How to identify and remove third-party services that slow down Windows 11

Are you noticing that your Windows 11 computer is getting slower and slower, and you're not sure why? You may have been dealing with unexplained slowness for a while, applications that take forever to open, or a system that seems to be running on brakes. Before considering upgrading, something we're all tempted to do when our PC is lagging, it's worth taking a closer look at whether a third-party service, malicious process, or pending optimization is causing this problem.

In this guide I'm going to tell you, step by step and as clearly as possible, how to detect those services and programs that may be slowing down your Windows 11., how to remove them without putting your system at risk, and what tweaks you can make to get your computer back to its original speed. All of this is supported by the experience and methods recommended by technology experts. ciberseguridad and system optimization, integrating what has been learned from the most relevant articles on the topic and explaining it in the most natural and accessible language possible.

Why Windows 11 might slow down: Most common causes

There are many reasons why your computer may slow down, and they don't always have to do with the age of the hardware.Even relatively new computers can experience unexpected slowdowns, and there's almost always an explanation behind them. Let's review the most common causes:

• Unnecessary background processes and servicesMany programs install services that start with the system, even if you're not using the application at the time. This can overload your RAM and CPU.
• Third-party applications that are too heavy: Some programs consume resources even when you're not using them, and may remain running in the background, impacting overall performance.
• Virus and malware: Cyber ​​threats often disguise themselves as legitimate processes or run invisibly, hogging resources and slowing down the entire system.
• Pending or problematic updates: Sometimes Windows Update or drivers for different devices can generate conflicts that affect speed.
• Overloaded or fragmented storageA full or poorly optimized hard drive can make any operation much slower.
• Power settings that limit performance: The selected power plan greatly influences the system's agility, especially in portable.

The first step will be to know how to identify and locate exactly which third-party services, applications or processes are responsible for this loss of performance.Throughout this article, I'll teach you how to do it using the best methods and tools.

The importance of background processes and services in Windows 11

Windows 11 is designed to deliver a visually appealing experience and multitasking, but this means dozens of processes and services are always running in the background. Many of them are essential for the system to function correctly (drivers, internal services, Windows components), but others belong to third-party applications that, in many cases, you don't need to have running permanently.

The most common reasons why third-party services remain active are:

• Applications that are configured to start with Windows: Many programs (third-party antivirus, clouds like OneDrive, synchronization tools, apps messaging, etc.) take up memory and CPU from the start, even if you don't open them.
• Update and telemetry servicesAutomatic updaters, statistics collectors, and other support services may run in the background without your knowledge, creating continuous power consumption.
• Remains of incomplete uninstallations: Some applications leave service entries logged that are never completely removed, and may remain running without any use.

Identifying which of these services are necessary and which are completely dispensable is essential both to free up resources and to increase the security of your equipment.Later I will teach you how to distinguish them and how to safely deactivate them.

How to find out which services and processes are slowing you down? Key tools and methods

The most direct and effective method to find out which processes are hogging resources in Windows 11 is to use the Task Manager.But it's not the only tool that can help you. Let's review the key steps and best practices:

1. Use Task Manager

The Windows 11 Task Manager lets you see, in real time, all the processes running on your computer and the percentage of resources they're using (CPU, RAM, hard drive, network, and GPU). To open it, you have several options:

• Pulsar Ctrl + Shift + Esc directly.
• O well Ctrl + Alt + Delete and select “Task Manager”.
• You can also right-click the Start button and choose the appropriate option.

Once inside, pay special attention to three tabs:

• Processes: Displays all running applications and services along with their resource consumption.
• Unlimited: Provides real-time graphs of CPU, memory, disk, network, and GPU usage.
• Home: Apps configured to run when Windows starts appear here. You can disable any you don't need from this section.

Sort processes by clicking on the CPU or Memory columns. The processes that appear at the top of the list are those that are consuming the most resources at that time.If you see an unknown program hogging resources, that's a clear clue.

2. Check System Configuration to see active services

In addition to Task Manager, You can access the list of services that start with the system from the 'System Configuration' tool.. For it:

• Write msconfig in the taskbar search and press Enter.
• In the Services, check the box “Hide all Microsoft services” (very important to avoid disabling critical system elements).
• You'll now see only third-party services. You can uncheck any you don't recognize or don't use regularly.

When you restart your computer, only the services you left selected will be loaded, which can significantly improve performance if many unnecessary services were running.

3. Diagnose suspicious processes: Legitimate or malicious?

The biggest danger to performance and security are malicious processes that disguise themselves under Windows-like names or look like normal applications.To know if a process is safe:

• Right-click on the process in Task Manager and select "Properties". Look at the path and the characteristics. If it's in a strange folder or the date doesn't match the rest of the system, be suspicious.
• Search for the process name on reference pages like file.netThere you can check whether the process is legitimate or has been reported as malware.
• If you still have questions, use Windows antivirus or an additional antimalware tool. to analyze the suspicious file.

If you detect a malicious or suspicious process, select 'End Task' in Task Manager., and then performs a full system scan.

4. Identify third-party applications and services with high consumption

Many legitimate programs can slow down your system, especially:

• Web browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge), which open dozens of processes per tab and consume a lot of RAM.
• Heavy office suites, photo and video editing tools, gaming software, etc.
• Cloud sync clients (OneDrive, Google Drive), especially if you are transferring a lot of files.
• Automatic updaters for different applications.

If you don't use any of these apps often or can switch to a lighter alternative, uninstall it or switch to a less demanding app.There are browsers and office programs that use very little resources and can be sufficient for most tasks.

5. Use cleaning and optimization utilities

In addition to system tools, there are free and open source utilities such as Optimizer (github.com/hellzerg/optimizer) that allow you to disable unnecessary services, clean Temporary files and apply Windows 11-specific optimizations with just a few clicks. It is advisable to carefully review the options before applying automatic changes., but it is a very effective solution if you do not want to touch the elements of the system one by one.

How to disable, remove, or manage third-party processes that slow down Windows 11

Once you know which processes and services are slowing down your PC, there are several ways to neutralize or eliminate them without affecting the proper functioning of the system.I'll explain the safest and most effective methods:

Disable services and programs from startup

In the Startup tab of Task Manager, you'll see all the applications configured to start with Windows. Disable everything that is not essential (antivirus, graphics or audio managers, third-party updaters, clouds if you don't use them all the time, etc.). This will significantly speed up startup and free up resources.

Remove unnecessary third-party services

From the 'System Configuration' tool (msconfig), after hiding the Microsoft services, You can deactivate dozens of services in one fell swoop that you often don't even remember installing.. Reinvent it after applying the changes.

Uninstall heavy or unused applications

Go to Settings > Apps > Installed Apps or go to Control Panel > Uninstall a program. Go through all your programs and remove any you don't recognize or never use. This will free up space, reduce background processes, and prevent future conflicts.

Manually close processes from Task Manager

When it detects a resource-intensive process that you don't need at the moment (e.g., a browser with many open tabs, Spotify, gaming apps, cloud syncs), Right-click and choose "End Task"If you need that program later, it will reopen without any problem.

Manage permissions and privacy to reduce secondary processes

Go to Settings > Privacy and Security and review all permissions granted to apps, unnecessary notifications, diagnostics, and location services. Deactivate everything you don't useThis will reduce secondary processes and free up additional resources.

Global Optimization: Advanced Tips and Tricks to Improve Performance

In addition to identifying and eliminating problematic processes, it's worth applying a number of additional optimizations to ensure your Windows 11 runs smoothly.Here are the most effective ones, all recommended by leading experts:

1. Keep your operating system and drivers up to date.

Windows and device driver updates typically include security patches, performance improvements, and fixes for known issues.To avoid conflicts or errors:

• Sign in Settings > Windows Update and check that everything is installed and updated.
• Use the Advanced Options to check for driver updates and optional patches.
• If you're using specific hardware (graphics, motherboards, printers), download the latest drivers from the manufacturer's website.

There are times when an update can fail, so if you start noticing problems right after one, consider restoring the previous version or waiting a few days before installing major annual updates.

2. Review and adjust the power plan

On laptops and desktops, you have several power plans: energy-saving, balanced, and high performance. Balanced mode comes by default and prioritizes battery life, but limits overall performance.. If you want maximum speed:

• Press Win + X > Run and writes control panel.
• Sign in Energy options and select High performanceIf it doesn't appear, click "Hide additional plans."

Remember that this mode increases power consumption, so on laptops without a power outlet, the battery may drain more quickly.

3. Clean up temporary files and turn on Storage Sense

Windows 11 includes the Storage Sense tool, which cleans temporary files, the trash and downloads automatically, preventing the disk from filling up and slowing down your computer. To activate it:

• Win + I > System > Storage > Storage Sense.
• Set the cleaning frequency and run a manual cleaning if needed.

Keep the hard drive or SSD Having enough free space (at least 10% of the total capacity) is vital for Windows to run smoothly.

4. Disable unnecessary notifications and telemetry

Disabling system notifications and secondary data collection helps reduce the number of active background processes, speeds up the system, and reduces visual clutter.. Do it like this:

• Settings > System > Notifications: Turn off general notifications and review each individual app.
• Settings > Privacy and security: Turn off activity, voice, typing, diagnostics, and personalization options you don't need.

5. Replace heavy applications with lightweight versions

If you're experiencing performance issues and using apps like Chrome, Edge, or demanding editing suites, consider trying lighter alternatives.There are browsers and office tools that consume much less RAM and CPU, and can meet your needs without overloading the system.

6. Remove icons and files from the desktop

A cluttered desktop slows down startup and loading of visual resources. Save files in their corresponding folders and use shortcuts only for essential items. If you need to have a lot of things at hand, create a single folder and save them there, so the system doesn't have to load dozens of items separately.

7. Optimize the hard drive or SSD (but DO NOT defragment SSDs)

Use the Windows 11 disk optimization tool to keep your storage in shape:

• Right-click on the drive and go to Properties > Tools > Optimize.
• Select each partition and let the system optimize it automatically.

Do not defrag SSDs, just optimize them using the appropriate function to avoid premature wear.

8. Configure startup to only start the essentials

When reviewing the list of startup programs in Task Manager and System Configuration, limit items to a minimumTurn off cloud syncs, duplicate security suites, or rarely used widgets to help your system boot faster and consume less resources.

9. Apply a visual cleanup: reduce or eliminate graphic effects

Windows 11 comes with quite a few visual effects, transparencies, and animations that, while beautifying the system, can affect performance on fairly basic computers.. To disable them:

• Right-click on the desktop and go to Display Settings.
• In the Accessibility > Visual Effects section, turn off transparency and animations.
• To go even further, search for “View advanced system settings,” go to Advanced > Performance > Settings, and choose “Adjust for best performance.”

10. Disable search indexing if you don't need it

The indexing feature in Windows helps you find files faster, but it can consume valuable resources and even slow down your system on low-end PCs.. To limit it:

• Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Search.
• Enable classic mode or limit indexed locations from Advanced Indexing Options.

11. Suspend or uninstall cloud services if you don't use them constantly.

Services like OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox can constantly consume CPU, disk, and network resources, especially if you have many synced folders.. If you don't need automatic sync:

• Close the process from Task Manager.
• In the cloud settings, disable auto-start.
• For occasional use, run the app manually only when needed.

12. Activate Game Mode if you use the PC to play games

Windows 11 Game Mode prioritizes performance, blocks update downloads and notifications while running games, and maximizes available resources for a better experience.. To enable it:

• Go to Settings > Gaming > Game Mode and turn it on.

This mode is only activated when it detects that a compatible game is running.

13. Limit or pause updates if you notice slowdowns

Automatic updates are necessary, but if they are downloaded constantly, they can slow down your system and fill up your hard drive.From Settings > Windows Update, you can temporarily pause updates and resume them when you're not using your PC intensively.

14. Remove unnecessary processes from the taskbar and background

When customizing the taskbar and widgets menu, disable any items that aren't useful to you. Chat, news widgets, the standalone search button, or app icons you never open can cause extra background processes..

Which Windows processes can you safely close (and which ones should you never touch!)

When you rush to "kill" processes in Task Manager, it's easy to get scared by the number of unknown entries. Most are critical to the system, but there are quite a few that you can safely shut down, at least as long as you don't need them.:

• Applications opened by the user: Anything you started yourself can be manually shut down if it leaves hanging processes.
• Gaming services and apps: Gaming Services, the Game Bar or the app Xbox can be closed if you are not going to play.
• News widgets: The process associated with the news and weather widget may be terminated at any time.
• Cloud synchronizers: You can close OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox, etc. without losing any locally stored information.
• Pre-installed tools you don't use: Calculator, Groove Music and other native players can be closed without any problems.
• Touch keyboard or dictation processes (CTF Loader – ctfmon.exe): If you are using a conventional keyboard and mouse, you can temporarily disable them.
• Repeated application processes (e.g. browsers): If you don't have any app windows open, you can close them all from the manager.
• phone link: Phone Linker Android with PC, only necessary if you use that feature.
• Third-party application update process: Except for the antivirus, which should be kept updated for greater security.

Caution! Don't close internal system processes, Windows services, device drivers, or anything else whose function you don't understand.If you have any doubts, it's best to look up their name before finalizing it.