Whether it's improving performance, boosting efficiency, or recovering from crashes, these tips will help you optimize Windows 11 like a true pro.
Tip 1: Use Windows 11 without a Microsoft account
Microsoft is making it increasingly difficult for users to use the operating system without a Microsoft account. This also applies to the new 24H2 version. We've covered this topic in a separate article.
With Windows 11, you can open the command line window using the SHIFT + F10 key combination. By entering the command oobebypassnro, Windows 11 will skip the online connection requirement. After entering the command, the installation process will restart. If this method doesn't work, you can try the Rufus tool to create an installation disc that allows the use of a local user account.
Another trick, which doesn't always work with all installation files, is to enter a non-existent email address.
Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise offer slightly more flexibility than Windows 11 Home when using local accounts. During installation, a message will appear saying 'Setting up for work or school/university'. You can select the 'Sign-in options' and finally 'Join domain instead'. After that, you can use a local user account in Windows 11 Pro/Enterprise without needing a Windows domain or Active Directory.
Tip 2: Dev Drive can speed up access to storage drives.
If you have some experience and want to speed up access to your drives, you can set up a dev drive in Windows 11. The ReFS file system will be used for this. A dev drive can significantly increase data access speed through internal system settings, depending on the specific environment.
To set up a dev drive in Windows 11, a minimum of 8GB of RAM (16GB is best) and 50GB of free storage space are required. You can check if your installed version of Windows 11 supports Dev Drives in the settings, under System > Storage > Advanced Storage Settings. Here, you'll find the 'Create dev drive' option under 'Drives & Partitions.'
Dev drives are particularly interesting for advanced users, not just developers.
Tip 3: Install Windows 11 over the network using only PXE and iVentoy
With the small and free tool iVentoy, you can easily install Windows 11 on multiple PCs over a network. To do this, boot the PC you want to install into network mode and use PXE.
PXE (Preboot Execution Environment) allows individual users and small offices to install operating systems like Windows 11 directly on their PCs over a network without the need for physical installation media such as USB drives or DVDs.
To do this, you set up a PXE server on your home network, which will provide the Windows 11 installation image to client computers when they boot over the network. This is done using iVentoy, a tool that only needs to be launched on one Windows computer. This method saves time if you need to install on multiple computers at the same time and simplifies the process because there is no need to distribute physical installation media. PXE is an effective solution for centralized operating system installation management, especially for small offices with many devices.
The computer will search the network for a suitable server and will detect iVentoy when the tool is launched. You can then transfer the installation files to new PCs over the network and install Windows 11. This tool also supports installing Linux over the network via PXE.
You can also experiment with iVentoy at home. This tool isn't too complicated to use, but it will take a little time to get familiar with it.
Tip 4: Closing frozen programs is easier.
Occasionally, a program might become unresponsive. In most cases, you'll switch to Task Manager, but sometimes this isn't effective. Task Manager isn't always easy to access, especially when games or other programs are in full-screen mode. Often, you'll use the context menu on the taskbar or the Shift + Ctrl + Esc key combination.
In Windows 11, enabling the 'End Task' option is much easier; simply go to System > Developer Options. The new 'End Task' command will be available for all programs on the taskbar. This is much faster and more convenient than having to switch through Task Manager.
Tip 5: Stop installing bloatware when reinstalling Windows 11
Unfortunately, Microsoft is increasingly installing bloatware on your computer when using Windows 11. Bloatware is pre-installed software on devices that is often unnecessary and consumes system resources. With Windows 11, you'll notice that many new devices come with additional programs that users don't require. This software can affect system performance, consume memory, and detract from the user experience.
While some of these programs may be useful, many users find them unnecessary and uninstall them to optimize their system and eliminate unnecessary background processes.
When reinstalling Windows 11, select the 'English (World)' option for 'Time and currency format' on the 'Choose language settings' page. This will prevent Windows 11 from installing any bloatware.
Tip 6: Activate emergency restart
If Windows is not working properly, press Ctrl+Alt+Del. The shutdown icon will appear in the bottom right corner. If you hold down the Ctrl key while clicking the shutdown icon, the 'Restart immediately (for emergencies)' option will appear.
Restarting is faster and also works when other restart options are no longer effective. Windows 11 will not wait for programs or services.
Tip 7: Windows is unresponsive or only displays a black screen.
The Windows+Ctrl+Shift+B key combination will restart the entire display process, allowing it to re-enact. Windows can restart if the screen freezes. In some cases, Windows will restart the graphics driver, but only as a last resort.
Tip 8: Use a sound mixer.
Use the volume icon and select the small icon to the right of the volume bar to open the audio mixer. This allows you to adjust the volume for individual programs, such as games. You can also open the audio mixer using the Windows+Ctrl+V key combination.
Tip 9: Pause viewing processes in Task Manager
If you have Task Manager open, for example through the context menu on the taskbar or by pressing Ctrl+Shift+Esc, you can display processes by CPU consumption, for instance. Processes will jump back and forth due to changes in resource consumption. Use Ctrl to pause the display, allowing you to quickly terminate any frozen processes.
This makes it easy to check the usage of individual programs in Windows 11.
Tip 10: Keyboard shortcuts to open Office programs and LinkedIn
Ctrl+Shift+Alt+Windows+W opens Word if you have Microsoft 365 installed. Press Ctrl+Shift+Alt+Windows+P to open PowerPoint, Ctrl+Shift+Alt+Windows+O to open Outlook, and Ctrl+Shift+Alt+Windows+L to open the LinkedIn homepage. You can also open Excel using Ctrl+Shift+Alt+Windows+X.
Tip 11: How do I check for updates to installed programs? You can check in the command line.
If you enter the command 'winget upgrade' in the command line, Windows will display the versions of installed programs and indicate whether new versions of those programs are available.
However, this only applies to programs that can be installed via Winget. You don't need to install programs via Winget. If you want to update all programs, use the command 'winget update -h -all'.
Here are some other ways to optimize Windows 11:
Free up storage space.
If your laptop or computer has limited storage space, this could be a reason for slow performance and lag. You can use the Storage Sense feature built into Windows 11 to manage your device's memory, or you can free up space manually by following these steps:
- Step 1: Click the Start button on the Taskbar and select Settings .
- Step 2: In the left column, click on System , then select Storage in the right pane.
- Step 3: Select Temporary files to view a list of files in the folders located on the device.
- Step 4: Review the list and select the data you want to delete, then click the "Remove files " button . You can return to Storage to delete other files.
Delete unused programs.
After updating to Windows 11, there are countless applications on your system, including some you've never used or some you downloaded but no longer need.
These applications not only consume memory but can also run silently in the background, slowing down your computer and causing it to overheat. Therefore, you need to uninstall these applications to improve the performance of your Windows 11 computer. Follow these steps:
- Step 1: Click the Start button on the Taskbar and select Settings.
- Step 2: In the left column, select Apps , then select Apps & features in the right column.
- Step 3: Select the applications you no longer need, click the three-dot icon on the right, and press Uninstall to remove them.
Defragment your hard drive.
The hard drive defragmentation feature helps you reorganize files, allowing your computer to access data more quickly and efficiently. Follow these steps:
- Step 1: Click the Start button on the Taskbar and search for Defragment and Optimize Drives , then open the application.
- Step 2: The Optimize Drives window will open, showing you a list of hard drives on your device. Simply select a hard drive and click the Optimize button to defragment it.
- Step 3: After the process is complete, repeat the above steps with the remaining hard drives and then restart your computer.
Note: If your device uses an SSD, defragmentation should be avoided as it will reduce the lifespan of your SSD.
Use Windows Debloater
There are some programs and services that you can't uninstall in the usual way; you can use Windows 10 Debloater software to remove them. Follow these steps:
- Step 1: Click the Start button on the Taskbar, search for Windows PowerShell , and click to run it.
- Step 2: Then enter the command 'iwr -useb https://git.io/debloat|iex' and press Enter to download the program.
- Step 3: Then delete unnecessary applications and services and restart your computer.
Turn off some transition effects.
Windows 11 is equipped with transition effects to make the user interface more visually appealing and engaging. However, if your device has limited memory, these effects can slow down your computer and cause frequent lag. Follow these steps to disable them!
- Step 1: Click the Start button and select Visual Effects .
- Step 2: You can turn off Transparency effects and Animation effects using the switch on the side.
- Step 3 : Press the Windows key on your keyboard, search for 'view advanced' , and select View Advanced System Settings .
- Step 4: Select Advanced and click Settings under Performance . Then click Adjust for best performance > Apply and then OK to complete.
Switch to a high-efficiency energy plan.
Power Plan is a function that manages the power consumption of your device. Normally, it's set to balanced mode . However, if you can keep your device plugged in at any time, you can switch to a higher-efficiency power mode for maximum efficiency.
- Step 1: Open Search in the taskbar and type "Power Plan" into the search box. Once the results appear, click " Choose a Power Plan".
- Step 2: When the window opens, select the High Performance option (click on Create a power plan in the left-hand sidebar if you don't see the High Performance option ). If you play games, you can choose Driver Booster Power Plan !
- Step 3: Next, click on Change Plan Settings and then select Change Advanced Power Settings . Finally, make sure the minimum and maximum processor percentages are both 100 in the Processor Power Management section.
Disable apps from starting automatically.
The more applications you install on your computer, the longer it will take for Windows to start up. To stop applications from starting automatically on Windows 11, follow these steps:
- Step 1: Select Start from the Taskbar , then select Settings and find Apps in the left-hand column.
- Step 2: Next, click Startup in the right-hand column.
- Step 3: Finally, you will see all the applications that start with the system; turn off any applications you don't need.
Disable startup programs
Task Manager lets you see which programs start up and also partly affects your computer's boot time. Follow these steps to disable unnecessary startup programs:
- Step 1: Press the Ctrl + Shift + Esc key combination to open the Task Manager.
- Step 2: Then go to the Startup tab , select the desired programs, and choose Disable .
Enable Storage Sense
Windows 11 retains the Storage Sense feature from the previous generation to monitor your device's memory and automatically free up space when needed by deleting unwanted files. Make sure you have this feature enabled!
- Step 1: Open Settings and select System .
- Step 2: Select Storage , then find Storage Sense and turn it on, or click Run Storage Sense Now at the bottom of Storage Sense to enable the mode.
Delete temporary files
When using a computer for extended periods, it can become cluttered with dozens of files, including images, temporary internet files, downloads, and more. Leaving these files for too long will overload your computer's memory and slow it down. Deleting some of them will give your computer a much-needed boost!
- Step 1: Click Start on the Taskbar and select Settings > Systems .
- Step 2: Select Storage > Temporary Files .
- Step 3: Select the files you no longer need and click Remove files.
Turn off notifications
Your laptop frequently displays annoying notifications during use. Fortunately, Windows 11 allows you to disable notifications to optimize your device. Follow these steps:
- Step 1: Select Start from the Taskbar and click the Settings app > System .
- Step 2: Then select Notifications and find the apps you want to turn off notifications for.
Turn off Game mode
To help you improve your gaming performance, Windows 11 includes a Game Mode . However, it's only convenient if you're a serious gamer with high gaming demands. If you only use your laptop for studying or working, you should completely disable this mode.
Turning off Game Mode will stop the DVR and other Xbox-related services running in the background, making your computer run smoother and faster.
Turn off Game Mode if you don't intend to play games.
Turn off notifications and tips.
While using your computer, you may sometimes encounter unexpected notifications that interrupt your work or studies. These notifications can also cause your device to lag; try turning them off by following these steps:
Step 1: Select Settings , then tap System , and then select Notifications .
Step 2: Turn off the "Offer suggestions on how I can set up my device" and " Get tips and suggestions when I use Windows" options.
Do not install third-party antivirus software.
Users often tend to install third-party antivirus software to protect their computers. However, this is completely wrong because Microsoft has upgraded its security, and the built-in Windows Security is more than capable of protecting your device. Therefore, you should uninstall or stop installing these programs.
Windows Security, built-in, will provide good protection for your computer.
Upgrade RAM/SSD
You should increase your computer's RAM/SSD for smoother and more powerful performance. If you can afford it, consider upgrading to an SSD if your device currently uses an HDD, as SSDs offer five times the read/write speeds of HDDs, resulting in smoother program execution and faster boot times.
After the upgrade, you will immediately notice the difference in boot speed and program execution.
Conclude
With the top-notch Windows 11 tips we've just shared, you'll be able to effectively optimize your operating system, improving performance and user experience. Try applying these tricks to make your work and entertainment smoother than ever.