Windows 11 updates offer valuable security improvements, new features, and overall bug fixes. However, sometimes after an update, performance might degrade, causing the system to slow down noticeably. The good news is that you can easily optimize your Windows 11 system and restore its speed by following this detailed troubleshooting guide.
📖 Step 1: Restart your Computer
This simple yet effective method can sort out temporary glitches that occur just after an update.
- Click on the Start Menu.
- Click the Power icon, and then select Restart.
A fresh restart reboots essential system processes and may improve performance.
🔍 Step 2: Check for Additional Updates and Optional Updates
Sometimes, Microsoft releases quick patches for performance issues shortly after a major update.
- Open Settings with the shortcut (Windows Key + I).
- Click on Windows Update.
- Click on Check for updates.
Also check for Optional updates:
- Navigate to: Settings → Windows Update → Advanced Options → Optional updates.
- If any drivers or updates are listed, install them as well.
Ensure to restart your system once updates have completed.
🚀 Step 3: Run Windows Update Troubleshooter
Windows has a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix update-related issues.
- Open Settings (Windows Key + I).
- Go to System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters.
- Find Windows Update and click Run.
- Follow the instructions provided on the screen to fix detected issues.
🗃️ Step 4: Clean Temporary Files & Free Disk Space
The accumulation of unnecessary temporary files can slow down your PC.
- Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
- Select System → Storage.
- Under "Storage Management," click on Cleanup recommendations or use Storage sense to remove unnecessary files automatically.
- Additionally, you can use the built-in Disk Cleanup tool:
- Press Windows Key, type Disk Cleanup, and open it.
- Select your system drive (usually C:).
- Click OK, check files you want to remove, then click OK → Delete files.
🪧 Step 5: Optimize and Defragment Your Drives
Optimizing your drive helps improve read and write performance, boosting overall system responsiveness.
- Press Windows key and type Defragment.
- Select Defragment and Optimize Drives.
- Select your main drive (C:), then click on Optimize.
- Repeat for other drives if needed.
🚨 Step 6: Disable Unnecessary Startup Programs
Many applications automatically startup with Windows, consuming resources and slowing down boot times.
- Right-click Taskbar and open Task Manager.
- Navigate to the Startup tab.
- Disable programs you don’t frequently use on startup by selecting them and clicking Disable.
🛠️ Step 7: Scan for Malware and Viruses
Malware can also cause Windows to run slow. Use Windows Security or another antivirus to scan your system.
- Open Settings → Privacy & Security → Windows Security.
- Choose Virus & threat protection.
- Run a Quick Scan or Select Scan Options → Full Scan.
📈 Step 8: Adjust Performance Settings
Tweaking visual effects and animations can greatly improve system performance.
- Right-click on Start button → Choose System → Advanced system settings.
- Under the Advanced tab, click on Settings in the Performance section.
- Select Adjust for best performance or manually disable animations and graphical effects you don’t need.
- Click Apply → OK.
🖥️ Step 9: Update and Rollback Drivers
Faulty drivers can cause problems and impact system performance significantly.
- Right-click on Start and select Device Manager.
- Expand categories, right-click on proprietary hardware (especially graphic cards and chipset drivers), and select Update driver.
- Restart your computer after installing new drivers.
If you suspect a recent driver update might be causing slowness:
- Right-click the device in Device Manager, choose Properties, open the Driver tab, and click Rollback Driver if available.
🔧 Step 10: Check for Disk Health and Errors
Ensure neither hardware nor disk issues cause performance problems by running CHKDSK:
- Press Windows Key, type Command Prompt, select Run as administrator.
- Type
chkdsk /f /rand hit Enter.- When prompted type Y and press Enter.
- Restart your PC; this process can take some time but will repair and identify damaged sectors.
🔄 Step 11: Uninstall the Problematic Windows Update (Optional)
If none of the above works, consider removing the latest Windows Update temporarily:
- Open Settings → Windows Update → Update history.
- Scroll down and select Uninstall updates.
- Select Updates installed recently causing issues and click Uninstall.
- Restart the computer and check if the issue remains.
🔄 Step 12: Consider Performing a System Restore (Last Resort)
Revert your system to a previous healthy state.
- Press Windows Key and type Create a restore point, open the window.
- Click System Restore, choose which restore point you would like to revert to, and follow directed steps.
- Once restored, your system should perform as it did before the problematic update.
Note: You will not lose personal files; only system configurations and software changes after the restore point date are reversed.
📌 Maintenance Tips to Prevent Future Issues
- Keep your PC updated but always create System Restore points before installing large updates.
- Regularly update and scan drivers with reputable driver tools or manufacturer’s software.
- Install a trusted antivirus and perform periodic scans.
- Keep drives and SSDs optimized and free of junk and temporary files.
- Limit startup applications to necessary ones only.
✅ Conclusion
Following the above steps will help you restore performance to your Windows 11 PC. Always remember, regular system maintenance, careful consideration of updates, and managing software proactively will ensure longer-lasting, high-performing Windows systems.
