Pro-Tuning
This page will detail my process for optimizing Windows 11 Version 24H2.
Last updated
This page will detail my process for optimizing Windows 11 Version 24H2.
Last updated
DISCLAIMER:
Any previous versions of Windows will not be covered because, in my personal experience, there is no reason to use older versions as of this point in time. (There are ways to bypass Hardware Limitations.)
Additionally, due to the quick and easy nature of this process, 3rd Party Utilities are used to accelerate this process in an efficient yet safe manner.
This process is NOT designed around optimizing Laptops or Portable Windows Devices.
Before beginning the optimization process, it is recommended to do a fresh install of Windows 11 using a USB Flash Drive. I would recommend the Pro version but Home also works. (Allows for certain tweaks to be made easier)
Visit the Microsoft Website to grab a copy of the 24H2 Media Creation Tool.
This guide will not be detailing the process of Fresh Installing Windows, if you don't know how to do this, chances are you shouldn't be following this guide but if you are insistent on this journey, look for a guide on YouTube.
(The Right Way)
Once you have completed a fresh install of Windows 11, only install the drivers you need.
For most people that will consist of two drivers:
Internet Drivers
Graphics Drivers
If you can use Ethernet, download only the Ethernet Drivers. However, if you are using Wi-Fi, download those instead. Ethernet will always be the recommended option over Wi-Fi if it is available for your setup.
You may want to consider downloading these drivers before Fresh Installing Windows and putting them on the Flash Drive you put your copy of Windows 11 on.
After installing the necessary drivers, run Windows Update until your system is fully up-to-date. This may require multiple system restarts but shouldn't take long as the Media Creation Tool fetches the latest updates from Microsoft. If you will be using this system for Gaming or Remote Work, consider pausing updates for the foreseeable future and only running them when you are free and not using your PC.
Go ahead and install any programs you may use on your system. Whether it's Adobe Creative Cloud Apps, Game Launchers, or other Applications. Ninite is a convenient way to install multiple apps at once without bloating your system with additional apps.
To do the bulk of our optimization, I use the CTT Utility.
To use the utility run Terminal as Admin. This can be done by searching for Terminal, right-clicking on it, and then selecting Run as administrator.
Once the terminal window has opened, copy the following command.
Then, paste the command by right-clicking in the terminal window. Hit enter and a new window will open.
Once the utility has opened, you can use the Install tab to install any programs you may want that you didn't grab earlier. To do so, just check any apps you want to install and select Install/Upgrade.
Head over to the Tweaks tab and then, make sure to check the following tweaks as shown below.
Feel free to also select any other additional tweaks you may want.
Set Classic Right Click Menu brings back the Right Click Menu from Previous Versions of Windows that show more options.
Remove Microsoft Edge will completely uninstall and remove the Microsoft Edge Web Browser from your Windows 11 Installation.
After all tweaks have been selected, hit the Run Tweaks button in the bottom left.
Ensure the Customize Preferences section also matches the screenshot. If you would like for your Taskbar Buttons to be centered select the Task View Button In Taskbar option as well.
Under the Performance Plans Section, make sure to run the Add and Active Ultimate Performance Profile to set all Power Options automatically for the best performance.
Next, head over to the Config tab. Under the Features section, select Disable Search Box Web Suggestions in Registry, and then select Install Features.
Finally, head over to the Updates tab and select the Security (Recommended) Settings option.
Once you have completed all of the above, you may close out of the CTT Utility and close the terminal window.
Since the dawn of Windows 10, settings across the OS have been scattered across the Settings App and the depths of the abandoned Control Panel. I will do my best to detail what you should go over before using your PC.
Check HDR, Scale, Display Resolution, Setup Multiple Displays if necessary, Advanced Display Settings, Refresh Rate, Turn on Optimizations for windowed games, and Hardware Accelerated GPU Scheduling.
Go ahead and set any audio devices you will be using and make sure to disable any you won't be using. If you use Discord or make any calls on your PC, select the Do nothing option in More sound settings under Communications.
Ensure your Time Zone and Region are correctly set.
Go through all the apps installed on your system and remove any bloatware that may have been installed during setup. Version 24H2 significantly cut back on bloat compared to previous versions so there shouldn't be too much.
Finally, go ahead and personalize your device as you want.
The following optimizations only apply if you are using an NVIDIA Graphics Card.
I recommend using the NVIDIA App, while it is in Beta it is significantly better than the seemingly outdated-feeling GeForce Experience. (Updated Version of Shadowplay is Included for Recording)
If you installed your driver earlier on, the NVIDIA Control Panel should've been installed as well. You can check by searching for it in the Start Menu.
Open the NVIDIA Control Panel.
Below are the general settings you want to modify. Change additional settings as necessary.
PhysX Settings:
Processor > [Set to your GPU]
Profile Inspector is a third-party tool that allows you to set multiple settings for the NVIDIA Control Panel at once, allowing you to import settings in batch.
Download the following files:
Extract the Profile Inspector zip archive and run the executable as administrator.
Import the .nip file by clicking on the icon shown above and selecting Import profile(s).
All of your NVIDIA 3D Settings will now be set for the best performance on all titles, ensuring the highest performance without sacrificing graphics.
This concludes my full process of optimizing Windows 11 Version 24H2.
Microsoft has made significant improvements with this version and also shaved off a decent amount of bloat, making this process a little quicker.
I would recommend wiping your PC and redoing this process every six months or at least once a year to ensure your rig runs the best at all times.
There are more tweaks you can make but we are reaching a point with hardware where the diminishing returns become very apparent. These tweaks will make the most difference in day-to-day performance. Any other claims seen in other tweaks aren't true or aren't as drastic as claimed.
I've tested Custom ISOs with minimal services such as Atlas OS but from my experience none of them are worth the hassle and keeping your Windows installation stock makes for the best experience.
I will do my best to keep this guide updated as things change in the future but for now this is the best lightweight and quick process for optimizing your Windows installation for productivity and gaming.
Many resources, packages, and settings were gathered from the following creators and developers. Please be sure to check them out as they have helped push PC Optimization to a new standard.
