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.

Windows 11 is often pre-configured with a "Balanced" power plan, which is designed to save energy by scaling back your processor's speed when it isn't under heavy load. While great for battery life on laptops, this can cause a slight delay or "hiccup" when you try to open a demanding app, as the system has to quickly ramp up the hardware's clock speed.Change the power plan to best performance in Windows 11. This will improve the performance and let the computer running much more faster. You can take advantage of this trick in order to fix your computer is running slower issue in Windows 11.By switching to a High Performance or Best Performance plan, you tell Windows to prioritize speed over power savings. This keeps your CPU at a higher minimum frequency, making the entire operating system feel "snappier" because the hardware is essentially standing at attention, ready to process data at maximum speed without hesitation.To make this change, you can simply click the battery icon in your taskbar and move the slider to the right. If you want even more control, heading into the Control Panel's Power Options allows you to customize specific settings, ensuring your hard drive and wireless adapters stay at peak performance levels whenever your computer is plugged in.

If the computer runs slower than before, one effective trick is to disable the startup apps on Windows 11. The truth is that many programs (like Spotify, Steam, or printer software) set themselves to start automatically when you turn on your computer. This eats up your RAM and CPU power. And this is the main reason why your computer starts to run slowly.By preventing these unnecessary applications from starting automatically, you can reduce boot times and ensure more power is available for the tasks you are actually working on.How to fix Windows 11 computer running slow issueOpen Task Manager: Press the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys simultaneously on your keyboard.Locate Startup Tab: Click on the Startup tab at the top of the Task Manager window.Identify Heavy Apps: Review the list and look for apps with a "High" rating in the Startup impact column.Disable Programs: Right-click on any non-essential program (such as Spotify or Steam) and select Disable from the menu.Managing your startup list is a safe and effective way to reclaim system speed without deleting your favorite software. Most users find that keeping only essential drivers and security software enabled results in a much more responsive Windows 10 experience.

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 slower1. 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 SenseWhile 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.

"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 ComputerSometimes, a simple restart can fix temporary issues and speed things up.2. Check Storage SpaceOpen 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 AppsPress 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 ProgramsIn 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 TroubleshooterGo to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.Run the "Performance" troubleshooter if available.

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

My computer is running slow in windows 11. How to fix this?

12 Replies

CalebStone
Silver Contributor
Dec 31, 2025
If the computer runs slower than before, one effective trick is to disable the startup apps on Windows 11. The truth is that many programs (like Spotify, Steam, or printer software) set themselves to start automatically when you turn on your computer. This eats up your RAM and CPU power. And this is the main reason why your computer starts to run slowly.
By preventing these unnecessary applications from starting automatically, you can reduce boot times and ensure more power is available for the tasks you are actually working on.
How to fix Windows 11 computer running slow issue
Open Task Manager: Press the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys simultaneously on your keyboard.
Locate Startup Tab: Click on the Startup tab at the top of the Task Manager window.
Identify Heavy Apps: Review the list and look for apps with a "High" rating in the Startup impact column.
Disable Programs: Right-click on any non-essential program (such as Spotify or Steam) and select Disable from the menu.
Managing your startup list is a safe and effective way to reclaim system speed without deleting your favorite software. Most users find that keeping only essential drivers and security software enabled results in a much more responsive Windows 10 experience.
Munasian
Iron Contributor
Dec 30, 2025
Windows 11 is often pre-configured with a "Balanced" power plan, which is designed to save energy by scaling back your processor's speed when it isn't under heavy load. While great for battery life on laptops, this can cause a slight delay or "hiccup" when you try to open a demanding app, as the system has to quickly ramp up the hardware's clock speed.
Change the power plan to best performance in Windows 11. This will improve the performance and let the computer running much more faster. You can take advantage of this trick in order to fix your computer is running slower issue in Windows 11.
By switching to a High Performance or Best Performance plan, you tell Windows to prioritize speed over power savings. This keeps your CPU at a higher minimum frequency, making the entire operating system feel "snappier" because the hardware is essentially standing at attention, ready to process data at maximum speed without hesitation.
To make this change, you can simply click the battery icon in your taskbar and move the slider to the right. If you want even more control, heading into the Control Panel's Power Options allows you to customize specific settings, ensuring your hard drive and wireless adapters stay at peak performance levels whenever your computer is plugged in.

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My computer is running slow in windows 11. How to fix this?