Is your Windows 11 slower than it should be? Check these settings!

Every operating system needs regular maintenance, and Windows 11 is no exception. While Microsoft is constantly adding new features, these often put additional strain on the processor and RAM. The problem usually starts with programs that start automatically when you turn on your computer, as well as the accumulation of digital traces left by applications and system updates. Without regular cleaning, your system can become sluggish and response times can increase.

1. Cleaning system storage and temporary files

Windows 11 has a built-in deep cleaning tool that you can launch manually:

• Press Win + I (Settings) > System > Storage.
• Click on Temporary files.
• Check all (except "Downloads" if you keep your files there) and click Remove files.

2. Managing startup programs (Autostart)

Programs that start at startup are the biggest culprit for slow startup.

• Fast track: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc (Task Manager) > tab Startup applications. Right-click on unnecessary programs (e.g. Steam, Spotify, Cortana) and select Disable.
• Advanced path (Autoruns): Download the tool Microsoft Sysinternals Autoruns. Run it as administrator. On the "Everything" tab, uncheck the entries you don't need. Attention: Don't touch entries labeled "Microsoft" or "Windows" if you're not sure.

3. Analyze and optimize the WinSxS folder

This folder stores old versions of system files and can become huge. To safely clean it, use the command line:

1. Press Win + S, enter cmd, right click and Run as administrator.
2. To analyze the actual size, enter: Dism.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /AnalyzeComponentStore
3. If the system advises cleaning, enter: Dism.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanup

4. Disabling Recall and Copilot (AI)

If you have a Copilot+ PC, the Recall feature takes up to 150 GB of space (depending on your settings).

• Disabling via settings: Settings > Privacy and security > Recall and screenshots. Turn off the "Save screenshots" switch.
• Deleting recordings: In the same menu, click Delete all recordings.

5. Removing system clutter (Bloatware)

To remove pre-installed apps that Windows won't let you delete in the normal way, use PowerShell:

1. Right-click on the Start button > Terminal (administrator).
2. To list all packages, enter: Get-AppxPackage | Select Name
3. To uninstall a specific application (e.g. Xbox), type: Get-AppxPackage *xboxapp* | Remove-AppxPackage

6. Creating a restore point (Required before any intervention)

Always secure your system before starting advanced commands:

1. Enter in the search Create a restore point.
2. Click on the button Create, enter a name (e.g. “Before optimization”) and confirm.

For immediate effect, disable unnecessary startup applications in Task Manager, run StartComponentCleanup in CMD, and turn off Recall in Privacy Settings. This will free up RAM and disk space without risking system stability.