Windows 10/11 optimization
2026-05-24 · Windows
**Optimizing Windows 10/11 for Maximum Performance**
Over time, Windows 10 and Windows 11 can start working slower: the computer takes longer to turn on, freezes, opens programs slowly, or heavily loads the processor and disk. In many cases, the problem is not a “weak computer,” but unnecessary programs, startup apps, junk files, viruses, or incorrect settings.
What you can do to speed up Windows:
**1. Disable unnecessary startup programs**
Open:
Task Manager → Startup
Disable programs that do not need to start immediately when the computer turns on: messengers, game launchers, unnecessary update tools, cloud services, and other extra programs.
**2. Clean up drive C**
If there is little free space on drive C, Windows can start working slower. It is recommended to keep at least 15–20% free space.
Open:
Settings → System → Storage
From there, you can delete temporary files.
**3. Remove unnecessary programs**
Open:
Settings → Apps
Uninstall programs you do not use. Pay special attention to unknown “speed boosters,” toolbars, advertising programs, and old driver packs.
**4. Scan the system for viruses**
Viruses, miners, and advertising programs often heavily load the processor, disk, and internet. Scan the computer with antivirus software. If the computer suddenly became slow, this is one of the first things to check.
**5. Update drivers**
Old or incorrect drivers can cause slow performance, errors, and problems with Wi-Fi, sound, or the graphics card. It is especially important to check graphics card, chipset, Wi-Fi, and audio drivers.
**6. Disable unnecessary visual effects**
On weaker computers, you can disable some animations:
This PC → Properties → Advanced system settings → Performance → Settings
Choose “Adjust for best performance” or disable only the effects you do not need.
**7. Check the HDD/SSD**
If Windows takes a long time to boot, programs open slowly, and the disk constantly shows 100% usage, the storage drive may be the problem. An old HDD is often the main reason for slow performance. Replacing an HDD with an SSD gives one of the most noticeable speed improvements.
**8. Do not install suspicious “speed booster” programs**
Many programs that promise to “speed up Windows twice as fast” actually add ads, background services, and extra load. It is better to optimize Windows manually or use trusted tools.
**9. Restart the computer after updates**
After Windows updates, the system may continue finishing setup tasks in the background. Restarting the computer helps complete these processes and makes the system more stable.
**10. Check the temperature**
If the processor or graphics card overheats, Windows may reduce performance. A laptop may become noisy, hot, and slow. In this case, dust cleaning and thermal paste replacement may be needed.
**When to contact a specialist**
If the computer still works slowly after all these steps, restarts by itself, takes a long time to boot, or shows errors, it is better to do proper diagnostics. Sometimes the problem is not Windows, but the disk, RAM, overheating, or power supply.
On the PROXAK forum, write your computer or laptop model, which Windows version is installed, how much RAM you have, whether you use HDD or SSD, and what exactly is slow: startup, browser, games, or the whole system. With this information, it will be easier to give accurate advice.