Alex Ruben
How to Fix Windows 11 Lagging and Slow Performance Issues in 2025
If you’re experiencing lagging and slow performance on your Windows 11 device, you’re not alone. This comprehensive guide will take you through essential steps to troubleshoot and enhance the performance of your laptop, desktop, computer, or tablet running Windows 10 or 11. You’ll learn how to disable unnecessary startup apps, adjust performance settings, clean temporary files, repair corrupted system files, and more, ensuring a smoother and faster user experience.
Step 1: Disable Startup Apps
The first step in addressing lagging performance is to disable unnecessary startup applications that can slow down your system. To do this, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager. Under the Startup tab, you’ll see a list of applications that launch when you start your computer. Right-click on any unwanted applications and select Disable to prevent them from starting automatically, which can significantly improve boot times and overall performance.
Step 2: Adjust for Best Performance
Next, you can optimize your system’s visual effects for better performance. Press sysdm.cpl in the Run dialog (activate it using Windows + R) to open the System Properties. In the Advanced tab, under the Performance section, click on Settings. Select Adjust for best performance. This setting disables many visual effects, which will boost the system speed. While this may diminish graphics’ appearance, the performance gain is usually worth it.
Step 3: Disable Unwanted Microsoft Services
Disabling unnecessary Microsoft services can also free up system resources. Open the Run dialog using Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter. In the Services tab, check the box for Hide all Microsoft services and disable any other services that you don’t need. Be cautious when disabling services; only disable those that you are sure are unnecessary for your system’s operation.
Step 4: Clean Temporary Files
Cleaning temporary files is crucial for maintaining system performance. To do this efficiently, press Windows + R to open the Run command. Enter temp, and press Enter; this will display the temp files. Delete all files in this folder. Then, open the Run dialog again, type %temp%, and press Enter to access the user temp folder. Again, delete all files found here. Finally, do the same for prefetch to remove a cache used by the system. Clearing these files helps free up disk space and improve performance.
Step 5: Repair Windows File Corruption
If system performance issues persist, you may have file corruption. To repair this, open the Command Prompt as an administrator by searching for cmd in the start menu, right-clicking, and selecting Run as administrator. Once the Command Prompt is open, enter sfc /scannow and hit Enter. This command scans for system file corruption and attempts to repair any issues found, which can significantly enhance system performance. After the process finishes, don’t forget to restart your computer.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
To further ease the process, consider regularly checking for Windows updates, managing your hard drive space, and avoiding too many background applications running simultaneously. Common issues include mistakenly disabling necessary services or failing to clean all temp files. Ensure you follow every step carefully to prevent future slowdowns.
By following these steps, you should see a noticeable improvement in your Windows 11 device’s performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Windows 11 machine lagging?
Windows 11 lagging can be caused by various factors, including numerous startup applications, unnecessary services running in the background, insufficient disk space, or corrupted system files.
What is the best way to improve system performance?
To enhance performance, regularly disable unnecessary startup apps, clean temporary files, and keep your system updated. Additionally, adjusting performance settings can provide immediate benefits.
Can I use these steps on any Windows 10 or 11 device?
Yes, these instructions can be applied to any device running Windows 10 or 11, regardless of the manufacturer, including Dell, HP, Acer, Asus, Toshiba, Lenovo, and Samsung.
