Kyle Kucharski/ZDNET
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Windows 11 has been around for several years now, and if you were an early adopter like I was, there's a good chance your computer has slowed down significantly since then. There are several reasons why a device's performance may plummet.
It could be the result of too many apps taking up resources, unoptimized settings, or even a virus infecting the hardware. The easiest thing you can do in the short term is restart your computer. A simple reboot restores the RAM and re-establishes connections.
Also: Did you know that Windows 11 has a secret restart method? Here's how to access it
But to enjoy long-term performance improvements, you'll need to adjust how your computer operates. The advice I'm about to give you covers everything you can do right now to enhance your Windows 11 experience. You won't need to enter a device's BIOS or download a random app from an unverified source; these changes can be made right from the system menus.
1. Download the latest updates
This is a no-brainer, but it's worth noting that staying up to date with Windows 11 patches is crucial. Patches often introduce performance enhancements, bug fixes, security updates, and new features that improve the overall experience. Normally, the OS automatically installs patches as they are released by Microsoft, though you can check for updates manually.
Also: Microsoft said my PC was 'too old' to run Windows 11 - how I upgraded in 5 minutes anyway
To do this, go to the Windows Update section in Windows 11 Settings, then click the Check for Updates button in the right-hand corner. Any pending patches will be installed. For drivers, stay on the same page, select Advanced Options, and then go to Optional Updates. It's here where you'll find missing drivers. As you can see in the image, I lacked a recent Bluetooth patch.
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