After updating Windows 11, you may notice your PC running slower than usual. This can be due to background processes, compatibility issues, or system optimizations that need tweaking. In this guide, we’ll cover:
✅ Why Windows 11 slows down after an update
✅ How to fix performance issues
✅ Tips to optimize Windows 11 for a faster experience
Let’s speed up your PC! 🚀
1️⃣ Why Windows 11 Slows Down After an Update
1. Background Processes & Indexing
After an update, Windows performs background tasks like search indexing, updates installation, and system optimization, which can slow down your PC.
2. Compatibility Issues
Some drivers and software may not be fully compatible with the latest Windows update, causing lag, freezes, and performance drops.
3. High CPU & RAM Usage
Unoptimized system processes and startup programs may consume high CPU and RAM, making Windows 11 sluggish.
4. Outdated Drivers
If your graphics, chipset, or network drivers are outdated, they may not function well with the latest Windows version.
5. Corrupt System Files
Updates may sometimes corrupt Windows system files, leading to slow boot times, crashes, and reduced performance.
6. Insufficient Storage Space
If your C: drive is almost full, Windows may struggle to manage files efficiently, resulting in slow performance.
2️⃣ How to Fix Windows 11 Performance Issues After an Update
Fix 1: Restart Your PC
A simple restart can flush temporary files, stop unnecessary processes, and refresh system resources.
1️⃣ Click Start > Power > Restart
2️⃣ Wait for Windows to reboot and check performance
🔹 Tip: Restart at least once after an update to allow Windows to apply changes properly.
Fix 2: Disable Unnecessary Startup Programs
Too many apps running at startup can slow down Windows 11.
1️⃣ Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
2️⃣ Click Startup Apps
3️⃣ Right-click unnecessary apps and select Disable
4️⃣ Restart your PC
🔹 Tip: Disable apps like Spotify, Adobe, OneDrive, and other non-essential software.
Fix 3: Update Drivers for Better Performance
Outdated drivers can cause performance issues. Update them manually:
1️⃣ Press Windows + X and select Device Manager
2️⃣ Expand Display adapters, Network adapters, and Chipset drivers
3️⃣ Right-click each driver and select Update driver > Search automatically
🔹 Tip: Use Windows Update or download drivers from the manufacturer’s website (Intel, AMD, NVIDIA).
Fix 4: Clear Temporary & Junk Files
Deleting temporary files can free up space and improve speed.
1️⃣ Press Windows + R, type cleanmgr, and press Enter
2️⃣ Select C: Drive and click OK
3️⃣ Check Temporary files, Recycle Bin, and System cache
4️⃣ Click Clean up system files > OK
🔹 Tip: Use Storage Sense in Settings to clean files automatically.
Fix 5: Adjust Power Settings for Better Speed
Windows Balanced Mode may reduce performance. Switch to High Performance:
1️⃣ Open Control Panel > Click Power Options
2️⃣ Select High performance (or Best Performance in Windows 11)
🔹 Tip: This will use more power but significantly boost speed.
Fix 6: Check for Windows Update Issues
If Windows is slow after an update, it might have bugs. Check for patches:
1️⃣ Open Settings > Windows Update
2️⃣ Click Check for updates and install any available fixes
3️⃣ Restart your PC
🔹 Tip: If the update caused major issues, consider rolling back to the previous version (next step).
Fix 7: Roll Back to a Previous Version
If the latest update is unstable, you can revert to an older version.
1️⃣ Open Settings > System > Recovery
2️⃣ Click Go back under “Previous version of Windows”
3️⃣ Follow the on-screen instructions
🔹 Tip: You can only roll back within 10 days of an update.
Fix 8: Run System File Checker (SFC) & DISM Commands
If Windows files are corrupted, running these commands can fix them.
1️⃣ Press Windows + X and select Terminal (Admin)
2️⃣ Type the following command and press Enter:
bashsfc /scannow
3️⃣ After completion, run these commands one by one:
swiftDISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
4️⃣ Restart your PC and check performance.
🔹 Tip: This process repairs system files and fixes common update issues.
Fix 9: Free Up Storage Space
If your PC is running low on storage, Windows may slow down.
1️⃣ Open Settings > System > Storage
2️⃣ Enable Storage Sense to remove junk files automatically
3️⃣ Uninstall unnecessary apps (Settings > Apps > Installed Apps)
🔹 Tip: Keep at least 10-20% of free space on your C: Drive for smooth performance.
Fix 10: Perform a Clean Boot
A clean boot helps identify if third-party apps are causing slowdowns.
1️⃣ Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter
2️⃣ Go to the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services
3️⃣ Click Disable all, then go to Startup tab
4️⃣ Click Open Task Manager > Disable startup programs
5️⃣ Restart your PC
🔹 Tip: If the problem disappears in Clean Boot, enable apps one by one to find the culprit.
3️⃣ Final Optimization Tips for Faster Windows 11
✔ Keep Windows updated – Install security patches & bug fixes.
✔ Limit background apps – Disable apps running in the background (Settings > Privacy & security > Background apps).
✔ Use an SSD instead of an HDD – SSDs greatly improve Windows 11 performance.
✔ Increase Virtual Memory – Helps Windows handle large tasks smoothly (Settings > Performance > Virtual Memory).
Conclusion
Windows 11 may slow down after an update due to background tasks, compatibility issues, and system optimizations. Use the fixes above to speed up your PC and enjoy a smooth experience. 🚀
💡 Still facing issues? Consider resetting Windows 11 or performing a clean installation.
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