Windows 11 is a great operating system with amazing visual features. However, after recent updates, many users are facing lagging and slow performance issues, especially on older laptops or budget PCs. If your PC is taking too long to boot or apps are freezing, you don’t need to upgrade your hardware just yet.
In this step-by-step guide, we will share the best built-in tweaks to speed up Windows 11 instantly without installing any third-party software.
## 1. Disable Startup Apps
Many unnecessary apps start running automatically in the background as soon as you turn on your PC. This slows down your boot time drastically.
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- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
- Click on the Startup apps tab (the speedometer icon on the left).
- Look for high-impact apps that you don’t need daily (like Microsoft Teams, Spotify, OneDrive).
- Right-click on the app and select Disable.
## 2. Turn Off Visual Effects and Animations
Windows 11 uses a lot of visual animations, shadows, and transparency effects. While they look premium, they consume a lot of CPU and RAM resources.
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- Press the Windows Key + S, search for View advanced system settings, and open it.
- Under the Advanced tab, click on Settings inside the Performance section.
- Select the option that says “Adjust for best performance”.
- Click Apply and then OK.
Note: This will make your system load instantly because it stops wasting power on animations.
## 3. Storage Sense: Clean Up Temporary Files
Windows 11 has an amazing built-in tool called Storage Sense. It automatically deletes temporary internet files, system cache, and old installation files that clutter your hard drive.
| File Type | Action Required | Expected Output |
|---|---|---|
| Temporary Files | Delete via Storage Sense | Frees up 2GB – 10GB space |
| Previous Windows Installations | Delete old update logs | Speeds up system drive (C:) |
| Recycle Bin | Auto-empty every 30 days | Prevents disk clogging |
How to activate it:
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- Go to Settings > System > Storage.
- Toggle the switch to turn ON Storage Sense.
- Click on Temporary files, check all the unnecessary cache boxes, and click Remove files.
## 4. Change Power Plan to Best Performance
By default, Windows 11 sets your device to a “Balanced” power plan to save battery. If you want maximum speed, you need to change this setting.
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- Open Settings and navigate to System > Power & battery.
- Look for the Power mode drop-down menu.
- Change it from Balanced to Best performance.
## 5. Disable Background Apps Permission
Even when you close an application, it keeps running in the background to fetch notifications or updates, draining your system resources.
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- Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
- Click on the three dots next to any app you don’t use often (like Weather or Maps) and select Advanced options.
- Under Background apps permissions, change “Power optimized” to Never.
## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
### Q1: Will speeding up Windows 11 delete my personal files?
No, none of these steps will delete your personal data, photos, or documents. They only clean up hidden system junk and optimize background settings.
### Q2: How much RAM do I need for smooth Windows 11 performance?
While Microsoft states 4GB is the minimum requirement, for a perfectly smooth experience in 2026, 8GB RAM is highly recommended.
### Q3: Does deleting temporary files fix lagging?
Yes, a full system drive (C: Drive) slows down the virtual memory of your computer. Clearing junk files gives your processor breathing room, which reduces lag.
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