How to Fix Slow Computer on Windows 11 – Quick Guide 2026 #WindowsTips

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Overview

Is your Windows 11 PC running slow in 2026? After recent updates (like January security patches), many users report lagging, high CPU usage, or slow boot. Here’s a quick, step-by-step fix that works for most cases – no advanced skills needed.

Step

1. The “Fresh Start” & Monitoring

Before changing any settings, give your computer a clean slate.

• Restart Your PC: Do not just “Shut Down” and turn it back on. Click Start → Power → Restart. This clears the system’s temporary memory (RAM).
• Identify Resource Hogs: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
  • Click the Processes tab.
  • Click the CPU or Memory column headers to sort by highest usage.
  • If a specific app (like a web browser with 50 tabs) is using >80%, right-click it and select End Task.

2. Manage Startup Apps

Many apps set themselves to start automatically when you turn on your PC, which slows down your boot time.

• How to do it: Go to Settings → Apps → Startup.
• Which ones to disable? Use this criteria:
  • High Impact: If the “Impact” column says “High,” it is slowing down your PC significantly.
  • The “Do I need it now?” Test: If it’s a communication tool (Slack/Teams) or a cloud sync (OneDrive) you use daily, keep it ON.
  • Third-party Apps: If it’s Spotify, Steam, or a printer helper, turn it OFF. You can always open them manually when you actually need them.

3. Storage Maintenance (Storage Sense)

Windows 11 can automatically clean up “digital junk” like temporary files and system logs.

• Go to Settings → System → Storage.
• Enable Storage Sense: Toggle this to On so Windows cleans up automatically.
• Manual Cleanup: Click on Cleanup recommendations. Select “Temporary files” and “Large or unused files,” then click Clean up.

4. Update Windows and Drivers

Updates fix bugs that cause slowdowns.

• Windows Update: Go to Settings → Windows Update and click Check for updates.
• Manufacturer Site (Crucial): Windows doesn’t always find the latest specialized drivers. Visit the official support website for your PC (e.g., Dell, HP, Lenovo, or ASUS) or your GPU (NVIDIA/AMD).
  • Enter your Model Number or Serial Number on their “Drivers & Downloads” page.
  • Download and install the latest BIOS, Chipset, and Graphics drivers.

5. Scan for Malware with Windows Security

You don’t need third-party software; Windows has a powerful built-in tool.

• Go to Settings → Privacy & security → Windows Security.
• Click Virus & threat protection.
• Select Scan options (under the Quick Scan button).
• Choose Full scan (this checks every file on your hard drive) and click Scan now.

6. System File Repair (Advanced but Safe)

If Windows files are corrupted, this command will fix them automatically.

1. Click the Start button and type cmd.
2. Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator.
3. Type the following and press Enter:
   sfc /scannow
4. Wait for the process to reach 100%. If it finds errors, it will repair them for you.

7. Bonus: Hardware Upgrades for 2026

If software fixes don’t work, your hardware might be the bottleneck.

Upgrade to an SSD

If your PC is still using a traditional Hard Disk Drive (HDD), it will always feel slow on Windows 11.

• The Fix: Replace your HDD with a SATA SSD or an NVMe M.2 SSD. This is the single most effective way to make an old PC feel brand new.

Increase Your RAM

Windows 11 requires a lot of memory to run smoothly, especially if you use Chrome or multitasking tools.

• The Goal: While 8GB is the minimum, you should aim for 16GB or higher for a fluid experience in 2026.
• Check your Task Manager (Performance tab) to see if you have extra slots available for a memory upgrade.

Would you like me to explain how to identify if your PC currently has an HDD or an SSD installed?

Helpful Resources

Fixed your slow PC? Let me know in the comments or tag @AtsushiCafeK on X! Works great in UK, Finland, and beyond. #WindowsTips

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