A slow Windows PC can often be improved with built-in tools and no extra software. The steps below follow Microsoft’s own performance guide for Windows 11, with Windows 10 differences noted. Results vary by machine, and Microsoft does not promise a specific speed gain.
1. Install updates, including optional driver updates
Go to Settings > Windows Update and select Check for updates, then Download & install. For optional updates, open Advanced options > Optional updates. The PC may restart. On Windows 10 the path starts at Settings > Update & Security.
2. Run a malware scan
Open Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection and select Quick scan.
3. Free up disk space
- Storage Sense: Settings > System > Storage, then Storage Sense and Run Storage Sense now.
- Temporary files: in the same Storage page, select Temporary files, tick what to remove and select Remove files.
- Disk Cleanup: search for it in Start and pick the drive.
4. Uninstall apps you do not use
Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps, open the menu (…) beside an app and select Uninstall.
5. Disable startup apps
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, choose Startup apps, right-click an app and select Disable.
6. Limit background apps
In Settings > Apps > Installed apps, open an app’s menu, choose Advanced options and set “Let this app run in the background” to Never.
7. Adjust visual effects
Search Start for “Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows”, open it and, on the Visual Effects tab, select Adjust for best performance.
8. Set Power mode to Best performance
Go to Settings > System > Power & battery and choose Best performance in the Power mode list. Microsoft warns this raises power use, drains a laptop battery faster and may make the device run warmer. On Windows 10 the equivalent is the High performance plan under Additional power settings, if it is listed.
9. Optimise drives
Search for “Defragment and Optimize Drives”, select the drive and choose Optimize.
10. Find heavy processes and restart
In Task Manager, close apps you are not using and look at the Performance and Startup apps tabs for heavy components. Turn off notifications you do not need in Settings > System > Notifications. If nothing helps, restart: Start > Power > Restart.
Sources
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