Windows 11 offers a sleek interface and powerful features, but over time, your system may slow down due to accumulated clutter and inefficient settings. Here are four proven tune-up tips to restore your PC's speed and responsiveness.

1. Optimize Startup Programs

One of the biggest culprits behind sluggish boot times is an overloaded startup sequence. Many applications configure themselves to launch automatically, consuming valuable RAM and CPU cycles.

How to fix it:
- Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager
- Navigate to the Startup tab
- Disable unnecessary programs (right-click → Disable)
- Prioritize keeping only security software and critical utilities

Pro Tip: Cloud storage apps and messaging platforms are common startup hogs that can often be safely disabled.

2. Run a Comprehensive Antivirus Scan

Malware and viruses can significantly degrade system performance by running background processes, mining cryptocurrency, or logging keystrokes.

Recommended steps:
- Use Windows Security (built-in) for a quick scan
- Schedule weekly full scans
- Consider a reputable third-party antivirus for enhanced protection
- Review Task Manager for suspicious processes

3. Free Up Disk Space

A nearly full SSD or HDD forces Windows to work harder for basic operations. The Storage Sense feature can automate much of the cleanup process.

Effective cleanup methods:
- Delete temporary files (Settings → System → Storage → Temporary Files)
- Uninstall unused applications
- Move large media files to external storage
- Clear browser caches (Chrome, Edge, Firefox)

4. Adjust Visual Effects for Performance

Windows 11's animations and transparency effects look great but consume system resources. Tweaking these settings can provide an instant performance boost.

Optimization path:
1. Search for "Performance" in Start menu
2. Select Adjust the appearance of Windows
3. Choose Adjust for best performance
4. Alternatively, manually disable specific effects like:
- Animated controls
- Fade effects
- Transparency

Bonus: Advanced Optimization Techniques

For power users willing to dive deeper:
- Update drivers through Device Manager
- Reset Virtual Memory settings
- Disable unnecessary services via Services.msc
- Clean install Windows 11 as a last resort

Regular maintenance using these methods can keep your Windows 11 machine running like new. The best approach combines periodic manual checks with automated tools where possible.