This hidden Windows 11 setting will give your PC an instant speed boost — here's how to try it

The Windows 11 logo seen through a digital magnifying glass
(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Even the best Windows laptops can struggle to keep up with the demands of AI features, apps and more, but fortunately, you can try out this overlooked Windows 11 performance hack to speed your PC up.

Put simply, there may be some apps that simply take up too many resources, even though they don't need to, but Windows 11's Efficiency Mode can provide a helping hand by limiting CPU usage and how much RAM is used in certain apps.

Reduce the load on your CPU

Screenshot of Windows 11 Task Manager window showing Efficiency Mode option

(Image credit: Future / Tom's Guide)

Windows 11's Efficiency mode has been shown to improve the responsiveness of systems by up to 76%, especially on apps that are working far too hard in the background. If you find that there's an app taking too much CPU usage, simply follow the steps below:

In Task Manager ("Ctrl + Shift + Esc"), click on the "Processes" tab and select the app you want to put a limit on. Simply right-click the app and select "Efficiency mode."

There you have it. It aims to save battery life and make your PC more responsive, but it's also known to cause some issues for PCs. See if it works for you, and if it doesn't, just turn off Efficiency Mode on the app you selected.

Plus, since any open application consumes memory, you can always free up RAM usage by simply closing any apps, programs or windows you're not using. However, if you plan to keep them running in the background, it's worth giving this feature a try.

Of course, there are other ways to speed up any sluggish Windows 11 PC, whether it be a laptop or desktop. If you're in need of even more ways to make the most out of your PC, we've got just the tricks.


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Darragh Murphy
Computing Editor

Darragh is Tom’s Guide’s Computing Editor and is fascinated by all things bizarre in tech. His work can be seen in Laptop Mag, Mashable, Android Police, Shortlist Dubai, Proton, theBit.nz, ReviewsFire and more. When he's not checking out the latest devices and all things computing, he can be found going for dreaded long runs, watching terrible shark movies and trying to find time to game

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