Introduction
Windows 11 is Microsoft’s latest user-friendly operating system, featuring a modern interface, attractive design, increased performance, and improved security features. Although Windows Update provides essential security patches and new user-friendly features, some users have reported sluggish performance, computer freezing, unresponsive apps, slow startup, and slow response times after the update.
In this blog, I will discuss the reasons why Windows 11 might be slow after a Windows update and provide solutions to fix the problem.
Common Reason Why Windows 11 Slows Down after an Update
1) Computer's background processes are using excessive resources:
Background processes are programs or services that run on your computer’s background, performing tasks without direct user interaction. These processes can be third-party applications such as Skype, Antivirus Software, System Application Services, and System Manufacturing services, as well as Malware that silently consumes system resources like CPU, RAM Memory, and disk space without your permission.
After a Windows update, the system runs several background tasks, such as indexing files for faster searches, installing drivers and patches, applying pending updates, implementing new security updates, and optimizing system files for better performance. During these tasks, the system may consume significant resources in the initial phase, which can temporarily slow down your computer.
2) Outdated or Incompatible Drivers
Sometimes, Windows 11 updates may not automatically update system drivers. New drivers installed after an update may not be fully compatible with your computer’s hardware, which can lead to conflicts with existing drivers. Moreover, outdated or faulty drivers can result in low performance, security vulnerabilities, or system freezes. For example, old GPU, Wi-Fi, or SSD drivers may conflict with newly introduced drivers.
3) Startup Programs or Apps
New Windows updates may reset or add new startup programs or apps that can consume system resources, slowing down your startup time as soon as you turn on your computer.
4) Temporary Files and Cache:
After Windows updates, the system can store temporary files, prefetch data, cache files, web browser cache files, software setup logs, configuration data, and system error messages or debugging information. These accumulate over time, slowing down your system.
5) Corrupted or Damaged System Files
After the Windows 11 update, your computer may experience damaged or altered files, which can lead to errors, system crashes, or malfunctions in the operating system. This may cause the computer to run slowly or become vulnerable to security threats.
6) Low Storage Space
After a Windows 11 update, if your system does not have sufficient storage space, it can slow down your computer’s performance.
How to Speed Up your Computer After Windows 11 Update
If your Computer runs slow after an update, I suggest you to try these solutions to fix the issue
a) Restart Your Computer
Restarting your computer stops background tasks and clears temporary update glitches.
If your PC is frozen:
- Hold the power button until the computer screen goes completely off.
- Wait 30 seconds, then restart the computer.
b) Run the Windows Troubleshooter
The Windows system includes built-in troubleshooting features in the settings that can help resolve Windows Update issues and improve the computer’s performance.
- Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
- Click Run next to Windows Update.
- Apply the recommended fixes.
c) Remove Junk and Corrupted Files
- Press Windows + S, type Disk Cleanup in the search box, and open it.
- Or Press Windows + R, type Cleanmgr.exe in the run box, and open it.
- Select the C Drive (always).
- Check Temporary files, Windows Update Cleanup, and Delivery Optimization Files. Uncheck any other items.
- Click OK to delete them.
d) Check For Pending Updates
Microsoft releases follow-up updates occasionally to address security issues ,hardware issues and performance issues. Failing to update these may cause your computer to run slowly or freeze.
If you want to find out about the newly released update.
- Go to Settings > Windows Update and click “Check for updates.
d) Check For Pending Updates
Microsoft releases follow-up updates occasionally to address security issues ,hardware issues and performance issues. Failing to update these may cause your computer to run slowly or freeze.
If you want to find out about the newly released update.
- Go to Settings > Windows Update and click “Check for updates.
f) Disable Startup Apps
Some applications installed on your system launch automatically when you turn on the device, which can slow down boot time. In order to fix :
- OpenTask Manager(Ctrl + Shift + Esc). Alternatively, right-click on the taskbar to open Task Manager.
- Go to the Startup tab.
- Right-click on the apps you don’t want and select Disable.
f) Uninstall New Updates
If new Windows updates are causing your computer to run slowly or freeze, go to Settings and uninstall the latest update.
- Go to Settings > Windows Update > Update History > Uninstall Updates.
Frequently asked questions about Windows 11 Update
Why does my PC take longer to start after a Windows 11 update?
A computer may run slowly or take a long time to boot due to excessive startup programs, background processes, or update issues. To improve boot time and enhance performance, disable unnecessary startup applications or background processes using Task Manager.
How do I know if my update is causing the issue?
If your system was running fine without any issues before an update and is experiencing problems now, go to Windows Update History and uninstall the recent update.
Does resetting my PC fix slow performance?
Yes, if your computer is running slowly or causing other problems, try other solutions first. Resetting Windows deletes all installed programs. Reset Windows only when necessary.
- Go to Settings > Recovery > Reset this PC.
Should I install Windows 11 updates?
you should install Windows Updates for new security features and stability improvements. However, if a new windows update causes the issues, wait for a patch before installing.
Conclusion
A slow computer after Windows 11 updates can be frustrating, but this is rarely permanent. With the right troubleshooting steps—clearing junk, updating drivers—Windows 11 can run smoothly in your device. If you’re still having problems after running the troubleshooter, seek help from Microsoft’s support forums or a professional technician.
Still confused or stuck? Leave your questions in the comments or call me at +1- 844-405-0212. I am here to help!
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