Disable non-essential startup apps and services in Windows Task Manager
Uninstall unused apps from Settings → Apps → Installed apps
Remove optional features: Settings → Apps → Optional features
Turn off background activity for apps in Settings → Privacy & security → Background apps
Disable app notifications for apps you don’t use
Remove scheduled tasks you don’t need (Task Scheduler)
Disable location, diagnostics, and other unnecessary permissions (Settings → Privacy & security)
Use Windows Security → Virus & threat protection settings to disable unnecessary notifications
Remove Xbox/Game Bar/DVR features if not needed (Settings → Gaming)
Disable Widgets/News/Interests (Windows settings)
Turn off ads/personalization where available (Settings → Privacy & security)
Uninstall or disable OEM bloatware (OEM utilities and trials) from Settings → Apps
Clean up startup items: Task Manager → Startup apps → Disable
Clean browser extensions and remove unused browser apps
Clear temporary files and caches (Settings → System → Storage → Temporary files)
Remove old downloads and large unused files (Storage sense or manual cleanup)
Use DISM to remove specific Windows capabilities/features you don’t use (optional)
Use PowerShell to remove selected preinstalled apps you don’t use (optional)
Re-register Windows app packages only if issues occur (optional rollback step)
Create a system restore point before making changes
Keep Windows updated and reboot after major changes