Windows 11 PC running slowly after recent update

Austin Nkomo 0 Reputation points
2026-09-13T07:18:12.8366667+00:00

My Windows 11 PC became slow after a recent update. Apps take longer to open, and startup is delayed. How can I fix this?Windows 11

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Performance and system failures
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  1. Levi Cornwell 255 Reputation points
    2026-09-29T16:50:15.2733333+00:00

    If the slowdown started immediately after a Windows update, I’d first check Task Manager to see if CPU, memory, or disk usage is unusually high. Also check Task Manager > Startup apps and disable anything you don’t need starting with Windows, since startup apps can affect boot time and overall performance.

    If that doesn’t help, run these from Command Prompt as Administrator:

    DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

    then:

    sfc /scannow

    Restart after they finish. These can repair corrupted Windows system files that may have been affected by an update.

    Since this started after a recent update, you can also check Settings > Windows Update > Update history > Uninstall updates and see if the latest update can be removed. Microsoft lists uninstalling a recent update as a recovery option when problems begin after an update.

    If you can share the Windows 11 version/build and the KB number of the update, it would be easier to narrow down what changed.

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  2. DaveM121 939.1K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-13T07:53:16.1533333+00:00

    Please provide some information on your Windows build number and the latest updates installed that may be causing the problems.

    1

    Click your Start Button, type winver and press Enter

    Please provide a screenshot of the resulting dialog.

    3

    Open the Settings App

    Go to Windows Update - Update History.

    Please provide a screenshot of that window

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  3. AI answer

    2026-09-13T07:18:32.59+00:00

    Try these steps in order, from least disruptive to more advanced:

    1. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter
      • Go to Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
      • Find Windows Update and select Run.
      • Follow the on-screen steps.
    2. Restart the PC
      • A restart can clear temporary update-related blocks and help if startup or app loading is delayed.
    3. Check for more updates
      • Go to Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.
      • Install any available updates.
    4. Check free disk space
      • Windows updates can fail or slow down the system if storage is low.
      • Make sure there is enough free space: at least 16 GB for a 32-bit OS or 20 GB for a 64-bit OS when upgrading.
    5. If the slowdown started right after a recent update, uninstall that update
      • In Windows recovery guidance, uninstalling a recent update is recommended if the problem began after that update.
      • If the PC still starts normally, use the Windows update uninstall option from Settings.
      • If the PC will not start properly, in WinRE go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Uninstall updates.
      • This does not affect files or apps.
    6. Repair system files
      • Open Command Prompt as administrator.
      • Run: 
             DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
      • After it completes successfully, run: 
             sfc /scannow
      • Wait for the scan to reach 100%, then restart and try Windows Update again.
    7. Perform a clean restart
      • A clean restart starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs.
      • This helps identify software conflicts that can cause slow startup or app delays after updates.
    8. If the PC still starts but performance is still wrong, use recovery options in order
      • Run a troubleshooter
      • Reinstall Windows without affecting files, apps, or settings (Windows 11, version 22H2 or later)
      • Uninstall a Windows update
      • Point-in-time restore (Windows 11, version 24H2 or later). This rolls back apps, settings, and personal files to a restore point. Only changes made after the selected restore point will be lost.
    9. For Surface devices only
      • Check the battery icon on the taskbar and move Power Mode to Better performance or Best performance if supported.
      • Open the Surface app and check Help & support for driver and firmware updates.
    10. Last resort
    • Reset this PC or reinstall Windows from recovery media.
    • Warning: reinstalling from installation media removes everything from the device.
    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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