If your Windows 11 computer feels slow, freezes often, or takes too long to respond, high RAM usage and too many background processes might be the cause. Some of these are useful, but many are unnecessary and can be disabled without affecting performance.
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you reduce system processes and free up RAM on Windows 11. You don’t need to be a tech expert just follow these instructions, and you’ll likely see better speed and responsiveness.
1. Restart Your Computer Regularly
A basic restart clears temporary files, resets memory usage, and closes background processes that may have been left running. If you usually just put your PC to sleep, doing a full restart once in a while helps free up RAM.
2. Disable Startup Programs
Many apps start automatically when your PC boots up, even if you don’t use them right away. These apps use RAM and CPU in the background.
How to disable them:
- Right-click the Taskbar and open Task Manager
- Go to the Startup Apps tab
- Disable anything you don’t need immediately after startup (like Spotify, Discord, OneDrive if not in use)
Fewer startup programs mean faster boot times and less RAM used right from the start.
3. Uninstall Unused Apps
If you have apps you don’t use anymore, uninstall them. Some of them run background services even if you never open them.
Steps:
- Press Windows + I to open Settings
- Go to Apps > Installed apps
- Remove anything you don’t use
Be cautious not to uninstall system apps or drivers, but it’s safe to remove things like trial software, games, or unused tools.
4. Use the Built-in Memory Recommendations Tool
Windows 11 has a feature called Storage Sense and Cleanup Recommendations to help you delete files that take up space and resources.
To access it:
- Open Settings
- Go to System > Storage
- Click on Storage Sense or Cleanup recommendations
- Follow the suggestions to remove temporary files, system logs, or unused files that may slow down your PC.
5. Check Background Apps and Limit Them
Some apps continue to run in the background, even if you’ve closed them. You can limit which apps are allowed to do this.
How to control this:
- Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps
- Click the three dots next to an app > Advanced options
- Under Background apps permissions, choose Never
- Repeat this for apps you don’t need running silently in the background.
6. Turn Off Visual Effects
Windows 11 has animations and effects that look nice but can use up RAM and CPU—especially on older or low-spec PCs.
To turn them off:
- Press Windows + R, type
sysdm.cpl, and press Enter - Go to the Advanced tab
- Under Performance, click Settings
- Choose Adjust for best performance or manually disable only the effects you don’t need
This setting can noticeably reduce RAM and processor load.
7. Use Task Manager to Monitor High RAM Usage
Task Manager shows you which processes are using the most memory. This helps you identify apps that are using too many resources.
Steps:
- Right-click the Start button > Task Manager
- Click on the Processes tab
- Sort by Memory to see what’s using the most RAM
- You can right-click on unnecessary apps and choose End Task to close them. Be careful not to end system processes unless you know what you're doing.
8. Disable SysMain (Superfetch)
SysMain is a Windows service that preloads frequently used apps into memory. Sometimes it causes high RAM and disk usage.
To disable it:
- Press Windows + R, type
services.msc, and press Enter - Scroll down to SysMain
- Right-click > Properties
- Set Startup type to Disabled, then click Stop
Your system may start slightly slower without it, but RAM usage will go down, especially on older machines.
9. Adjust Virtual Memory
Virtual memory is space on your hard drive that acts like extra RAM. Letting Windows manage this is fine, but adjusting it manually can improve performance.
How to adjust it:
- Press Windows + R, type
sysdm.cpl, and press Enter - Click the Advanced tab > Settings under Performance
- Go to the Advanced tab > Change under Virtual memory
- Uncheck Automatically manage, select your drive, and set:
- Initial size = same as your RAM (in MB)
- Maximum size = 2 to 3 times your RAM (in MB)
- Click Set, then restart your PC
10. Disable Background Sync for OneDrive
OneDrive runs in the background and constantly syncs files. If you’re not using it or already using another cloud service, turn it off.
Steps:
- Right-click the OneDrive icon in the taskbar (cloud symbol)
- Click Settings
- Go to Account > Unlink this PC or pause syncing
- You can also prevent it from launching on startup.
11. Use Lighter Software Alternatives
Some apps are heavy on resources even when they’re idle. Consider using lighter alternatives if possible. For example:
- Use Notepad++ instead of WordPad or Word for basic notes
- Try VLC Media Player instead of heavier video players
- Use Brave or Edge instead of Chrome if you’re low on RAM
12. Restart Windows Explorer (When Memory Spikes)
If your system slows down but you don’t want a full restart, try restarting Windows Explorer.
How to do it:
- Open Task Manager
- Find Windows Explorer in the list
- Right-click > Restart
This can quickly refresh the desktop and release RAM without shutting everything down.
Additional Tips:
- Keep your system updated: Windows updates often improve memory management.
- Scan for malware: Viruses and spyware can run hidden processes that drain memory.
- Avoid RAM cleaners or boosters: Most of them don’t help and may add even more background processes.
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