A slow Windows PC can be frustrating — apps take time to open, startup feels endless, and even simple tasks lag.
The good news? You can speed up Windows 10 or Windows 11 WITHOUT installing any software.

This step-by-step guide will help you boost performance instantly using only built-in Windows settings.

1. Disable Startup Apps (BIGGEST Speed Boost)

Too many apps load when your PC turns on, slowing your boot time.

How to do it:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
2. Go to Startup apps
3. Disable everything unnecessary like:
   • Spotify
   • Steam
   • Teams (if not needed)
   • Adobe Updater
   • Discord
   • Zoom auto-launch

✔️ What this does:

Your PC boots 2–5× faster because fewer apps load at startup.

2. Turn Off Background Apps You Don’t Use

Windows apps continue running in the background and consume RAM + CPU.

How to disable:

1. Open Settings
2. Go to Apps → Installed Apps
3. Select any app → Advanced Options
4. Under Background App Permissions, choose:
   Never

Do this for apps you don’t use regularly.

3. Run Storage Sense to Remove Junk Files

Temporary files slow down your system.

How to clean:

1. Open Settings → System → Storage
2. Turn on Storage Sense
3. Click Temporary Files
4. Select everything except Downloads
5. Click Remove files

You can recover GBs of space instantly.

4. Disable Visual Animations (Smooth but Slower UI)

Windows animations look good but use system resources — especially on older PCs.

Steps:

1. Press Windows Key → search “Adjust the appearance of Windows”
2. Open the settings
3. Select Adjust for best performance
4. OR manually uncheck:
   • Animations in taskbar
   • Fade animations
   • Shadows under windows

Your PC will feel much snappier.

5. Increase Virtual Memory (Fixes Lag/Stutters)

If your RAM is low (4GB/8GB), increasing virtual memory helps.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + R, type sysdm.cpl, press Enter
2. Go to Advanced → Performance → Settings
3. Open Advanced → Virtual memory
4. Uncheck Automatically manage paging file size
5. Select your drive, click Custom size
6. Set values:
   • Initial Size: 1.5 × RAM
   • Maximum Size: 3 × RAM

Example (8GB RAM):
Initial = 12000 MB
Max = 24000 MB

Click OK → Restart PC.

6. Disable Unnecessary Services

Windows runs many background services you don’t need.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + R
2. Type services.msc
3. You can safely set to Manual:
   • Bluetooth Support (if not using Bluetooth)
   • Remote Registry
   • Fax
   • Print Spooler (if no printer)

⚠️ Don’t disable anything you don’t understand.

7. Uninstall Bloatware You Never Use

Brand-new laptops often come with useless apps (McAfee trials, OEM apps, games).

Steps:

1. Open Settings → Apps → Installed apps
2. Remove anything unnecessary:
   • Xbox apps (if not used)
   • Candy Crush Suite
   • OEM apps (HP JumpStart, Lenovo Vantage extras)
   • Old versions of Java

This instantly frees space and reduces background usage.

8. Turn On “High Performance” Power Mode

By default, Windows uses balanced mode.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings → System → Power
2. Choose Best performance

You’ll notice faster app launches and less lag.

9. Restart Your PC Once a Week

Many people never restart their laptops.

Restarting helps by:

• Clearing RAM
• Closing stuck background apps
• Refreshing system performance

10. Keep Windows Updated (Important)

Updates include bug fixes, performance improvements, and security patches.

Check for updates:

Settings → Windows Update → Check for Updates

⭐ Bonus Tip: Use Built-In Windows Troubleshooter

Windows can automatically detect performance issues.

Steps:

1. Search Troubleshoot
2. Choose Additional Troubleshooters
3. Run:
   • Windows Update
   • Power
   • Program Compatibility

Final Results: What Will Improve?

After following this guide:

• Faster startup time
• Smoother multitasking
• Less lag
• More free storage
• Better overall performance

And all of it done without installing any third-party software.