Computer is slow after Windows 11 22H2 update

Question

Hi~

I installed the new Windows 11 update (22H2?) this morning and suddenly my computer is running super slowly. Any browser I use is slow, and videos take very long to load. And many programs and even file explorer suddenly freeze for several moments. My wifi also randomly stopped for a few seconds.

My laptop was running just fine until today's update and now it's frustratingly slow and glitchy. Any suggestions? Or is it possible to uninstall the update?

Thanks!

• aj

Answer 1

You can see if a Windows Restore Point goes back before it and then you may or may not need to pause updates or someone around here points out blocking updates is still possible in not really an official way anymore. But, its difficult to say if the updater will experience an issue or not after going back if you can.

Or you can see if Windows Update History has it available on the uninstall updates section.

You didn't make a backup image and I believe the Windows bootable media may be at 22H2 now so you probably don't have any other choice but the following one if you can't do the above.

You could also just push forward depending on what the issue is. If its just needing to let the drive sit for a few hours on idle, low drive space, or something gone wrong, its unknown. That will take time, tests, research, etc and maybe living with it depending.

Answer 2

Hi Marusa. I'm Greg, 10 years awarded Windows MVP, here to help you.

You can always uninstall a Feature Update for 10 days in Settings > System > Recovery > Go back to old version.

If that won't work you can roll it back in WinRE Repair mode using the Uninstall Updates button here:

https://www.elevenforum.com/t/boot-to-advanced-...

Then block it this way: https://www.itechtics.com/block-windows-22h2-up...

If you want to try to fix it the Go over WIndows 11 with this checklist to find and fix problems:

1. Update your drivers from the PC maker's Support Downloads webpage for your exact model. While there check for the latest Chipset, BIOS, Sound, Network, USB3, Bluetooth and all other drivers to compare with the version/date installled for that device in Device Manager reached by right clicking the Start Menu.
2. Expedite install of all Windows Updates (including Optional) in Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for Updates, watching for needed restarts, then go back to check again until no more are offered.

Then go into Microsoft Store app > My Library > Get Updates and expedite all Store app Updates, too, until no more are offered.

3. Run a full Windows 11 Disk Check: https://allthings.how/how-to-run-chkdsk-in-wind...
4. Establish a Clean Boot to turn off Startup Freeloaders that can conflict and cause issues:

https://www.makeuseof.com/clean-boot-windows-11/

5. Test for account corruption by creating a new Local Admin account to see if the problem goes away:

https://pureinfotech.com/create-local-administr...

Sign into the new account, test it works correctly, if so move files over, test all apps work or reinstall any that don't. Then when ready delete the old account in Settings > Accounts > Family & Other Users.

You can change it to your Microsoft account if desired in Settings > Accounts > Your Info > Sign in with a Microsoft Account Instead.

6. Download, install and run a full scan with free Malwarebyes from https://www.malwarebytes.com/mwb-download/ after enabling Root Kit scan in Scan Settings. Clean Up anything it finds and then run again. Turn off Real Time trial in Control panel to keep as on-demand scanner.
7. Run System File Checker/DISM in WIndows 11 to find and fix any broken System files:

https://www.elevenforum.com/t/use-system-file-c...

8. If that doesn't fix it then you can do a Windows 11 Repair Upgrade which reinstalls Windows while saving your files and apps in place, brings it up to the latest version by the most stable method, takes about an hour and resolves most problems: https://www.elevenforum.com/t/repair-install-wi...

Feel free to ask back any questions. Based on the results you post back I may have other suggestions if necessary.

______________________________________________

Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

Answer 3

Thanks for the replies.

There were a couple more updates that popped up last night and after those were installed, seems some of the lagginess has improved, but I haven't fully tested all the issues yet.

If the problems persistent, I'll try some of your suggestions.

One thing that hasn't changed is - my computer won't shutdown using the shutdown menu. If I select shutdown, my computer automatically turns on again after about 20 seconds. The only way I've been able to do a clean shutdown is to set my power button to "shutdown when unplugged" otherwise it keeps waking up. I read somewhere that this could be because the updater is wanting to install something, but my update list is now empty.

It's quite bizarre.

• aj

Answer 4

Hello again -

Try these fixes for Windows 11 restarts after shutdown:

https://www.thewindowsclub.com/windows-10-resta...

(Avoid ad links which intrude into editorial copy, especially avoid Restoro, PC Repair Tool and Reimage ads)

https://www.technewstoday.com/windows-restarts-...

https://support.lenovo.com/us/en/solutions/ht11...

https://www.askwoody.com/forums/topic/windows-i...

https://www.lifewire.com/fix-when-windows-11-wo...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BswwvzmJmo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Et8t-rJq8RQ

One of those will usually fix it.

Report back results for each step so I know what else to suggest.

Feel free to ask back any questions. Based on the results you post back I may have other suggestions if necessary.

______________________________________________

Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

Answer 5

Just an FYI, i have read in other places, though I can't find it right now, that file explorer (explorer.exe) had some issues in the 22h2 preview where it would freeze for long periods of time under certain conditions. one of them is apparently going to "This PC". might want to try look around for those (also directed at the MVPs, i've been an MVP since ... 2002? idk)