How to Fix Common Windows 11 Issues and Improve PC Performance?

gumedelly sumanth 0 Reputation points
2026-08-05T17:46:07.32+00:00

Why is my Windows 11 PC running slow after the latest update, and how can I improve its performance?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Windows update
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  1. David-M 121.8K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-08-05T18:27:50.49+00:00

    Hi. I'm David, and I'm happy to help you.

    Windows 11 updates can cause slowdowns for very specific reasons (such as background maintenance or driver conflicts).

    To narrow down what's happening, could you share a few quick details?

    1 = Check what process is sitting at the top of Task Manager:

    • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc and look at the Processes tab.
    • Click the CPU or Disk column to sort by highest usage.
    • What is the exact name of whatever is using the most resources?
    • If you prefer, share screenshots. Use the shortcut "Windows + Shift + S" to use the screenshot tool.

    2 = Did the slowdown hit right after the reboot, or has it been dragging on for a few days?

    3 = What does the slowdown actually feel like?

    • Is the mouse cursor or window movement stuttering?
    • Is there just a heavy delay when opening apps?
    • Is it only happening during games or video playback?

    Looking forward to your reply.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-08-05T17:46:30.7133333+00:00

    A Windows 11 PC can run slowly after an update for several reasons mentioned in the support content: background apps and startup apps using resources, low disk space, malware, visual effects, power settings, or update-related driver changes. In some cases, older hardware may also limit how much improvement is possible.

    Recommended steps, in order:

    1. Install all Windows updates and optional driver updates
      • Go to Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.
      • Then go to Advanced options > Optional updates and install any available driver updates.
      • Restart if prompted.
    2. Run a malware scan
      • Go to Start > Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection.
      • Select Quick scan.
    3. Free up disk space
      • Go to Start > Settings > System > Storage.
      • Turn on Storage Sense or run it.
      • Open Temporary files and remove files that are no longer needed.
      • Optionally run Disk Cleanup from Start.
    4. Disable unnecessary startup apps
      • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
      • Open Startup apps.
      • Disable apps that do not need to start with Windows.
    5. Turn off background activity for unused apps
      • In Windows 11, go to Start > Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
      • Find an app, select More options (...) > Advanced options.
      • Under Background app permissions, set it to Never.
    6. Reduce visual effects
      • Open Start, type Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows, and open it.
      • On the Visual Effects tab, select Adjust for best performance.
    7. Set power mode to Best performance
      • Go to Start > Settings > System > Power & battery.
      • Set Power mode to Best performance.
      • Note: This increases power usage, drains laptop batteries faster, and may make the device run warmer.
    8. Optimize drives
      • Open Start, type Defragment and Optimize Drives, and open it.
      • Select the drive and choose Optimize.
    9. Check what is using resources
      • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc for Task Manager.
      • Review the Processes, Performance, and Startup apps tabs.
      • Close apps that are using high CPU, memory, or disk and are not needed.
    10. Restart and test with only essential apps open
    • Select Start > Power > Restart.
    • After restart, open only the apps needed and check whether performance improves.

    If the slowdown started specifically after a recent update and uninstalling the update did not help, one documented recovery option is:

    • Go to Settings > System > Recovery.
    • In Fix problems with Windows Updates, select Reinstall now.
    • This process does not affect files, settings, or installed apps.

    If the PC is still slow after these steps, the support content notes that older hardware may not improve significantly, and moving to newer hardware may be the best long-term fix.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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