Windows 11 is designed to run smoothly on modern hardware, but over time, you may notice your system slowing down. Performance drops can be caused by unnecessary background processes, system clutter, or outdated settings. By applying the right troubleshooting strategies, you can restore speed and stability. Below are five of the most effective Windows performance troubleshooting techniques, explained in a step-by-step manner for both beginners and advanced users.
1. Clearing Temporary Files and System Junk
Beginner approach:
Temporary files, cached data, and leftover files from uninstalled programs can pile up and slow down your PC. In Windows 11, you can use the built-in Storage Sense feature to clean these up:
1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to System > Storage.
3. Enable Storage Sense and select “Run Storage Sense now.”
Advanced approach:
Glary Utilities offers a more thorough cleanup by detecting leftover registry entries, broken shortcuts, and hidden system junk that Windows’ basic tools may miss.
1. Install and open Glary Utilities.
2. Select the “1-Click Maintenance” tab.
3. Check the boxes for Temporary Files Cleaner, Registry Cleaner, and Shortcuts Fixer.
4. Click “Scan for Issues” and then “Repair Problems.”
This ensures all unnecessary files and invalid registry entries are removed, improving performance noticeably.
2. Managing Startup Programs
Beginner approach:
Too many startup programs can slow boot times.
1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Go to the Startup tab.
3. Right-click programs you don’t need at startup and choose Disable.
Advanced approach:
In Glary Utilities, you can manage not just startup programs but also scheduled tasks and services that start with your PC.
1. Open Glary Utilities.
2. Go to the “Startup Manager” under the Advanced Tools section.
3. Review each item and disable non-essential ones.
This allows for deeper control than Task Manager alone.
3. Repairing Corrupted System Files
Beginner approach:
Corrupted system files can lead to performance issues. Use Windows’ System File Checker:
1. Open the Start menu, search for “Command Prompt,” right-click it, and select “Run as administrator.”
2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
3. Wait for the scan and allow Windows to repair any found issues.
Advanced approach:
For a more comprehensive repair, advanced users can also use the Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM):
1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
2. Run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth.
3. Once complete, rerun sfc /scannow to finalize repairs.
4. Updating Drivers and Windows
Beginner approach:
Outdated drivers or system updates can slow down your machine.
1. Go to Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.
2. Install all available updates.
3. For specific devices, go to Device Manager, right-click the device, and choose Update Driver.
Advanced approach:
Advanced users may source drivers directly from the manufacturer for the latest performance improvements, especially for graphics cards, storage controllers, and network adapters.
5. Defragmenting and Optimizing Storage
Beginner approach:
For HDD users, defragmentation can improve performance.
1. Search “Defragment and Optimize Drives” in the Start menu.
2. Select your HDD and click Optimize.
Note: SSDs should not be defragmented; instead, they are optimized automatically by Windows.
Advanced approach:
Glary Utilities includes a Disk Defrag module with better scheduling and optimization options than Windows’ default tool.
1. In Glary Utilities, open “Disk Defrag.”
2. Select your drive and choose either Quick Optimize or Full Defrag.
3. Schedule regular defragmentation for HDDs to maintain performance.
By combining these strategies, Windows 11 users can effectively troubleshoot and restore optimal performance. Beginners benefit from the built-in tools, while advanced users can take advantage of deeper controls in Glary Utilities, ensuring a cleaner, faster, and more reliable system.