Speed up your computer without spending money on new hardware
Does your Windows 11 computer take forever to start? Do applications freeze when you need them most? You are not alone. Many Ugandan users with older laptops—purchased second-hand or handed down—struggle with Windows 11’s heavy demands.
The good news? You do not need to buy a new computer. With the right adjustments, even a slow PC can run Windows 11 smoothly. This guide walks you through free, practical steps that actually work.
Why Is Windows 11 Slow on Your PC?
Before fixing anything, understand the problem. Windows 11 requires more resources than Windows 10. The official minimum requirements are:
- Processor: 1 GHz or faster with at least 2 cores
- RAM: 4 GB (8 GB recommended)
- Storage: 64 GB or larger
- TPM 2.0 (security chip)
If your computer barely meets these, it will struggle. But even computers that exceed requirements can become slow due to junk files, unnecessary startup programs, and wrong settings.
Let us fix that.
Step 1: Remove What You Do Not Need
Uninstall Unused Applications
Every program takes space and sometimes runs background processes.
How to do it:
- Right-click the Start button → Installed apps
- Scroll through the list. Uninstall anything you have not used in three months.
- Pay special attention to: old games, toolbars, PC cleaner apps (many are fake), and multiple browsers.
Delete Temporary Files
Windows collects temporary files that slow down your system.
How to do it:
- Press
Windows + Rkey, typetempand press Enter. Delete everything inside. - Press
Windows + Ragain, type%temp%and press Enter. Delete everything. - Press
Windows + Ragain, typeprefetchand press Enter. Delete everything.
Do not worry if some files will not delete. Just skip them.
Run Disk Cleanup
This built-in tool removes system junk.
How to do it:
- Type Disk Cleanup in the Start menu search
- Select your main drive (usually C:)
- Check all boxes and click OK
- Click Clean up system files for deeper cleaning
Step 2: Stop Programs from Auto-Starting
This is the single most effective fix for slow boot times.
Many programs secretly add themselves to startup. Every time you turn on your computer, they all load at once.
How to stop them:
- Press
Ctrl + Shift + Escto open Task Manager - Click the Startup tab (or Startup apps)
- Look at the Status column
- Right-click any program with “Enabled” status that you do not need immediately
- Select Disable
What to disable safely:
- Spotify, Skype, Zoom, Discord
- Printer software
- Adobe updaters
- Microsoft Teams
- Any “helper” or “assistant” apps
What to keep enabled:
- Antivirus software
- Graphics drivers (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel)
- Touchpad or keyboard utilities
After disabling, restart your computer. You will notice a difference immediately.
Step 3: Adjust Visual Effects for Performance
Windows 11 looks beautiful because of animations, shadows, and transparency. These consume resources.
Switch to performance mode:
- Type “View advanced system settings” in the Start menu
- Under Performance, click Settings
- Select Adjust for best performance
- Click Apply then OK
Your computer will look like older Windows, but it will run much faster.
If the appearance bothers you, select Custom and check only:
- Smooth edges of screen fonts
- Show thumbnails instead of icons
- Use drop shadows for icons
Step 4: Optimize Your Storage
Turn on Storage Sense
This automatically deletes junk files.
How to do it:
- Go to Settings → System → Storage
- Turn on Storage Sense
- Click Run Storage Sense now
- Set it to run weekly
Free Up Space by Changing File Locations
If your C: drive is almost full, move personal files elsewhere.
What to move:
- Downloads folder
- Documents
- Pictures
- Music
- Videos
How to do it:
- Right-click each folder → Properties → Location tab
- Click Move and select a different drive (D: or external storage)
Uninstall OneDrive (If you do not use it)
OneDrive constantly syncs files in the background. If you use Google Drive or local storage, remove it.
How to do it:
- Settings → Apps → Installed apps
- Search for Microsoft OneDrive
- Click three dots → Uninstall
Step 5: Disable Unnecessary Background Apps
Many apps run in the background even when you never open them.
How to stop them:
- Go to Settings → Privacy & security → Background apps
- Turn off “Let apps run in the background” completely
Or disable individual apps that you do not need running constantly.
What to disable:
- Xbox apps
- News apps
- Weather
- Maps
- Your Phone
- Mail and Calendar (if you use Gmail in browser)
Step 6: Adjust Power Settings
Windows 11 hides performance behind power-saving modes.
How to unlock full performance:
- Type “Choose a power plan” in the Start menu
- Select High performance or Ultimate performance
If you do not see these options:
- Click Show additional plans
- Or create a new plan: Create a power plan → High performance
For laptops, this will reduce battery life. Keep your charger nearby when working intensively.
Step 7: Check for Malware and Viruses
Slow performance is sometimes caused by hidden malware.
What to do:
- Run a full scan with Windows Security (built-in, free)
- Type “Virus & threat protection” in Start menu
- Click Scan options → Full scan → Scan now
This takes 1-2 hours but is worth doing once a month.
Free alternative: Download Malwarebytes Free, run a scan, then uninstall it (to keep system clean).
Step 8: Update Drivers (Especially Graphics)
Outdated drivers cause slowdowns, crashes, and freezes.
How to update automatically:
- Type “Device Manager” in the Start menu
- Expand Display adapters
- Right-click your graphics card → Update driver → Search automatically
Do this for:
- Display adapters (graphics)
- Network adapters (WiFi/Ethernet)
- Sound, video and game controllers
- Storage controllers
For older laptops: Visit the manufacturer’s website (Dell, HP, Lenovo, Acer) and download the latest drivers for your specific model.
Step 9: Add More RAM (The Only Paid Upgrade Worth It)
If you have done everything above and performance is still poor, your computer may need more RAM.
How much RAM do you have?
- Press
Ctrl + Shift + Esc→ Performance tab → Memory
Recommendation:
- 4 GB → Upgrade to 8 GB (big difference)
- 8 GB → You are fine for basic tasks
- 16 GB → No need to upgrade
For laptops in Uganda: RAM upgrade costs between UGX 80,000–150,000 at computer shops in Kampala (Kikuubo, Computer Village). This is the single best investment for an old PC.
Warning: Some newer laptops have RAM soldered to the motherboard and cannot be upgraded. Check your model online first.
Quick Summary Checklist
| Step | Action | Time Needed |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Uninstall unused apps | 15 minutes |
| 2 | Delete temp files | 5 minutes |
| 3 | Run Disk Cleanup | 10 minutes |
| 4 | Disable startup programs | 5 minutes |
| 5 | Adjust visual effects | 2 minutes |
| 6 | Turn on Storage Sense | 2 minutes |
| 7 | Disable background apps | 3 minutes |
| 8 | Set High Performance power plan | 1 minute |
| 9 | Run malware scan | 1-2 hours (set and forget) |
| 10 | Update drivers | 15 minutes |
When to Give Up (And What to Do Instead)
Even after all these steps, some very old computers (8+ years) will not run Windows 11 well. If your computer still struggles:
Option 1: Downgrade to Windows 10
- Windows 10 is supported until October 2025
- It runs faster on old hardware
- Find a technician to help with clean installation
Option 2: Install Linux (Free, Fast, Modern)
- Linux Mint or Ubuntu run beautifully on old computers
- Most tasks (browsing, documents, emails) work exactly the same
- Ask at any computer shop for help installing
Option 3: Save for a new computer
- A refurbished laptop with 8 GB RAM and SSD costs UGX 400,000–600,000
- This is cheaper than constant frustration with a slow PC
Final Word
A slow computer wastes your time, money, and patience. Before giving up, try these steps. Most people only need steps 1, 2, and 4 to see dramatic improvement.
Remember: Free fixes first. Paid upgrades only when necessary.
Did these steps help? Which method made the biggest difference for your computer? Share in the comments below.
