Discover effective methods to fix How to Fix Slow Computer after Windows 11 Update. Learn step-by-step solutions to optimize your computer’s performance and improve its speed. Follow these expert tips from WikiHow to troubleshoot and resolve issues. Click here to learn more!
Introduction:
Is your Windows 11 operating system crawling at a snail’s pace? Don’t fret! In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through various troubleshooting steps and provide you with effective solutions to fix a slow and unresponsive Windows 11. Whether you’re dealing with sluggish performance, unresponsive programs, or freezing issues, we’ve got you covered. With our expert tips, you’ll be able to optimize your computer’s performance and restore it to its former glory. So, let’s dive right in and revitalize your Windows 11 experience!
Assess Your Computer’s Performance
Is your computer running slower than usual? Before diving into the solutions, it’s important to assess the overall performance of your system. Here’s how you can do it:
- Check Task Manager: Open the Task Manager by pressing
Ctrl + Shift + Escsimultaneously. Go to the “Processes” tab and check if any programs are consuming excessive resources. Note down the names of these programs for further investigation. - Run Performance Monitor: Launch the Performance Monitor by typing “perfmon” in the Windows search bar. Monitor the CPU, memory, disk, and network usage. Identify any bottlenecks or abnormal spikes in usage.
Optimize Startup and Background Processes
Slow boot times and excessive background processes can significantly impact system performance. Let’s optimize them:
- Disable Startup Programs: Open Task Manager, go to the “Startup” tab, and disable unnecessary programs that launch during startup. This will reduce the burden on your system resources.
- Manage Background Apps: Go to “Settings” > “Privacy” > “Background Apps.” Disable the apps that don’t require background access. This will free up system resources and enhance performance.
Perform Disk Cleanup and Defragmentation
Over time, your hard drive accumulates unnecessary files and becomes fragmented. Let’s clean up and optimize your disk:
- Disk Cleanup: Open File Explorer, right-click on the main drive, and select “Properties.” In the “General” tab, click on “Disk Cleanup” to remove temporary files, system files, and other unnecessary data.
- Disk Defragmentation: Open the Windows search bar and type “Defragment and Optimize Drives.” Analyze and optimize your hard drive to improve data access speed.
Update Drivers and Windows
Outdated drivers and an outdated operating system can cause performance issues. Let’s ensure everything is up to date:
- Update Drivers: Visit your computer manufacturer’s website or use third-party driver update tools to download and install the latest drivers for your hardware components.
- Update Windows: Go to “Settings” > “Update & Security” > “Windows Update.” Click on “Check for updates” and install any available updates for your system.
Check for Malware and Viruses
Malware and viruses can slow down your system and compromise your security. Let’s perform a thorough scan:
- Use Windows Defender: Open Windows Security by typing “Windows Security” in the search bar. Run a full scan to detect and remove any malware or viruses.
- Consider Third-Party Antivirus: If you suspect a more advanced threat, consider installing a reputable third-party antivirus program to bolster your system’s protection.
Resource-Hungry Features
With every major Windows update, new features and functionalities are introduced. While these additions can enhance your computing experience, some of them can be resource-intensive, leading to a slower performance on certain systems.
Incompatible Drivers
Incompatibility issues between your hardware drivers and the updated operating system can cause performance problems. Outdated or unsupported drivers may struggle to keep up with the changes in Windows 11 Creators Update, resulting in slower system response times.
Startup Programs
Do you notice your PC taking longer to boot up after the update? The increase in the number of startup programs can be a contributing factor. Certain applications may automatically add themselves to your startup list during the update, causing your PC to take longer to load.
Background Processes and Services
Windows 11 Creators Update brings with it several background processes and services that run continuously, consuming system resources. These processes, although necessary for certain features and functions, can slow down your PC if they are not optimized or if your hardware is not capable of handling them efficiently.
Disk Fragmentation
Over time, as you use your PC, files and programs can become fragmented, causing delays in accessing and retrieving data. Fragmentation occurs when files are divided into smaller pieces and stored in different locations on your hard drive. This fragmentation can significantly affect the overall speed and performance of your system.
You must have clicked on this Article because your computer is running slowly. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Hey everyone, welcome back to my channel. In today’s world, I will guide you through a few steps to help speed up your computer.
There are various reasons why your computer might be running slow. Usually, it’s because your startup is cluttered, and Windows updates tend to run at inconvenient times, often every single day. Additionally, your computer is loaded with unnecessary background programs that hinder its performance. So, let’s take a few minutes to go through some actions that can definitely enhance your computer’s speed.
If this article proves helpful, please remember to leave a comment in the comment section below. Your support means a lot to me. It helps my videos and my channel grow on YouTube. I genuinely appreciate it. Also, don’t forget to click the like button and subscribe to the channel. Now, let’s get started.
Firstly, we’ll examine the programs that start up with your computer. To do this, go to the search bar and type “run.” Select the Run app, and in the window that opens, type “msconfig” and click OK.
Next, go to the startup tab and click “Open Task Manager.” You will see a list of all the programs that launch when you start your computer. Disable any programs that you don’t need to start up automatically.
However, be cautious and avoid disabling programs if you’re unsure about their functionality. Only enable the programs that you want to launch during startup. Once you’re done, close the Task Manager. Now, move on to the services tab. Services are essentially software or programs running on your computer. Here, you’ll find everything that starts up with your computer.
To simplify things, hide all Microsoft services. This way, you won’t accidentally disable essential services. Carefully review the remaining list and uncheck any programs that you don’t want to start with your computer. Be sure not to uncheck anything related to your computer name, Intel card, processor chip, memory, or graphics Intel.
However, programs like Google Update and Epic Online Services can be turned off. If you’re uncertain about any particular item, you can quickly search for it on Google to gather more information before making a decision. After making your selections, click Apply and then OK. If prompted to restart your computer, choose to exit without restarting as we still have more to do.
Next, type “update” in the search box and select “Check for updates.” Ensure that you update everything available for your computer. If prompted to restart your computer for updates, go ahead and do so. After restarting, return to the search bar and type “updates” to find “Check for updates” again.
Once your computer is fully updated, click on “Advanced options” and select “Pause updates.” Choose a specific date until which updates will be paused. We do this because every time you start your computer, it automatically checks for updates. This process slows down your processor significantly during startup and can cause various issues when running programs.
I recommend setting it for Saturday morning to avoid interruptions during the week while you work or play games. When you’re finished, close the window.
Now, let’s turn on your antivirus program. If you don’t have one installed, it’s crucial to address this immediately. You can download free antivirus software from avast.com. I’ve personally used Avast on numerous computers and found it to be reliable, user-friendly, and packed with essential features in its free version.
I’ll provide the link in the video description. Once your antivirus software is open, initiate a full scan of your computer. Ensure that you scan everything, not just the files. Verify that your computer is free from any viruses. For additional protection against spyware and malware, consider using malwarebytes.com. This program scans your computer for potential threats that can compromise your personal information, such as passwords, emails, and phone numbers. The link will be provided below in the video description.
Lastly, let’s clean up the temporary folders on your computer. To do this, go to the search bar and type “run.” Select the Run app, and in the window, type “temp” and click OK. In the temporary folder, select all the files and delete them. Then, close the window. Next, type “%temp%” in the search bar and run it again. Delete all the files in this temporary folder as well. You might encounter some files that are in use, so just skip those. Finally, close the window.
That’s it! You’ve successfully optimized your computer’s performance with these straightforward steps. Just follow the instructions I provided to relieve some of the frustrations you’ve been experiencing with your computer. Remember to leave a comment in the comment section below, smash the like button, and subscribe to the channel. We’ll be back with more helpful content. And always remember, spread positivity and avoid toxic behavior.
Additional FAQs:
Q: How can I prevent my Windows 11 from becoming slow and unresponsive in the future?
A: To prevent future slowdowns, ensure regular maintenance of your system by performing tasks such as disk cleanup, updating drivers, and running antivirus scans. Avoid installing unnecessary software and keep your system optimized.
Q: Will upgrading my hardware improve the speed of my slow Windows 11?
A: Upgrading hardware components, such as adding more RAM or switching to a solid-state drive (SSD), can significantly improve the speed and responsiveness of a slow Windows 11 system.
Q: Can I downgrade from Windows 11 to a previous version if it’s causing performance issues?
A: While it’s technically possible to downgrade from Windows 11, it is generally not recommended as earlier versions may lack security updates and compatibility with newer software. Exhaust other troubleshooting options before considering a downgrade.
Q: Are there any third-party tools or software that can help fix a slow and unresponsive Windows 11?
A: Yes, there are various third-party tools available that can help optimize and fix performance issues in Windows 11. However, exercise caution when using such tools and ensure you download them from reputable sources.
Q: How long does it usually take to fix a slow and unresponsive Windows 11?
A: The time required to fix a slow and unresponsive Windows 11 system depends on the severity of the issues and the troubleshooting steps involved. It’s best to allocate ample time to diagnose and implement the necessary solutions.
Q: What should I do if none of the suggested solutions work for my slow Windows 11?
A: If you’ve exhausted all the solutions mentioned in this guide and are still experiencing a slow and unresponsive Windows 11, it may be advisable to consult a professional technician or contact Microsoft Support for further assistance.
Conclusion:
A slow and unresponsive Windows 11 system can be frustrating, but with the right techniques, you can regain control of your computer’s performance. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can optimize your system, troubleshoot common issues, and ensure a smoother Windows 11 experience. Remember to perform regular maintenance, keep your drivers and operating system up to date, and stay vigilant against malware. Now that you have the knowledge, it’s time to revive your Windows 11 and enjoy its full potential!
