It is often frustrating when we buy a laptop with Windows 11, getting attracted by its features and performance guaranteed. However, it is frustrating to see the right opposite. Through this article, we will discover hidden Windows 11 settings and learn what can I do to make my computer match the speed it promised. If you want to speed up Windows 11 2026 and use a solid Windows 11 system optimization guide, these quick Windows 11 performance tweaks will make your system fly.
Startup Apps
We often don’t realize the number of apps that are there in the startup apps list. These apps, which open as the laptop starts, put immense pressure which will automatically slow down the laptop. In order to solve this, we just have some tweaks in the computer settings. The first step is to take the PC’s Settings page. Once you’re there, click on “Apps.” Then, scroll down and select “Startup” from the list. The startup page will allow you to see every app and program which are currently in the list of startup apps. You can manually toggle off unnecessary apps and you can see your laptop improving, which is a great way to boost Windows 11 startup speed.
Storage
There is nothing that can slow the laptop more than the storage reaching maximum capacity. If you are frequently in this situation where the storage fills up and you have to transfer your files to the cloud or uninstall apps, then Windows 11 has a solution for you. This is known as Storage Sense. However, this solution works effectively with mid-sized to larger SSDs and not small ones such as 128 GB. For those who just have this minimal storage, the easiest solution is to transfer their files to another SSD or hardware or delete unnecessary files.
For mid-range SSDs, you can make use of Storage Sense. When used, Storage Sense automatically clears excess data you don’t require on your drive, such as cache data, temporary files, old installation files from Windows updates, and items that have been in your Recycle Bin for an extended time. You can also change its settings to delete specific data you don’t need, such as items in your Downloads folder.
In order to turn Storage Sense on, head to your Settings and choose “System.” On the System page, select the “Storage” option. Once you’re on the Storage page, click “Storage Sense.” This page will give you options to enable the Storage Sense and also to customize it. Customization features include turning it on for how long is it only when your storage drive is low on storage or should it run frequently etc. It also has customization on what to delete, is it the downloaded files or other apps etc. With this feature enabled, you can see your laptop catching the speed it earlier had.
Fast Startup
Fast Startup is helpful if the laptop takes a long duration just to boot and start functioning. The fast startup allows the laptop to turn on quicker by enabling it to pick up from where it left off by saving a small system file rather than reloading everything from scratch. The feature is a hybrid version of a complete shut down and a sleep mode.
Although it is beneficial for most users, the feature is not accessible to people who use a dual-boot system (such as when using Linux) or with Wake-on-LAN. Additionally, you may need to turn off or bypass this setting by restarting your computer for updates to take effect completely. To turn it on, open your Control Panel. Then click on hardware and sound. You will then see an option power settings. When you choose it, you can toggle off and on the fast startup feature and also adjust your power settings. This is great if you want to tweak Windows 11 gaming performance settings.
Transparency Effects
Turn off transparency effects, which actually give the Windows 11 Start menu and taskbar an appealing look. However, if your laptop is with old or low CPU performance with Windows 11, then this setting will make a significant change in how much faster the laptop is. But when it comes to highly demanding graphical work or games, the feature will make minimal to no impact.
To turn this setting off, visit the settings page. Select personalization and colors, and within that, toggle off transparency effect. This is an easy alternative to trying to disable background apps Windows 11.
Page File Size
To ensure the laptop is running smooth in any circumstances, the Windows combine both RAM and virtual memory. Your virtual memory is designed to take some of the heavy load given to RAM when your RAM is full. This is the feature which prevents the laptop from constant freezing.
The good aspect is that you can increase the virtual memory. Although this won’t result in better performance, it reduces the number of times you waste by restarting and freezes the laptop would go through otherwise. Thereby saving massive amount of time. To enable this, go to settings, choose system. Select advanced settings from the options. In this window, you will see settings under the performance box. Click the second tab labeled “Advanced.” Select “Change” in the “Virtual memory” box to manage your pagefile. Over here, you get to choose either to automatically manage it or manually set a virtual memory. Choose according to your needs; however, it is suggested to choose automatically manage virtual memory. If this does not work, you can also try updating your RAM. If neither works, the other steps in this article can help you increase the speed of the laptop.
In Conclusion
By following these 5 settings hacks, the Windows 11 laptop will get faster than before. These Windows 11 performance tweaks include a limited startup apps, Storage Sense, fast startup, virtual memory, and even turning off transparency.
FAQ
1. What is the hugest threat to a fast laptop?
Answer: The hugest threat is storage.
2. Which laptops does turning off transparency feature work?
Answer: Older or low CPU laptops are the ones in which the hidden Windows 11 settings like the transparency feature work.
3. Which condition is Storage Sense feature ineffective?
Answer: The Storage Sense feature is ineffective in SSDs which have very low storage capacity such as 128 GB.
4. How much storage is required to make Storage Sense work?
Answer: 256 GB to 1 TB are the perfect spot where Storage Sense work.
5. Why does fast startup help?
Answer: Fast startup helps by saving system files which makes it possible to start from where it left off without reloading and wasting time.
Source These 5 Hidden Windows 11 Settings Instantly Made My PC Faster
