Windows 11 not running smoothly? 4 things I always check first

Windows 11 has been around for a few years now, and if you were an early adopter like I was, there’s a good chance your computer has slowed down significantly since then. There are several reasons why a device’s performance may plummet. 

It could be the result of too many apps taking up resources, unoptimized settings, or even a virus infecting the hardware. The easiest thing you can do in the short term is restart your computer. A simple reboot restores the RAM and re-establishes connections.

Also: The ultimate Windows 11 upgrade guide: Everything you need to know

But to enjoy improved performance over the long term, you’ll need to alter how your computer operates. The advice I’m about to give you is all the things you can do right now to enhance your Windows 11 experience. And you won’t need to go into a device’s BIOS or download some random app from an unverified source; these changes can be made right from the system menus.

1. Download the latest updates

This is a no-brainer, but it bears mentioning that staying up to date on Windows 11 patches is crucial. Patches often introduce performance enhancements, bug fixes, security patches, and new features that contribute to a smoother experience. Normally, the OS automatically installs patches as they come in from Microsoft, although you can check for updates manually.

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To do this, go to the Windows Update section in Windows 11 Settings, then click the Check for Updates button in the right-hand corner. Any pending patches will be installed. For drivers, stay on the same page, select Advanced Options, and then go to Optional Updates. It’s here where you’ll find missing drivers. As you can see in the image, I lacked a recent Bluetooth patch.

Conversely, the patches themselves can be buggy. If you experience performance interruptions after installing a patch, go to the bottom of Update HIstory within the Windows Update section. Select Uninstall Updates, where you can remove the glitchy software

2. Disable apps on startup

Some apps are so eager to start they automatically open when you turn on your computer. The problem is that having too many apps running in the background causes a significant slowdown. To stop a program from launching on startup, you’ll first need to open the Task Manager tool and click the Startup Apps icon — it’s the one that looks like a car speedometer.

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Here, you’ll see all of the apps that activate on startup. Right-click on an entry and click Disable. Don’t worry; this won’t completely disable the software or service. It just prevents them from opening on startup. If you want the app to operate the same as before, right-click it again, then select Enable.

I strongly suggest pausing OneDrive syncing. Microsoft even admits on its support page that this feature can slow down your PC. 

3. Deactivate unused features

Windows 11 has so many features that there’s a good chance you’re not using all of them. Unused features restrict the amount of resources your computer can distribute to more active programs. 

It’s up to you what you want to disable. Some users might find certain features or tools more useful than others. My examples are merely suggestions, although I recommend turning the following off to instantly see a performance boost.

Also: If your Windows 10 PC can’t be upgraded, you have 5 options before time runs out

Turning off notifications is a good start. To do this, go to the System section in the Windows 11 Settings menu and click Notifications. Toggle the switch on the following page to disable them. Next, go to Personalization, then to Colors. Disable Transparency Effects, which removes the translucent visual effect on Windows 11. Finally, go to Device Usage within the Personalization section and toggle the switch found there. Doing so prevents ads, tips, and suggestions coming from Microsoft.

4. Remove malware

Malware can cause all sorts of problems, not just hardware slowdown, so I strongly suggest downloading an antivirus program to clean up your machine and protect it from future attacks. Windows 11 already comes pre-installed with Windows Security, which is fine for most scenarios but is not the most robust app. 

Also: The best antivirus software and apps you can buy

It isn’t the best at defending against phishing attempts, nor is the software the most intuitive (I still don’t know how to schedule a virus scan — and that’s assuming it can even do that).

There are many great options out there, but the best one, in our opinion, is Bitdefender Total Security. Not only can it detect and block malware, rootkits, and ransomware, but the program can also stop phishing attacks and invasive third-party data tracking. It even comes with a built-in VPN. You will need to pay for a yearly subscription to utilize Bitdefender to its full potential. If you want a good free option, AVG Antivirus is your best bet.