By mid-2026, Windows 11 has evolved into a powerhouse of a functional operating system, but let’s be honest: it has also become quite heavy. Between the integrated AI features, background telemetry, and the ever-increasing demands of modern software, even a high-end laptop can start to feel a bit sluggish after a few months of use. If you have noticed that your PC takes a second too long to open the Start menu or that your fans are spinning louder than they used to, you are not alone.
Speeding up Windows 11 in 2026 isn’t just about deleting a few old files. It requires a deeper dive into the settings that Microsoft often keeps tucked away. In this guide, we are going to explore 15 hidden features and professional-grade optimization tips that will help you reclaim your system’s speed, reduce latency, and ensure your workflow stays uninterrupted.
1. Leverage Efficiency Mode in Task Manager
One of the most underrated features added to Windows 11 is “Efficiency Mode.” This is particularly useful if you have certain apps—like browsers or sync tools—that hog CPU resources in the background. Efficiency Mode limits the process priority and improves energy efficiency, but more importantly, it stops that specific app from stealing cycles from the task you are actually working on.
How to enable it:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
- Click on the Processes tab.
- Find a background process that is using a lot of CPU.
- Right-click it and select Efficiency Mode.
Pro Tip: You cannot enable this for core Windows processes, but it works wonders for third-party tools like Slack, Spotify, or Discord.
2. Disable VBS (Virtualization-Based Security) for Gaming
If you are a gamer, this is the single most impactful change you can make. Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) provides an extra layer of protection, but it can cause a performance hit of up to 25% in some titles. In 2026, with the latest security updates, many users find that the performance trade-off is no longer worth it for a home gaming rig.
How to check and disable:
- Search for Core Isolation in the Start menu.
- Toggle Memory Integrity to Off.
- Restart your computer.
Note: Only do this if you prioritize gaming performance and have other security measures (like a solid firewall) in place.
3. Optimize Windows Search Indexing
Windows 11 constantly indexes your files so you can find them instantly. However, if you have hundreds of thousands of files, this indexing process can constantly eat up your disk and CPU usage. By narrowing down what Windows actually looks for, you can significantly reduce background lag.
Steps to optimize:
- Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Searching Windows.
- Under “Find my files,” select Classic instead of Enhanced.
- Click Customize search locations and remove folders you never search for (like large game directories or backup folders).
4. Turn Off Transparency Effects
Windows 11 looks beautiful with its Mica and acrylic glass effects, but those visual flourishes require GPU power. If you are using an older device or an integrated graphics chip, these effects can make the UI feel “heavy.” Turning them off makes the interface feel much snappier.
How to disable:
- Open Settings.
- Navigate to Accessibility > Visual Effects.
- Toggle Transparency effects to Off.
5. Enable Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling
This feature allows your graphics card to manage its own memory, reducing latency and potentially increasing frame rates in modern applications and games. In 2026, most modern GPUs fully support this, but it isn’t always enabled by default.
How to enable:
- Go to Settings > System > Display > Graphics.
- Click Change default graphics settings.
- Toggle Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling to On.
6. Tame Your Startup Apps (The 2026 Way)
We all know about startup apps, but in 2026, many apps have “helper” processes that don’t show up in the standard list. You need to be aggressive here. Every second added to your boot time is a second wasted.
Refined Startup Clean-up:
- Go to Settings > Apps > Startup.
- Sort by “Startup impact.”
- Turn off everything you don’t need the exact second you turn on your PC.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to check the Services tab in Task Manager (filter by non-Microsoft services) to find hidden auto-start items.
7. Adjust Power Mode for Best Performance
Windows 11 defaults to a “Balanced” power plan, which often throttles your CPU to save battery or reduce heat. If you are plugged into a power outlet, there is no reason to be on Balanced mode.
How to change it:
- Navigate to Settings > System > Power & Battery.
- Find Power mode and select Best performance.
8. Clean Up the “WinSxS” Folder
The WinSxS folder (Windows Side-by-Side) stores old versions of system components. Over time, this folder grows to massive proportions, slowing down system updates and disk access. You can’t delete it manually, but you can use the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool to prune it.
The command:
- Open Terminal (Admin).
- Type:
Dism.exe /online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanup - Press Enter and let it run. This can reclaim gigabytes of space.
9. Manage Background AI and Copilot Features
By 2026, Microsoft’s AI (Copilot) is deeply integrated into the OS. While helpful, it uses system resources to maintain its readiness. If you find you don’t use the AI features often, disabling the background presence can free up RAM.
Steps:
- Go to Settings > Personalization > Taskbar.
- Toggle Copilot to Off.
- Navigate to Privacy & Security > Permissions and limit AI permissions for apps you don’t use.
10. Use “Storage Sense” to Automate Maintenance
Instead of manually running Disk Cleanup every week, let Windows do it for you. Storage Sense can automatically delete temporary files, empty your Recycle Bin, and manage cloud content that hasn’t been opened in a while.
How to set it up:
- Go to Settings > System > Storage.
- Turn on Storage Sense.
- Click on it to configure schedules (e.g., “Run Storage Sense every week”).
11. Disable Unnecessary Visual Notifications
Every time a notification pop-up appears, Windows has to render a window with transparency and animation. While minor, constant notifications can cause micro-stuttering during intensive tasks.
How to fix:
- Go to Settings > System > Notifications.
- Turn off notifications for apps you don’t care about.
- Scroll to the bottom and uncheck “Offer suggestions on how I can set up my device” and “Get tips and suggestions when I use Windows.” These are essentially built-in ads that consume resources.
12. Optimize Virtual Memory (Page File)
If you have a fast NVMe SSD, you can optimize how Windows uses your drive as “virtual RAM.” This is especially helpful if you have 16GB of RAM or less and tend to run many heavy applications at once.
Steps to optimize:
- Search for View advanced system settings.
- Under the Advanced tab, click Settings in the Performance section.
- Go to the Advanced tab and click Change.
- Uncheck “Automatically manage paging file size.”
- Select your C: drive and set a “Custom size” (usually 1.5x your total RAM for the maximum value).
13. Disable Delivery Optimization
Windows has a feature where your PC can upload parts of previously downloaded Windows Updates and apps to other PCs on your local network or the internet. This uses your CPU and your upload bandwidth.
How to disable:
- Go to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Delivery Optimization.
- Toggle Allow downloads from other PCs to Off.
14. Use Winget to Uninstall Hidden Bloatware
Some apps that come pre-installed with Windows 11 cannot be uninstalled via the standard Settings menu. However, the Windows Package Manager (Winget) can often remove them easily.
How to use it:
- Open Terminal.
- Type
winget listto see all installed apps. - To remove an app (e.g., News), type:
winget uninstall "Windows News"
15. Pause OneDrive Syncing During Work
OneDrive is a great tool, but its constant file-checking and syncing can cause disk spikes. If you are doing something resource-heavy like video editing or gaming, pause it.
How to pause:
- Click the OneDrive icon in your system tray.
- Click the Settings (gear) icon.
- Select Pause syncing and choose 2 or 8 hours.
Summary: A Faster Windows 11 Experience
Optimizing Windows 11 in 2026 isn’t about one single “magic button.” It’s about a combination of reducing visual load, managing background AI processes, and ensuring your hardware resources are directed where they matter most. By implementing even five or six of the tips above, you should notice a significant improvement in responsiveness and boot times.
Remember, the best way to keep your PC fast is to be mindful of what you install. Every app you add is another potential background process. Keep your system lean, keep it updated, and don’t be afraid to dive into the settings to make the OS work for you, rather than against you.
Final Checklist for a Fast PC:
- Keep at least 20% of your SSD space free.
- Restart your computer at least once every 2-3 days to clear the RAM and cache.
- Check for driver updates (especially for your GPU and Chipset) once a month.