Why Windows 11 is Slow After Updating & How to Fix It

If your Windows 11 system has become slow after an
update, there could be various reasons for the performance drop. Below is a
step-by-step guide to help identify the potential causes and provide
resolutions.

Possible Reasons for Slow Performance After a Windows 11
Update:


  1. System
    Resource Usage
    : After an update, some processes or services may be
    using too much CPU, RAM, or disk space.
  2. Outdated
    or Incompatible Drivers
    : The update might have introduced
    compatibility issues with hardware drivers.
  3. Background
    Processes
    : New features or settings may have triggered
    resource-intensive background tasks.
  4. Windows
    Updates Not Fully Installed
    : The update may not have completed
    properly, leaving certain system components unfinished.
  5. Startup
    Programs
    : New or updated programs that start with Windows may be
    consuming resources.
  6. Fragmented
    or Full Disk
    : A full or fragmented hard drive can slow down
    performance.
  7. Power
    Settings
    : Power-saving settings can limit CPU performance, especially
    on laptops.
  8. Corrupted
    System Files
    : Some system files could have become corrupted during the
    update.

Step-by-Step Resolution Guide:

Step 1: Check Task Manager for Resource Usage

  1. Open
    Task Manager
    : Right-click on the Start button and select Task
    Manager
    , or press Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
  2. Check
    CPU, Memory, and Disk Usage
    :
    • Look
      for processes using high CPU, RAM, or disk usage.
    • If
      you find a particular process consuming too many resources, right-click
      and choose End Task to stop it temporarily.
    • If
      the culprit is a system process or something critical, proceed to the
      next steps.

Step 2: Check for Pending Windows Updates

  1. Open
    Settings
    : Press Windows + I to open the Settings window.
  2. Navigate
    to Update & Security
    : Click Windows Update.
  3. Check
    for Updates
    : Click Check for updates. If there are pending
    updates, install them and restart the computer.

Step 3: Update Device Drivers

  1. Open
    Device Manager
    : Right-click on the Start button and select Device
    Manager
    .
  2. Update
    Drivers
    :
    • Expand
      categories like Display adapters, Network adapters, and Sound,
      video and game controllers
      .
    • Right-click
      on your device and select Update driver.
    • Select
      Search automatically for updated driver software and let Windows
      search for newer versions.
    • Restart
      your PC after updating.

Step 4: Disable Unnecessary Startup Programs

  1. Open
    Task Manager
    : Right-click on the Start button and select Task
    Manager
    .
  2. Go
    to the Startup Tab
    : This shows a list of programs that start when your
    computer boots.
  3. Disable
    Unnecessary Programs
    :
    • Right-click
      on programs you don’t need at startup and select Disable.
    • Disabling
      unnecessary startup programs can significantly improve boot time and
      system performance.

Step 5: Check for Full or Fragmented Disk

  1. Check
    Disk Space
    : Go to Settings > System > Storage
    and check how much space is available on your hard drive.
    • If
      your disk is almost full, delete unnecessary files or move them to an
      external drive.
  2. Defragment
    the Disk (if using HDD)
    :
    • Press
      Windows + S, type Defragment, and select Defragment and
      Optimize Drives
      .
    • Select
      your C: Drive and click Optimize (Note: This is only for
      HDDs; SSDs don’t need defragmentation).

Step 6: Adjust Power Settings

  1. Open
    Settings
    : Press Windows + I.
  2. Go
    to System
    > Power & Battery.
  3. Select
    Power Mode
    : Change the power mode to Best Performance (Note: On
    laptops, this may consume more battery).

Step 7: Run System File Check (SFC)

  1. Open
    Command Prompt as Admin
    : Press Windows + S, type Command
    Prompt
    , right-click, and choose Run as administrator.
  2. Run
    SFC Command
    :
    • In
      the Command Prompt window, type:

bash

CopyEdit

sfc /scannow

    • Press
      Enter and wait for the scan to complete.
    • If
      any corrupt system files are found, the tool will attempt to fix them.

Step 8: Disable Background Apps

  1. Open
    Settings
    : Press Windows + I.
  2. Go
    to Apps
    > Apps & Features.
  3. Disable
    Background Apps
    :
    • Scroll
      down and click on the app you don’t need running in the background.
    • Turn
      off Let this app run in the background.

Step 9: Check for Malware

  1. Run
    Windows Security
    : Press Windows + I, go to Privacy &
    Security
    , then click Windows Security.
  2. Run
    a Full Scan
    : Under Virus & Threat Protection, click Quick
    Scan
    or Full Scan to check for malware or viruses that could be
    slowing your system.

Step 10: Reset Windows 11 (Last Resort)

If the issue persists after trying all the above steps, you
can reset Windows 11 while keeping your files intact:

  1. Open
    Settings
    : Press Windows + I.
  2. Go
    to System
    > Recovery.
  3. Select
    Reset this PC
    : Click Get started and choose Keep my files
    (this will remove apps and settings but retain personal files).
  4. Follow
    the on-screen instructions to reset the system.

Additional Tips:

  • Check
    for Overheating
    : Overheating can cause the system to slow down. Ensure
    that the cooling fan is working properly, and clean any dust from the
    system.
  • Remove
    Bloatware
    : After an update, some pre-installed apps may be using
    system resources. Uninstall unnecessary apps via Settings > Apps
    > Apps & Features.
  • Consider
    Upgrading Hardware
    : If your PC is older, a hardware upgrade (like
    adding more RAM or switching to an SSD) can help improve performance.

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