How to Speed Up Windows 11 & Fix Slow PC Performance (2026 Masterclass), by Rich B Guides on YouTube. 9 min 37 s.
- Video length
- 9 min 37 s
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Open Settings, go to System, then Storage, and turn on Storage Sense. Set it to delete temporary files and empty the Recycle Bin automatically.
Type Disk Cleanup in the Start search box, pick the C: drive, tick Temporary files, Recycle Bin and Delivery Optimization Files, then click OK.
Restart your PC to clear the RAM cache, or sign out and back in. In Task Manager, sort by memory and end apps you are not using.
In Task Manager, open the Processes tab, sort by CPU and end heavy background apps. Then set rarely used apps to never run in the background under Settings, Apps.
Open Task Manager, go to Startup apps, and disable entries marked High impact that you do not need at login.
In Settings, Apps, Installed apps, uninstall programs you no longer use. Move large videos and photos to an external drive.
Turn off extra diagnostic data: Settings, Privacy and security, Diagnostics and feedback, then set diagnostic data to Required only and switch off tailored experiences.
Open Run, type %temp% and delete the files. Then open C:\Windows\Prefetch as administrator and delete the.pf files.
Only if the PC is still slow, back up your files and use Settings, System, Recovery, Reset this PC to return to factory defaults.
Tips and common mistakes
Pause Windows updates for a few weeks instead of disabling them for good, so your PC keeps getting security fixes.
Deleting prefetch files gives a short boost at best, since Windows rebuilds them and apps may open slower for a day.
The reserved bandwidth tweak rarely speeds up a home connection, so skip it if you are unsure.
Aim to keep at least 15 to 20 GB free on the C: drive so Windows has room for updates and the page file.
Questions
Will deleting temp and prefetch files break anything?
No. Windows recreates temp files as needed and rebuilds prefetch data. Close open programs first so files are not in use.
Is it safe to disable startup apps?
Yes. Disabling only stops them opening at login. You can still launch them from the Start menu and turn them back on any time.
How much space should I free up?
Aim for at least 15 to 20 GB free on the C: drive. Below that, Windows updates and the page file start to struggle.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
