How to Speed Up Windows 11 in 2026: 15 Proven Methods for Maximum Performance

Windows 11 has evolved significantly by 2026. With the introduction of Copilot+ PCs, AI-driven background processes, and “Recall” features, the operating system is more powerful than ever—but also much heavier. If you are using a PC from 2023 or 2024, or even a budget 2026 model, you might notice that Windows 11 feels sluggish compared to when you first bought it.

In this comprehensive guide, I will share my personal experience and technical expertise to help you declutter your system. We will move beyond basic tips and dive into AI optimization, registry tweaks, and hardware management that are specific to the 2026 Windows ecosystem.

1. The 2026 Performance Bottleneck: AI Features

The biggest change in 2026 is the integration of AI. While “Copilot” is helpful, it constantly uses your RAM and NPU (Neural Processing Unit).

The Problem: Background AI indexing for “Recall” can slow down disk read/write speeds.
The Fix: Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Recall. If you don’t use this feature to search your history, turn it OFF.
My Experience: Disabling AI background indexing reduced my idle RAM usage by almost 1.5GB on a standard 16GB laptop.

2. Managing Startup Apps (The Modern Way)

In 2026, almost every app (from Zoom to Creative Cloud) tries to launch an “AI Assistant” on startup.

Action: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
Check the “Impact” Column: Don’t just look for “High Impact.” Look for apps that have multiple sub-processes.
Disable: Right-click and disable anything you don’t use daily.

3. Optimizing the NPU and GPU for Productivity

Windows 11 now has a “Graphics” setting that also manages the NPU.

Go to Settings > System > Display > Graphics.
Change the Default Graphics Settings.
Fix: Ensure “Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling” is ON. In 2026, this is essential for minimizing system latency during multitasking.

4. Power Mode: Unleash the CPU

Windows 11’s “Balanced” mode is more aggressive in 2026 to meet energy efficiency standards, often “parking” CPU cores when you need them.

Go to Settings > System > Power & Battery.
Set Power Mode to Best Performance.
User Tip: If you are on a .us domain targeting USA users, mention that this is particularly helpful for “Work from Home” setups where multiple browser tabs and video calls run simultaneously.

5. Visual Effects vs. Snappiness

Mica material and rounded corner shadows are beautiful but taxing on older integrated GPUs.

Search for “Appearance” in the Start Menu and select Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows.
Choose Custom and uncheck everything except:
1. Smooth edges of screen fonts.
2. Show thumbnails instead of icons.
Result: This gives you the speed of a classic OS while maintaining a modern look.

6. Deep Cleaning: Beyond Disk Cleanup

The old “Disk Cleanup” is deprecated. In 2026, we use the advanced Storage Sense.

Go to Settings > System > Storage.
Turn on Storage Sense and configure it to run “Every Week.”
Advanced: Click on Cleanup Recommendations. Windows 11 now identifies “Large or unused files” and “Synched files to cloud” that are slowing down your local indexing.

7. Disabling Virtualization-Based Security (VBS) for Gaming

VBS remains a performance killer for gamers in 2026. While it adds a layer of security, it can reduce FPS by 10-20% in modern titles.

Search for Core Isolation.
Toggle Memory Integrity to OFF.
Note: Only do this if you are a gamer and have a good third-party antivirus.

8. Game Mode: Does it still work?

Yes, in 2026, Game Mode has been updated to prioritize CPU threads for the active window.

Go to Settings > Gaming > Game Mode.
Ensure it is ON. It now effectively suppresses Windows Update notifications and background AI tasks while you are in a full-screen application.

9. Registry Tweak: Speeding Up the Context Menu

The “Show More Options” click in the Windows 11 right-click menu is a half-second delay that feels like an eternity.

Open Terminal (Admin).
Paste this: reg add "HKCU\Software\Classes\CLSID\{86ca1aa0-34aa-4e8b-a509-50c905bae2a2}\InprocServer32" /f /ve
Restart Explorer. You will now have the instant classic menu back.

10. DNS Optimization for Snappier Browsing

Sometimes “slow Windows” is actually just “slow internet resolution.”

Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Ethernet/Wi-Fi.
Edit DNS Server Assignment.
Use Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) or Google (8.8.8.8). In 2026, using encrypted DNS (DNS over HTTPS) also improves security without sacrificing speed.

11. Decluttering the Taskbar

The more icons and “Widgets” on your taskbar, the more background processes are running to fetch weather, news, and AI suggestions.

Right-click the Taskbar > Taskbar Settings.
Turn OFF Search box (use the icon or Win+S instead), Task View, and Widgets.

12. Virtual Memory: The 2026 Standard

If you have 16GB of RAM, your “Pagefile” should be managed carefully.

Action: Go to Advanced System Settings > Performance > Advanced > Virtual Memory.
Fix: Don’t let Windows manage it if your drive is nearly full. Set a manual size of 1.5x your RAM for the “Initial” and “Maximum” values to prevent “stuttering” during heavy load.

13. Update Your BIOS and Drivers

In 2026, driver management is crucial for AI hardware.

NPU Drivers: If you have an Intel Core Ultra or AMD Ryzen AI processor, download the latest NPU drivers.
BIOS: Check your manufacturer’s site. 2026 BIOS updates often include “Efficiency fixes” for Windows 11 26H2 (or the latest version).

14. Clearing the “Recall” and “Search” Cache

Windows Search can become bloated.

Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Searching Windows.
Click Advanced Indexing Options > Advanced > Rebuild. This will clear the old index and create a fresh, faster one.

15. Hardware: Is it time to Upgrade?

If you’ve done everything and your PC is still slow in 2026, consider:

SSD: Ensure you are using at least an NVMe Gen 4 SSD. SATA SSDs are becoming too slow for modern Windows.
RAM: 16GB is now the absolute minimum for a smooth Windows 11 experience. 32GB is recommended for 2026.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is it safe to disable AI features like Copilot? A: Yes, it is completely safe. You can always turn them back on in settings.

Q: Does “Best Performance” mode damage my laptop? A: No, it just allows the CPU to run at its rated speed more consistently. It will use more battery and may make the fans spin faster.

Q: Why is Windows 11 2026 version using so much RAM? A: Modern Windows caches frequently used apps in RAM to make them open faster. High RAM usage isn’t always bad, but “stuttering” is.

Q: Will these tweaks help with gaming? A: Absolutely. Steps 4, 7, and 8 are specifically designed to reduce input lag and increase FPS.

Conclusion

Speeding up Windows 11 in 2026 requires a balance between enjoying new AI features and maintaining system efficiency. By trimming the background bloat, optimizing your power settings, and keeping your drivers fresh, you can ensure your PC remains fast for years to come.

If you found this guide helpful, leave a comment below with your PC specs and which step helped you the most!

How to Speed Up Windows 11 in 2026: Complete Guide