Your computer feeling sluggish doesn’t always mean you need new hardware or third-party optimizers. As of February 2026, Windows 11 (especially versions 24H2 and 25H2) includes powerful built-in tools and settings to reclaim speed, reduce boot times, lower background resource usage, and make everyday tasks feel snappier—all without downloading any extra software.
These methods focus on freeing resources, trimming bloat, and prioritizing performance. Results vary by hardware (e.g., more noticeable on 8GB RAM systems or older SSDs/HDDs), but most users see improvements in responsiveness within minutes. Always restart after major changes to apply them fully.
1. Switch to Best Performance Power Mode
Windows often defaults to balanced or power-saving modes that throttle CPU and other components to save battery or reduce heat.
- Go to Settings (Win + I) → System → Power & battery (or Power & sleep on some builds).
- Under Power mode, select Best performance.
- For desktops or plugged-in laptops, this keeps your CPU running at higher speeds when needed.
This simple toggle can dramatically improve app launch times and multitasking.
2. Disable Unnecessary Startup Programs
Too many apps launch automatically, hogging RAM and CPU right after boot.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Go to the Startup apps tab (or Startup in older views).
- Right-click items you don’t need immediately (e.g., Spotify, Discord, OneDrive if unused, printer software) → Disable.
- Focus on high-impact ones with “High” or “Medium” startup impact.
This alone can cut boot time by 30–60 seconds and free up 1–2 GB of RAM.
3. Free Up Disk Space with Built-in Tools
Low free space (especially under 15–20% on your C: drive) causes major slowdowns as Windows struggles with paging and indexing.
- Enable Storage Sense:
- Settings → System → Storage → turn on Storage Sense.
- Click Configure Storage Sense or run it now → set it to clean temporary files, Recycle Bin, Downloads older than X days, etc.
- Run Disk Cleanup:
- Search “Disk Cleanup” in Start menu → select C: drive → check boxes like Temporary files, Windows Update Cleanup, Thumbnails.
- Click Clean up system files for even more options (e.g., old Windows installations).
- Delete large unused files manually via Settings → System → Storage → Cleanup recommendations.
Aim for at least 20–30 GB free on your system drive.
4. Adjust Visual Effects for Best Performance
Windows 11’s animations, transparency, and shadows look nice but consume GPU/CPU resources, especially on lower-end hardware.
- Search Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows in Start.
- In the Visual Effects tab, select Adjust for best performance (disables most animations) or Custom and uncheck:
- Animate windows when minimizing/maximizing
- Show shadows under windows
- Transparency effects (big one for modern UI lag)
- Apply and OK.
The interface will feel instantly snappier, with less fade-in delay.
5. Uninstall Unused Apps and Bloatware
Pre-installed or accumulated apps run background processes.
- Settings → Apps → Installed apps.
- Sort by size or install date → click three dots next to unused ones (e.g., Candy Crush, Xbox Game Bar if not gaming, third-party trials) → Uninstall.
- Remove optional features: Settings → Apps → Optional features → remove things like Internet Explorer mode, Media Features, or Work Folders if unused.
6. Manage Background Apps and Notifications
Apps running in the background drain resources.
- Settings → Apps → Installed apps → for resource-heavy apps, click Advanced options → set Background apps permissions to Never.
- Turn off tips & suggestions: Settings → System → Notifications → turn off “Get tips and suggestions” and similar.
- Disable Widgets (if still using): Right-click taskbar → Taskbar settings → turn off Widgets.
7. Keep Windows and Drivers Updated (Built-in Way)
Updates often include performance fixes.
- Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates → install all, including Optional updates (drivers).
- For graphics/CPU drivers, use Windows Update’s optional section rather than manufacturer sites if you want zero extra downloads.
8. Quick Extra Tweaks for Responsiveness
- Turn off Fast Startup if it causes issues (some 2026 builds have bugs): Search Power Options → Choose what the power buttons do → Change settings that are currently unavailable → uncheck Turn on fast startup.
- Defragment/Optimize Drives (for HDDs): Search Defragment and Optimize Drives → select drive → Optimize.
- Run Memory Diagnostic if RAM seems the bottleneck: Search Windows Memory Diagnostic → restart to test.
- Close heavy browser tabs and extensions — browsers are often the biggest culprits.
Final Tips
- Restart weekly — clears RAM leaks and temporary glitches.
- If on an HDD (not SSD), upgrading to SSD is the single biggest free-speed boost, but that’s hardware.
- Monitor with Task Manager (Performance tab) to see what’s using CPU/RAM/disk — target the top offenders.
These built-in adjustments can make a night-and-day difference without risking stability from third-party “boosters.” In many cases reported in early 2026, users regained 20–50% better responsiveness just from startup management, visual tweaks, and storage cleanup.
If issues persist (e.g., constant high disk usage), it might be hardware-related—check temperatures or consider professional diagnostics. But start here: most slowdowns are software clutter, and Windows gives you all the tools to fix it.