🛠️ Boost Your PC’s Performance: Fix High Memory & CPU Usage on Windows 11
High memory or CPU usage can slow down your PC, cause programs to freeze, and make everyday tasks frustrating. Whether you’re a gamer trying to boost your FPS or a regular user looking to speed up your computer, optimizing your system is essential.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through practical, step-by-step optimizations that help fix high memory, CPU, and RAM usage on Windows 11. Along the way, we’ll also explain the roles of CPU and RAM, and how proper settings can significantly enhance your system’s performance.
🔍 What Is the Role of CPU and RAM?
Before jumping into the fixes, let’s quickly break down what CPU and RAM actually do:
💡 CPU (Central Processing Unit)
The CPU is the brain of your computer. It executes instructions from all applications and Windows itself. The faster and more efficient your CPU is—or the less overloaded it is—the smoother your PC runs.
💡 RAM (Random Access Memory)
RAM is your system’s short-term memory. It holds temporary data for quick access. The more RAM you have (and the less it’s consumed), the better your multitasking experience and app responsiveness.
⚙️ 1. Optimize App Priority with Launch Commands
If you’re a gamer or using performance-heavy apps, you can prioritize CPU resources toward them using launch options.
For example, in Steam:
- Right-click on your game (like Dota 2)
- Click Properties > Launch Options
- Enter the following commands:
-high -map dota -nohltv
These commands help:
-high: Gives CPU priority to the game-map dota: Pre-loads the map to reduce in-game lag-nohltv: Disables unnecessary features to free up resources
Even non-gamers can achieve similar effects by adjusting app priority in Task Manager.
🧠 2. Lower Background Memory Usage in Settings
🧩 Disable Startup Apps
- Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc)
- Go to the Startup tab
- Disable apps you don’t need at startup
🎛️ Turn Off Background Apps
- Open Settings > Apps > Installed Apps
- Click the three dots beside apps you don’t use often > Advanced Options
- Under Background app permissions, set to Never
🎮 3. Adjust In-Game Settings (Gamers)
For gaming performance—especially on lower-end PCs—tweak the following in-game:
- Set Display Mode to Fullscreen
→ Reduces unnecessary background rendering - Use Vulkan instead of DirectX
→ Offers better performance on many systems - Lower Effects and Texture Quality
→ Keeps memory and GPU use in check - Keep FPS cap to MAX or match refresh rate
→ Ensures smooth gameplay - Disable Ambient Occlusion & Shadows (or keep them at medium)
→ These are resource-heavy visual features
🧼 4. Clean Up Your System
🔄 Run Windows Disk Cleanup
- Search for Disk Cleanup
- Select your drive (usually C:)
- Tick options like Temporary Files, Recycle Bin, Thumbnails
- Click OK to delete
🧹 Use Storage Sense
- Go to Settings > System > Storage
- Turn on Storage Sense to auto-clear junk files
🧪 5. Monitor Resource Usage
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
- Use the Performance and Processes tabs to:
- Identify RAM-hogging apps
- Spot high CPU usage trends
- See disk and GPU activity
Use this insight to uninstall or limit resource-heavy applications.
🔐 6. Optional: Upgrade RAM or CPU
If your usage is always near 100% even with optimizations, it may be time to upgrade:
- Upgrade RAM to at least 8GB or 16GB (for modern usage or gaming)
- Consider SSD upgrade if you’re still on HDD
- CPU upgrade is more complex but yields huge performance jumps if your system supports it
✅ Final Thoughts
High memory and CPU usage in Windows 11 can drastically affect your PC’s speed and gaming experience. With a mix of software tweaks and hardware awareness, you can reclaim lost performance, eliminate lag, and enjoy smoother multitasking or gameplay.
If you found this guide helpful, feel free to share it, drop a comment, or check out more optimization tips below.
