Forum Discussion
My computer is running slow in windows 11. How to fix this?
Hi everyone, my Windows 11 computer has become really slow lately and not sure why. It takes a long time to start up, apps feel laggy, and even simple tasks don't feel smooth anymore. I didn't change anything big, so I’m a bit confused.
I'm not very tech-savvy, so I'm hoping there are some easy things I can check or try first. Maybe it's related to storage space, background apps, or Windows settings, but I honestly don't know where to start in order to fix my computer is running slow.
If anyone has beginner-friendly tips to speed up Windows 11 or common causes of slow performance, really appreciate the help.
12 Replies
- SelinaKnowBrass Contributor
In addition to some basic checks already mentioned, I’d also suggest looking at a few common Windows 11-specific causes.
- Check your power mode: Settings > System > Power & battery. If it is set to Best power efficiency, try Balanced or Best performance while plugged in.
- You can also open Windows Security > Device performance & health to see if Windows reports any storage, app, battery, or system issues.
- If the PC still feels slow, run a system file check. Open Command Prompt as administrator and run: sfc /scannow If Windows finds corrupted system files, that may explain the lag or freezing.
- Finally, if Task Manager often shows Memory or Disk near 100%, the issue may be hardware-related. Older PCs with 4GB or 8GB RAM, or a traditional HDD instead of an SSD, can struggle with Windows 11 even after software cleanup.
- HenryParkIron Contributor
To make the computer running faster, you have to disable startup apps, clean junk files and uninstall apps you don't use. And most importantly, you have to do this regularly. This could take a lot of times.
If you prefer an easy way to do that, here is the trick with CleanMate app:
https://www.weboftips.com/make-computer-running-faster
- HenryParkIron Contributor
To make the computer running faster, you have to disable startup apps, clean junk files and uninstall apps you don't use. And most importantly, you have to do this regularly. This could take a lot of times.
If you prefer an easy way to do that, here is the trick with CleanMate app:
- Scary-Tumbleweed-737Copper Contributor
I have the same question. I just resolved it by freeing up disk space, followed by a post.😀
- printertalesBrass Contributor
Totally normal. Check if your main drive is almost full, restart the PC, and disable extra startup apps in Task Manager. That alone fixes slowness most of the time.
- AdrianPierceIron Contributor
How to fix computer is running slow Windows 11? Memory Compression Tuning in Windows 11 is a feature that helps improve system responsiveness by compressing unused or less frequently used pages in RAM, rather than writing them to disk. This process reduces the need for disk I/O, which can improve performance, especially on systems with limited RAM.
Should you tweak or tune Memory Compression if Computer is running slow Windows 11?
In most cases, Windows manages memory compression automatically and efficiently. Tuning or disabling it is not recommended for typical users because:
* It’s built into Windows and optimized for performance.
* Disabling it can lead to increased disk swapping, which may worsen performance if your system has limited RAM.When might tuning or disabling Memory Compression help?
If you have plenty of RAM and want to maximize raw performance.
If you are troubleshooting specific memory issues (rare).
If you're an advanced user experimenting with system performance.How to check or disable Memory Compression:
Disabling memory compression is generally not recommended, but if you want to experiment:1. Open Registry Editor (regedit).
2. Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management.
3. Find the value named CompressionEnabled.
4. Set it to 0 to disable compression.
5. Restart your PC. - TannerOakridgeIron Contributor
Using a Timer Resolution Fix is a more advanced option that can sometimes help improve performance for specific tasks or reduce lag, but it can also cause system instability if not used carefully. It works by changing the system timer to a higher resolution, which can make certain operations feel more responsive.
If you still want to try a Timer Resolution Fix to fix the question of "my computer is running slow windows 11", here’s what you should know:
Important:
- It’s a tweak typically used by gamers or for real-time applications.
- Use it cautiously, as it can affect system stability.
- Make sure to back up your system or create a restore point before making changes.How can You do if Computer is Running Slow:
1. Download a Timer Resolution Tool: There are free tools like TimerResolution or similar software.
2. Run the Tool:
Download and extract the tool.
Run the program with administrator rights.
You can set the timer to a higher resolution (e.g., 1 ms) or restore it to default.3. Apply the Changes:
Follow the instructions in the tool to change the timer resolution.
Test if your system feels more responsive.4. Restore Default:
When done, use the tool to restore the default timer resolution to avoid potential issues. - DeclanGrayIron Contributor
Disabling Hardware-accelerated GPU Scheduling can sometimes help improve performance if your graphics drivers or hardware have compatibility issues. If your computer is running slow in Windows 11, especially with graphics or video tasks, you can try turning it off to see if it makes a difference. Here’s how to do it in simple steps:
1. Open Settings: Click on the Start menu and select Settings (the gear icon).
2. Go to System: In the Settings window, click on System.
3. Select Display: On the left sidebar, click Display.
4. Advanced Display Settings: Scroll down and click on Graphics or Graphics settings.
5. Graphics Performance Preference: Look for Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling. If you see it, toggle the switch off.
Note: If you don't see this option, your system might not support it or your driver might need updating.
6. Restart your computer: After turning it off, restart your PC to apply the changes.
Important: Disabling this feature may or may not improve performance; it depends on your hardware and drivers. If your PC was running smoothly before, try turning it back on to see if it helps. You can even try other methods if your computer is running slow windows 11
- MaddoxHayesIron Contributor
"My computer is running slow Windows 11?" Here are some simple and easy steps you can try to improve the speed of your Windows 11 computer:
1. Restart Your Computer
Sometimes, a simple restart can fix temporary issues and speed things up.2. Check Storage Space
Open File Explorer (Windows key + E).
Click on "This PC" on the left.
See how much free space is available on your C: drive.
If it's almost full (less than 10% free), consider deleting unnecessary files or apps.3. Close Unnecessary Background Apps
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
Under the "Processes" tab, see which apps are using a lot of CPU or Memory.
Right-click on any app you don't need and select "End task."4. Disable Startup Programs
In Task Manager, go to the "Startup" tab.
Disable programs that you don't need to start automatically when your computer turns on.5. Run Windows Troubleshooter
Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
Run the "Performance" troubleshooter if available. - MaverickJaxonIron Contributor
Please turn on the Storage Sense in Windows 11. This is a very useful feature if your Windows 11 computer starts running slow recently. In fact, it is a built-in feature that automates the cleanup of unnecessary system and temporary files to prevent low disk space from degrading your performance.
How to Fix If Windows 11 Computer Runs slower
1. Open Settings by pressing the Windows Key + I, then select System and click on Storage from the left-hand menu.
2. Locate the Storage Sense toggle and switch it to On.
3. Click "Configure Storage Sense or run it now" to customize how it operates:
- Cadence: Set how often it runs, such as daily, weekly, monthly, or only when disk space is low.
- Recycle Bin: Choose a retention period (e.g., 30 days) before items are permanently deleted.
- Downloads Folder: Set a timeframe for deleting files in your Downloads folder that haven't been opened.
- Cloud Content: If using OneDrive, decide when locally cached files should become "online-only" to save local space.
4. If you need speed improvements right away, click the "Clean now" button at the bottom of this configuration page.
Cons of Using Storage Sense
While convenient for fixing Windows 11 computer running slowly issue, Storage Sense has several downsides that may affect users who prefer manual control over their data.
Risk of Accidental Deletion: The most significant drawback is that it may delete files you intended to keep, particularly in the Downloads folder or Recycle Bin, if the settings are not carefully adjusted.
Limited Scope: Storage Sense primarily targets the C: drive; it does not automatically manage storage for other physical drives (like D: or E:) or secondary partitions.
Lack of Granular Information: Some users find the interface's "Other" category vague, as it shows uncategorized content without providing enough detail to know exactly which files are being targeted for removal.