Wait 24–48 hours for background processes like Windows Search or Service Host to complete, and restart your PC once to clear temporary tasks. 2. Check Settings > Windows Update for pending quality or optional updates that may include performance fixes. 3. Update drivers via Device Manager or your manufacturer’s website, or roll back recently updated drivers (especially graphics) if the slowdown started after an update. 4. Disable unnecessary startup programs in Task Manager and turn off background apps in Settings > Apps > Advanced app settings. 5. Run the built-in Performance troubleshooter, Disk Cleanup, and Defragment and Optimize Drives (for HDDs only). 6. Adjust visual effects by selecting “Adjust for best performance” in the Performance Options menu to reduce system load. 7. Run a full malware scan using Windows Security or Malwarebytes, and uninstall bloatware through Settings > Apps > Installed apps. 8. As a last resort, perform a repair install using the Windows 11 Installation Assistant or reset your PC via Settings > System > Recovery while keeping your files. Most post-update slowdowns can be resolved with these steps, and performance typically returns to normal shortly after addressing the underlying cause.

If your PC has slowed down after a Windows 11 update, you're not alone. Major updates can sometimes introduce performance hiccups due to background processes, driver conflicts, or new features consuming more resources. The good news is that most slowdowns can be fixed with a few targeted steps. Here’s what you can do:

1. Wait for Background Processes to Finish

After a Windows 11 update, the system often runs background tasks like indexing, telemetry, and optimization — especially in the first 24–48 hours.

• What to look for: High disk or CPU usage in Task Manager under processes like Windows Search, Runtime Broker, or Service Host.
• What to do: Give your PC some time. Avoid heavy multitasking for a day or two. These tasks usually settle down on their own.

? Tip: Restart your PC once after the update to help clear temporary processes and start fresh.

2. Check for and Install Pending Updates

Sometimes the initial update isn’t complete — Microsoft often releases follow-up patches shortly after a major update.

• Go to Settings > Windows Update.
• Click Check for updates.
• Install any optional or quality updates that appear.

These updates often include performance fixes and driver updates that can resolve post-update lag.

3. Update or Roll Back Drivers

Outdated or incompatible drivers (especially graphics, chipset, or SSD drivers) are common causes of slowdowns.

Update drivers:

• Press Win X > Device Manager.
• Expand categories like Display adapters, Storage controllers, and System devices.
• Right-click each device > Update driver > Search automatically.

Alternatively, visit your PC manufacturer’s website (e.g., Dell, HP, Lenovo) or component vendor (e.g., NVIDIA, Intel) for the latest drivers.

Roll back a driver (if the issue started recently):

• In Device Manager, right-click the device > Properties > Driver tab.
• Click Roll Back Driver if the option is available (especially useful after a graphics driver update).

4. Disable Startup Programs and Background Apps

Too many apps launching at startup can make boot times and general performance sluggish.

Reduce startup load:

• Open Task Manager (Ctrl Shift Esc).
• Go to the Startup tab.
• Disable unnecessary apps (e.g., Spotify, Discord, Adobe Updater).

Turn off background apps:

• Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps > scroll down and click Advanced app settings > Background apps.
• Turn off apps you don’t need running in the background.

5. Run Performance Troubleshooter and System Maintenance

Windows includes built-in tools to detect and fix common performance issues.

• Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
• Run the Performance troubleshooter.

Additionally:

• Run Disk Cleanup (search for it in Start) to remove temporary files.
• Run Defragment and Optimize Drives (for HDDs — not needed for SSDs).

6. Adjust for Best Performance (Visual Effects)

Windows 11’s visual effects can be heavy on older or lower-end hardware.

• Press Win S, type performance, and select Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows.
• Choose Adjust for best performance, or manually disable animations like Animate controls and Fade or slide menus.

This reduces GPU and CPU load, especially on systems with integrated graphics.

7. Check for Malware or Bloatware

Rarely, an update might expose or trigger hidden malware, or bloatware might become more active.

• Run a full scan with Windows Security (Settings > Privacy & Security > Windows Security).
• Consider using Malwarebytes (free version) for a second opinion.

Also, uninstall any apps you don’t use:

• Settings > Apps > Installed apps > uninstall unnecessary software.

8. Reset or Repair Windows (Last Resort)

If nothing works, consider a repair install or reset.

Option A: Repair install (keeps files and apps)

• Download the Windows 11 Installation Assistant from Microsoft.
• Run it to reinstall Windows over your current version without losing data.

Option B: Reset your PC

• Settings > System > Recovery > Reset this PC.
• Choose Keep my files to remove settings and apps but keep personal data.

This often resolves deep system issues caused by faulty update installations.

Slow performance after a Windows 11 update isn’t usually permanent. Most fixes involve waiting, updating drivers, or reducing background load. Try the steps in order — chances are, your PC will be back to normal in no time.

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