As Windows 11 becomes more popular, many users are looking for ways to optimize their system for the best performance. However, there are common mistakes that beginners often make which can hinder rather than help. Here, we provide practical tips to enhance your Windows 11 performance and highlight pitfalls to avoid.
What Are the Common Mistakes to Avoid in System Optimization?
1. Ignoring Regular Updates
Many users skip Windows updates, believing they slow down their system. In reality, updates often contain important patches and improvements for performance. Always keep your system updated by navigating to Settings > Windows Update and selecting ‘Check for updates’.
2. Overloading Startup Programs
Having too many programs running at startup can slow down your boot time. To manage these, right-click on the taskbar, select Task Manager, and then go to the Startup tab. Disable any unwanted programs to speed up your startup process.
3. Neglecting Disk Cleanup
A cluttered hard drive can significantly slow down your PC. Use the built-in Disk Cleanup tool by typing ‘Disk Cleanup’ in the search bar, selecting your drive, and choosing which files to remove. For a more thorough cleanup, consider using Glary Utilities. Its Disk Cleaner feature can remove unnecessary files safely and quickly.
4. Overlooking Background Apps
Background apps can consume valuable system resources. To limit these, go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features, and click on the app you want to modify. Select ‘Advanced options’ and choose ‘Background apps permissions’ to restrict their activity.
5. Disregarding Malware Protection
Malware can drastically affect performance. Ensure Windows Defender is active by navigating to Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Security. For enhanced protection, Glary Utilities includes a Malware Removal tool to scan and eliminate threats.
6. Misconfiguring Power Settings
Incorrect power settings can either limit performance or use unnecessary power. Go to Settings > System > Power & battery, and select a power plan that suits your usage. The ‘Balanced’ plan is a safe choice for most users.
7. Forgetting to Uninstall Unused Programs
Unused programs take up disk space and may run background processes. Uninstall them by going to Settings > Apps > Installed apps, selecting the program, and clicking ‘Uninstall’. Glary Utilities’ Uninstaller offers a more comprehensive removal process, ensuring no leftover files.
8. Not Utilizing SSD Optimization
If your system uses an SSD, ensure it’s optimized. Use the ‘Defragment and Optimize Drives’ tool by typing it in the search bar, selecting your SSD, and clicking Optimize. This feature maintains SSD health without the risks associated with traditional defragmentation.
9. Overlooking Driver Updates
Outdated drivers can cause incompatibility issues and degrade performance. To update, right-click on the Start button, select Device Manager, find the device, right-click, and choose ‘Update driver’. Glary Utilities can simplify this with its Driver Manager feature, ensuring all drivers are up-to-date.
10. Ignoring System Restarts
Many users forget to restart their computers regularly. A simple restart can clear memory leaks and shutdown unnecessary processes. Make it a habit to restart your PC at least once a week.
How Can Glary Utilities Help?
Glary Utilities is a comprehensive tool that simplifies many of these optimization tasks. It offers a one-click maintenance option that can clean your system, fix registry issues, and manage startup programs efficiently. For beginners, this tool is especially helpful as it automates complex processes, reducing the chance of errors and improving overall system performance.
By avoiding these common mistakes and following these optimization tips, you can maintain your Windows 11 system for peak performance, ensuring both speed and stability.