Has your computer suddenly become sluggish after installing the Windows 11 24H2 update? You’re not alone. Many users have reported slower boot times, laggy performance, and apps taking forever to open. But don’t worry—before you panic or consider rolling back the update, there are a few easy fixes you can try first.
In this guide, we’ll cover what’s causing the slowdown and how you can bring your PC back up to speed quickly and safely!
Why Is Windows 11 24H2 Update Slowing Down Your PC?
After updating to Windows 11 24H2, several users noticed:
- Longer boot times (sometimes up to 5 minutes)
- Apps opening slower than usual
- Background tasks causing heavy CPU throttling
- General system lag during everyday use
This isn’t surprising because big updates like 24H2 often introduce new features that can affect system performance. New background services, driver conflicts, and even minor file corruptions are all common culprits.
Quick Fixes to Boost Performance
Before trying complex solutions, it’s smart to start with these quick and simple fixes:
1. Update All Drivers
Outdated drivers, especially for graphics cards and chipsets, can clash with new updates. Go to Device Manager and update all important drivers. Also, make sure Windows Update itself is fully up to date.
Tip: Manually download your GPU drivers from NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel websites for best results.
2. Run SFC and DISM Scans
Sometimes the update process can damage system files. You can fix this easily:
Open Command Prompt as an Administrator and run:
sfc /scannow
After that completes, run:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
This process will scan and fix corrupted files without needing to reinstall Windows.
3. Clean Up Startup Programs
Too many apps launching at boot can drag down your system speed.
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, go to the Startup tab, and disable any apps you don’t absolutely need.
Less clutter = faster boot times!
4. Switch to High-Performance Power Mode
After the 24H2 update, some users noticed that Windows automatically switches to balanced or power-saver plans.
Go to Control Panel > Power Options and select High Performance or Ultimate Performance mode for better responsiveness.
Advanced Solutions If Windows 11 24H2 Update Problems Persist
If the quick fixes don’t fully solve the problem, these advanced steps can make a real difference:
Disable Background App Throttling
The 24H2 update introduced a new feature that silently throttles apps when they’re in the background.
While it helps battery life on laptops, it can slow down desktop systems unnecessarily.
You can turn it off through Group Policy Editor or tweak the Windows Registry if needed.
Reset Windows Update Components
Sometimes leftover update files can slow things down. Clearing the SoftwareDistribution folder can help:
- Stop Windows Update service.
- Delete all files inside
C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution. - Restart the Windows Update service.
This forces a fresh, clean update check without corrupt files dragging you down.
Uninstall Problematic Updates (Optional)
If performance worsened immediately after a specific update like KB5055523, you can uninstall it:
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Update history
- Select Uninstall updates and remove the problematic patch.
Only do this if nothing else worked!
When You Should Seek Expert Help
If your PC is still slow after applying all these fixes, the problem might be deeper.
Possibilities include:
- Hardware issues (aging SSDs, overheating)
- BIOS or firmware needing updates
- Serious system corruption
In that case, it’s best to visit a certified technician for a full diagnostic checkup.
Final Thoughts
The Windows 11 24H2 update slowing down your PC can be frustrating, but it’s often fixable with the right tweaks.
Updating drivers, repairing system files, optimizing startup settings, and disabling unnecessary throttling can bring your PC back to life.
Before you think about uninstalling the update or reinstalling Windows, give these methods a try—you might be surprised how quickly you can restore your system’s speed!
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