Did your Windows PC start running slow after a recent update? Maybe it takes longer to boot, apps open slowly, the system freezes, or the fan runs loudly. This problem is common after major Windows updates, and thankfully, it’s usually fixable.

Updates are designed to improve performance and security, but sometimes they cause temporary slowdowns due to background processes, compatibility issues, or system reconfiguration.

In this complete guide, you’ll learn:

• Why Windows becomes slow after an update
• Quick fixes you can apply immediately
• Advanced troubleshooting steps
• When to roll back an update

Let’s fix your PC step by step.

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Why Is Windows Slow After an Update?

After a Windows update, your computer may slow down because:

• Background update processes are still running
• Drivers are incompatible
• Startup programs increased
• Windows indexing is rebuilding
• Temporary files are overloaded
• Disk usage spikes to 100%
• Antivirus conflicts occur

The slowdown is often temporary, but if it continues, follow the solutions below.

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1. Restart Your PC

After installing updates, Windows may need a proper restart to complete background processes.

What to do:

1. Click Start
2. Select Power
3. Click Restart

Avoid using “Shut Down” only always choose Restart.

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2. Wait for Background Updates to Finish

Sometimes Windows continues optimizing after installation.

Check this:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc
2. Open Task Manager
3. Look for high CPU or Disk usage

If “Windows Modules Installer” or “System” is using high resources, let it finish.

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3. Disable Unnecessary Startup Programs

Updates sometimes enable startup apps automatically.

Steps:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc
2. Go to Startup tab
3. Disable unnecessary apps
4. Restart your PC

This significantly improves boot time.

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4. Check for Driver Updates

Outdated drivers can cause performance issues after updates.

Steps:

1. Right-click Start
2. Select Device Manager
3. Look for yellow warning signs
4. Update drivers

Pay special attention to:

• Graphics drivers
• Network drivers
• Storage controller drivers

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5. Run Disk Cleanup

Temporary update files can slow down your system.

Steps:

1. Type “Disk Cleanup” in search
2. Select your system drive (usually C:)
3. Check:
   • Temporary files
   • Windows update cleanup
   • Recycle bin and other necessary options
4. Click OK

This frees space and improves performance.

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6. Disable Background Apps

Too many background apps can consume RAM.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings
2. Click Apps
3. Select Startup or Background apps
4. Disable unnecessary apps

Less background activity = smoother performance.

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7. Check for Windows Bugs or Patches

Sometimes Microsoft releases quick patches for buggy updates.

Steps:

1. Open Settings
2. Click Windows Update
3. Check for new updates

Install any available fixes.

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8. Adjust Visual Effects

Windows animations can slow older PCs.

Steps:

1. Type “Performance” in search
2. Click “Adjust appearance and performance”
3. Select “Adjust for best performance”
4. Click Apply

This improves speed, especially on low-RAM systems.

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9. Scan for Malware

Occasionally, malware activates during updates.

Use:

• Windows Security
• Or trusted antivirus software

Run a full system scan.

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10. Check Disk Usage (100% Disk Problem)

If your PC feels extremely slow, disk usage may be stuck at 100%.

Fix:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc
2. Open Task Manager
3. Click Disk column

If usage is constantly 100%:

• Disable SysMain service
• Disable Windows Search temporarily

To disable SysMain:

1. Press Windows + R
2. Type services.msc
3. Find SysMain
4. Stop and Disable

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11. Uninstall the Recent Update (If Necessary)

If the slowdown started immediately after an update and nothing helps, rolling back may fix it.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings
2. Click Windows Update
3. Select Update History
4. Click Uninstall Updates
5. Remove the latest update

Restart your PC after uninstalling.

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12. Run System File Checker (Advanced Fix)

Corrupted system files may cause slow performance.

Steps:

1. Type “cmd” in search
2. Right-click Command Prompt
3. Select Run as Administrator
4. Type:

sfc /scannow

Press Enter and wait for the scan to complete.

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13. Upgrade Hardware (If PC Is Old)

If your PC has:

• 4GB RAM
• HDD instead of SSD
• Old processor

Updates may push it beyond its limits.

Consider:

• Upgrading to SSD
• Increasing RAM to 8GB or more

Hardware upgrades dramatically improve speed.

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14. Reset Windows (Last Option)

If performance remains poor:

Steps:

1. Go to Settings
2. Click System
3. Select Recovery
4. Choose Reset this PC

You can choose “Keep my files.” Only use this if all other fixes fail.

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How to Prevent Slowdowns After Updates

✔ Keep at least 20% storage free
✔ Update drivers regularly
✔ Avoid too many startup programs
✔ Use SSD instead of HDD
✔ Restart PC weekly
✔ Install updates promptly

Proper maintenance prevents the issue with your windows PC running slow

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Conclusion

If your Windows PC is running slow after an update, don’t panic. Most slowdowns are temporary and caused by background optimization or minor software conflicts.

Start with simple fixes like restarting and disabling startup apps. Move to advanced solutions only if necessary. In most cases, your PC will return to normal performance within a few days.

If the issue persists, rolling back the update or upgrading hardware may be the best solution. Learn about to solve windows internet issues

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)