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Speed Up Windows 11: Tricks and Optimizations for Slow PCs

Autore: Francesco Zinghinì | Data: 16 Dicembre 2025

Speed Up Windows 11: Tricks and Optimizations for Slow PCs

Windows 11 adoption in Italy and Europe continues to grow, bringing with it a modern interface and advanced features. However, software innovation does not always travel at the same speed as hardware updates. Many users find themselves managing computers that, after the update, show signs of fatigue, slowing down workflows and daily activities.

A slow PC is not just a technical problem, but an obstacle to productivity and digital peace of mind. Imagine having to wait endless minutes for the system to start, similar to waiting for coffee that never pours. In a cultural context like the Mediterranean one, where time is precious but patience has a limit, optimizing one’s tools is fundamental. There is a balance between the tradition of keeping one’s devices for a long time and the innovation necessary to make them work at their best.

This guide explores concrete and professional methods to bring your computer back to life. It’s not magic, but conscious digital maintenance. Through targeted steps, it is possible to recover responsiveness and speed without necessarily buying a new device.

Resource Analysis: The First Step

Before intervening, it is essential to understand what is slowing down the system. Windows 11 offers powerful built-in tools for diagnosis. The main tool is the Task Manager. By pressing the key combination Ctrl + Shift + Esc, a window opens showing exactly which programs are consuming the most resources.

Observe the columns related to CPU, Memory, and Disk. If one of these is constantly close to 100%, you have identified the bottleneck. Often, background applications that you are not actively using are draining precious energy. Identifying these processes is the digital equivalent of finding a water leak in your home: the first step to solving the problem.

Optimization is not about adding new components, but removing everything superfluous. Speed is often the result of subtraction, not addition.

Managing Automatic Startup

One of the main reasons a PC feels slow at startup is the number of programs that launch automatically with Windows. Many software programs, during installation, set themselves to start at boot without asking for explicit permission. This lengthens boot times and occupies RAM memory from the very first second of use.

To resolve this, go to Settings > Apps > Startup. Here you will find a list of all applications that start automatically. Disable everything that is not essential. Keep only audio drivers, antivirus, and critical cloud services like OneDrive or Google Drive active if you use them daily. Disabling the automatic startup of programs like Spotify or Steam does not prevent their use; you will simply have to open them manually when needed.

Disk Cleanup and Storage Sense

The accumulation of temporary files, system cache, and leftovers from previous updates can significantly weigh down the hard drive. Windows 11 introduces a smart feature called Storage Sense. This functionality automates cleaning, deleting files that are no longer needed.

By activating this option in Settings > System > Storage, the system will perform silent maintenance. You can configure it to automatically delete files in the Recycle Bin after a certain number of days or remove temporary files from unused apps. Keeping the disk clean is vital, especially if you use an SSD, whose performance can degrade if free space is insufficient.

Disabling Visual Effects and Transparency

Windows 11 is aesthetically polished, with transparency effects (Mica effect) and fluid animations. However, on dated hardware or integrated graphics cards, these embellishments come at a cost in terms of performance. From an efficiency perspective, it is sometimes necessary to sacrifice aesthetics for functionality.

To lighten the graphics load:

  • Go to Settings > Accessibility > Visual effects.
  • Turn off Transparency effects.
  • Turn off Animation effects.

The system will look slightly more sober, but the response to commands will be immediate. Windows will snap open instead of fading in, restoring a feeling of greater responsiveness. It is an excellent compromise for those who use the PC for work and need pure speed.

Power Saving Plans

Power management directly affects processor speed. By default, Windows 11 uses a “Balanced” plan that tries to mediate between power consumption and performance. If your PC is plugged into the mains, this compromise may not be necessary.

Access the classic Control Panel and search for Power Options. Select the High performance profile. This instructs the CPU to operate at higher frequencies and prevents aggressive suspension of hardware components like the hard drive or USB ports. You will notice an immediate improvement in the responsiveness of heavy applications.

Updates and Drivers

People often tend to postpone Windows updates for fear that they will slow down the PC. In reality, the opposite is true. Microsoft constantly releases patches that optimize code and fix bugs that could cause slowdowns. Keeping the system updated via Windows Update is a practice of security and efficiency.

Similarly, hardware component drivers play a crucial role. An outdated video card driver can cause stuttering in the interface or slowdowns in video playback. Regularly check your PC manufacturer’s website (HP, Dell, Lenovo, etc.) for newer versions of drivers, especially for chipsets and GPUs.

An unupdated system is like a car that misses its service: sooner or later performance will drop and the risks of failure will increase.

Disabling Useless Notifications

Constant interruptions not only distract the user but also consume system resources. Windows 11 sends notifications and suggestions that require active background processes. Reducing this “digital noise” improves both concentration and PC performance.

In Settings > System > Notifications, disable the options “Offer suggestions on how I can set up my device” and “Get tips and suggestions when I use Windows”. Also, revoke permission to send notifications for apps you don’t consider a priority. Fewer listening processes mean more free CPU cycles for your main activities.

The Importance of Hardware: SSD and RAM

If after all software optimizations the PC is still slow, the limit is physical. In the European market, where the culture of reuse is strong, upgrading a component is often preferable to replacing the entire machine. The most impactful upgrade is switching from a mechanical hard drive (HDD) to a solid-state drive (SSD).

An SSD is drastically faster than a traditional HDD. Boot times can drop from minutes to seconds. Increasing RAM memory (bringing it to at least 16GB) also offers huge breathing room for multitasking. These hardware interventions represent a smart investment that extends the life of the device by years, aligning perfectly with the principles of sustainability and reduction of electronic waste.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Why is Windows 11 slow immediately after an update?

Post-update slowdowns are often temporary and due to background file indexing or driver reconfiguration. Usually, leaving the PC on for a few hours and restarting it allows the system to stabilize and recover optimal speed.

How does Game Mode affect general PC performance?

Windows 11 Game Mode optimizes the system by reducing background activities and suspending notifications to prioritize the application in use. Activating it can improve frame rate stability and responsiveness even in heavy graphic software, not just video games.

How much free space is needed on an SSD to keep Windows 11 fast?

To ensure maximum performance of an SSD drive, it is crucial to leave at least 15-20% of the total capacity free. If the disk is almost full, read and write speeds drop drastically, causing slowdowns in opening files and programs.

Why is it not recommended to use third-party cleaning software?

The tools built into Windows 11 are sufficient and safer for maintenance, avoiding the risk of damaging the system registry. Furthermore, many external cleaning programs remain active in the background, consuming valuable resources and paradoxically slowing down the computer.

When is it necessary to reset the PC to factory settings?

A reset is recommended as a last resort when standard optimizations do not resolve frequent system errors or extreme slowness. Windows 11 offers the ‘Reset this PC’ option which allows you to reinstall the operating system while keeping your personal files safe.

Are these optimizations safe for my data?

Yes, all procedures described in this article use native Windows 11 tools and standard settings. They do not involve deleting personal data (photos, documents, emails). However, when performing disk cleanup, it is always advisable to carefully read what you are deleting before confirming, especially if you select the “Downloads” folder.

Do I need to download third-party cleaning programs?

Generally, no. Windows 11 includes very effective maintenance tools like Storage Sense and Windows Security. Using external “cleaner” software can be risky if you are not an expert, as they might delete useful registry keys or introduce invasive advertising. Built-in tools are sufficient for most users.

How often should I restart my computer?

It is advisable to fully restart the PC at least once a week. Windows’ “Fast Startup” feature makes a classic shutdown more like a deep hibernation. A restart (Selecting “Restart”) effectively closes all processes, clears the RAM, and installs any pending updates, restoring optimal performance.

Why is my PC slow immediately after an update?

It is normal to notice a slight slowdown immediately after a major system update. Windows may be performing file indexing and optimization operations in the background. Additionally, the system might need to download additional updates for apps. Usually, the situation stabilizes by itself within a few hours of use.

Conclusions

Speeding up Windows 11 does not require advanced computer skills, but only a methodical and consistent approach. We have seen how small adjustments to startup settings, visual effects, and power management can transform the user experience. In an era where technology is central to our lives, keeping one’s tools efficient is an act of care towards one’s time and work.

By applying these tips, you will not only improve your PC’s performance but also extend its useful life. This approach perfectly marries the philosophy of recovery and efficiency, core values for conscious technological consumption. A fast computer is a silent ally that allows you to focus on what really matters, eliminating friction between your intention and digital action.