feels slow. Most of the time, a few small fixes and adjustments can make a big difference. Cleaning up unused apps, freeing up space, and turning off background programs can already make your PC feel lighter and quicker.

With a little bit of care, your Windows 11 computer can run almost like it did when it was new. In this guide, we’ll go step by step through simple things you can do right now to make your PC faster and smoother in Speed Up Your PC Windows 11 2025 no special tools or tech skills needed.

How to Speed Up Your PC Windows 11

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1. Remove Unnecessary Apps and Bloatware

The first thing you should do is get rid of apps you never use. Old programs, trial software, and preinstalled manufacturer apps often run in the background and slow down your computer.

To clean them up:

Go to Settings → Apps → Installed Apps.
Look through the list and uninstall the ones you don’t need.
If you’re unsure about an app, search its name online before removing it.

Tip: Removing trialware or preloaded “helper” apps from laptop brands like Dell, HP, or Lenovo can make a noticeable difference in speed.

2. Control Startup Programs

Many apps start running automatically when you turn on your computer even if you don’t open them. This slows down the boot time.

You can control this easily:

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
Click the Startup Apps tab.
Disable the programs you don’t need to launch at startup (like Spotify, Zoom, or Teams).

The fewer apps that start with Windows, the faster your PC will load.

3. Clean Temporary and Junk Files

Windows creates temporary files for updates, browsing, and app operations. Over time, these files can take up several gigabytes of storage.

To clean them:

Press Windows + R, type cleanmgr, and hit Enter.
Choose your main drive (usually C:).
Select “Temporary Files,” “Recycle Bin,” and “System Cache,” then click OK.

You can also use Storage Sense in Settings → System → Storage to automatically remove junk files every month. Regular cleaning helps keep your computer fast and your storage healthy.

4. Check for Malware or Viruses

Sometimes, a slow PC isn’t just about files. It could be malware working in the background. Run a quick scan using Windows Security → Virus & threat protection. If you suspect something serious, try a Full Scan or use the Microsoft Defender Offline Scan option for deeper cleaning.

Keeping your system free from malware not only boosts performance but also keeps your data safe.

5. Adjust Visual Effects for Performance

Windows 11 includes animations and transparency effects that look nice but use extra system resources. If you’re more focused on speed than looks, turning these off can help.

Here’s how:

Type Performance in the Start menu search and select Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows.
Choose Adjust for best performance or manually disable visual effects like “Animate windows when minimizing or maximizing.”

This can make your PC feel noticeably faster, especially on older hardware.

6. Keep Windows and Drivers Updated

Regular updates fix bugs, improve security, and often enhance performance.

Go to Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates and install everything important.
Also, check for Optional driver updates updated graphics and network drivers can help your system run more efficiently.

7. Manage Storage and Enable TRIM (for SSD Users)

If your PC has a Solid-State Drive (SSD), enabling TRIM ensures your storage stays fast.

To check:

Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
Type: fsutil behavior query DisableDeleteNotify If it shows 0, TRIM is enabled.

You can also go to Settings → System → Storage → Cleanup recommendations to delete duplicate or large files that take up unnecessary space.

8. Change Power Mode for Better Speed

Windows automatically uses a balanced power mode to save energy. But if you want maximum speed, you can change this setting.

Go to Settings → System → Power → Power Mode and choose Best performance.

This setting gives your system more processing power, which is helpful during gaming, editing, or multitasking.

9. Use Built-in Troubleshooters

Windows 11 includes troubleshooters that can automatically detect and fix common performance problems.

Head to Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters.
Run options like Windows Update, Power, and System Maintenance.

These tools can solve small issues that might be slowing your system down without you realizing it.

10. Upgrade Your Hardware (If Needed)

If you’ve tried everything above and your computer still feels slow, the issue might be hardware-related.

Here are the best upgrades for performance:

Switch to SSD: Replacing an HDD with an SSD dramatically improves boot time and overall responsiveness.
Add more RAM: At least 8GB is recommended for Windows 11.
Clean your system: Dust buildup inside your PC can cause heating and slow performance.

These upgrades give your computer a new life without replacing it entirely.

Final Tips to Keep Your PC Fast

Restart your computer at least once a week.
Keep fewer browser tabs open.
Use Windows Defender — it’s lightweight and reliable.
Avoid installing too many unnecessary tools or cleaners.

Conclusion

Speeding up your PC doesn’t require complicated tools or paid software. By removing unused apps, cleaning junk files, adjusting settings, and keeping your system updated, you can make your Windows 11 computer faster and more reliable.

These small habits will keep your system running smoothly throughout 2025 and save you from the frustration of a slow computer.