Windows 11 Optimization Settings: Create a Faster and More Comfortable PC Environment

In this article, we'll show you how to optimize your Windows 11 settings to make it easier to use.


Windows 11 offers a sophisticated design and various convenient features, but some users may feel that it is slower than previous versions or that it consumes a lot of system resources. However, you can improve the performance of Windows 11 and create a more comfortable PC environment by adjusting some optimization settings. In this article, we will introduce detailed optimization settings to help you use Windows 11 quickly and efficiently.

Windows 11 Optimization Settings
Windows 11 Optimization Settings


1. Manage startup programs: Boldly kill unnecessary programs!

One of the most important parts that is directly related to the PC boot speed is the 'startup programs'.

The more programs that run automatically when Windows starts, the longer the boot time will be and they can take up resources in the background, reducing overall system performance.

How to set up:

  • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  • Click the ' Startup Apps ' tab.
  • Select the programs you think are unnecessary from the list and click the ' Disable ' button at the bottom right.
  • In particular, check for messenger apps, cloud sync services, and update programs that often run automatically at startup. (Examples: KakaoTalk, OneDrive, Steam, Spotify, etc.)
  • If you are not sure which program it is, it is best to search for information and then decide.


2. Optimizing Visual Effects: Balancing Performance and Aesthetics

Windows 11 includes many visually stunning effects, but these effects use a lot of graphic resources.

For users with older hardware or who prioritize performance, disabling some visual effects may be helpful.

How to set up:

  • Press Win + R keys to open the Run window , type sysdm.cpl and press Enter.
  • In the System Properties window , click the ' Advanced ' tab.
  • In the ' Performance ' section , click the ' Settings ' button.
  • In the ' Visual Effects ' tab, select one of the following:
    • ' Adjust for best performance ': Disables all visual effects to get the highest performance possible. (Fastest, but may be visually clunky.)
    • ' Custom ': Manually disable visual effects (e.g. animations, shadows, transparency, etc.) that you deem unnecessary in the list. We recommend starting by leaving only 'Use visual styles for windows and buttons' and 'Smooth edges of screen fonts' and unchecking the rest.

3. Clean up storage space: Delete unnecessary files!

If your hard drive or SSD is running low on space or is overloaded with temporary files, old update files, etc., this can cause system performance to deteriorate. Periodic storage space cleanup is essential.

How to set up:

  • Open the Settings app and go to System > Storage.
  • Enable ' Storage Sense '. This feature automatically removes unnecessary files when disk space is low.
  • You can click ' Free up space now ' to manually delete unnecessary files in temporary files, download folder, recycle bin, etc.
  • Click on ' Cleanup Recommendations ' to see which large files or unused apps you can remove.
  • Click on the ' Temporary files ' entry to select the types of files you want to delete and click 'Remove files'. In particular, 'Windows Update Cleanup' can take up a lot of space, so it is recommended to remove it periodically.


4. Background app management: Avoid wasting resources

Some apps run in the background even when you are not using them, consuming system resources. This can also affect battery drain, especially for laptop users.

How to set up:

  • Open the Settings app and go to Apps > Apps & features.
  • Click the … (More) menu in the top right corner, then select Advanced Options.
  • In the ' Background app permissions ' section, you can set whether the app can run in the background.
  • You can limit background execution by setting it to ' Optimized power use (recommended) ' or ' Never '.
  • It is recommended that you set apps that you do not use frequently or apps that you deem unnecessary to run in the background to 'Never'.


5. Power mode setting: Optimized for high performance

Your PC's power settings have a direct impact on its performance. Desktop users or laptop users who are always plugged in are especially advised to set it to 'Best Performance' or 'High Performance' mode.

How to set up:

  • Open the Settings app and go to System > Power & battery.
  • Click the ' Power Mode ' drop-down menu.
  • Select ' High Performance ' or ' High Performance '. (On some systems, 'Balanced' is the default, and you may need to look for 'High Performance' under 'Additional Power Settings'.)
  • Note to laptop users: 'Best Performance' mode drains the battery faster, so it is recommended to use 'Balanced' or 'Power Saver' mode when using the battery.


6. Disk Defragmentation (Skip for SSD users): Improve HDD performance

If you use a HDD (hard disk drive), the speed of reading and writing data will slow down when files are fragmented. Regular disk defragmentation can improve the performance of your HDD. However, SSD (solid state drive) does not need disk defragmentation, and it can actually shorten its lifespan, so never do it.

How to set up (HDD users only):

  • Search for ' Defragment and optimize drives ' in the Windows search bar and run it.
  • Select your HDD drive and click the ' Optimize ' button.
  • You can set up scheduled optimizations via ' Change Settings ' as needed .


7. Manage notifications and distractions: Eliminate unnecessary distractions

Frequent notifications can interrupt your workflow and reduce your focus. It’s a good idea to only receive notifications that you absolutely need and disable unnecessary ones.

How to set up (notifications):

  • Open the Settings app and go to System > Notifications.
  • Turn off ' Notifications from apps and other senders ' or individually disable notifications for apps you don't need from the list.

How to set up (focused support):

  • Open the Settings app and go to System > Focus Assist.
  • Enabling ' Focus Assist ' will limit notifications and reduce distractions during certain times.
  • You can set up 'Automatic Rules' to automatically turn on Focus Assist under certain conditions (e.g. when in full screen mode, during certain times of day).


8. Enable Game Mode: Improves game performance (essential for gamers)

Windows 11’s ‘Game Mode’ helps improve game performance by optimizing system resources while playing games. It reduces background processes and allocates more resources to games.

How to set up:

  • Open the Settings app and go to Gaming > Game Mode.
  • Set ' Game Mode ' to ' On '.


9. Disable unnecessary services: For advanced users

Windows runs a variety of system services. Many of these services are not in use, and they can consume resources in the background. This part requires understanding of the system, and disabling services incorrectly can cause system errors, so be careful.

How to set up:

  • Press Win + R keys to open the Run window, type services.msc and press Enter.
  • In the Services window, check the description and startup type of each service.
  • Double click to open the Properties window, where you can change the Startup Type to Manual or Disabled.
  • Recommended services to disable (carefully):
    • Print Spooler (if you don't have a printer or are not using one)
    • Fax (if not using fax)
    • Superfetch / SysMain (not necessary for SSD users, debatable for HDD users)
    • Windows Search (if you don't use the search feature often or if you use another search tool)
  • WARNING: This part is best left untouched unless you have expert knowledge. Do not disable any services you are unsure about.


10. Driver and Windows Updates: Always keep them up to date

It is always recommended to keep your drivers and Windows operating system up to date. The latest drivers provided by the manufacturer help improve performance and fix bugs, while Windows updates include security enhancements and improvements to system stability and performance.

Driver Update:

  • Visit the websites of major hardware manufacturers, including graphics cards (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel), motherboards, and sound cards, to download and install the latest drivers.
  • You can press Win + X to open Device Manager , right-click on each device and try 'Update Driver', but it's more reliable to get it directly from the manufacturer's website.

Windows Update:

  • Open the Settings app and go to Windows Update.
  • Click 'Check for Updates' to install the latest updates.


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