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You can fix most Windows 11 issues by double checking these 4 settings first
You can fix most Windows 11 issues by double checking these 4 settings first
Windows 11 has been around for several 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.
But to enjoy long-term performance improvements, you'll need to adjust how your computer operates. The advice I'm about to give you covers everything you can do right now to enhance your Windows 11 experience. You won't need to enter a device's BIOS or download a 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's worth noting that staying up to date with Windows 11 patches is crucial. Patches often introduce performance enhancements, bug fixes, security updates, and new features that improve the overall experience. Normally, the OS automatically installs patches as they are released by Microsoft, though you can check for updates manually.
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 issues after installing a patch, go to the bottom of the Update History section in Windows Update. Select Uninstall Updates. In this section, you can remove the problematic patch.
2. Disable apps on startup
Some apps are so eager to start that 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 at startup, open Task Manager and click the Startup Apps icon -- it's the one that looks like a car speedometer.
Here, you'll see all of the apps that activate on startup. Right-click an entry, then 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 can limit the resources your computer can allocate 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.
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 to remove the translucent visual effect in Windows 11. Finally, go to Device Usage within the Personalization section and toggle the switch found there. Doing so prevents Microsoft ads, tips, and suggestions from appearing.
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 preinstalled with Windows Security, which is fine for most scenarios, but it is not the most robust app.
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, in our opinion, the best is Malwarebytes. It provides solid protection against malware, viruses, and phishing attacks, with an easy-to-understand user interface. You don't need a college degree to navigate the app or understand how the tools work. You will need to pay for a subscription to get the most out of Malwarebytes. I would also recommend installing the Brave browser on your Windows 11 PC. It boasts powerful malware protection and blocks third-party trackers cold.
