Microsoft Confirms OneDrive Sync and Visual Effects Can Slow windows 10 & 11 PCs
Redmond, WA – Microsoft has acknowledged that certain built-in Windows 10 and Windows 11 features can demonstrably impact computer performance. The company maintains these features enhance the user experience and are enabled by default, but offers options for temporary disabling when necessary.
The admission comes as users increasingly seek ways to optimize system speed and efficiency.While Microsoft emphasizes routine maintenance like updates, driver checks, restarts, sufficient storage, and malware protection as key to performance, it specifically identified OneDrive synchronization and Windows 11’s visual effects as potential slowdown contributors. This impacts a broad range of users, notably those with older or lower-specification hardware.
OneDrive’s automatic file synchronization, while providing cross-device access and data backup, can consume system resources.”OneDrive synchronize files by default… This allows you to access your files from any device with an internet connection and ensure that files are backup in case your computer is damaged or lost. Though, synchronization can slow down your computer,” Microsoft stated, according to a report from Neowin.
Similarly, Windows 11’s animations and shadow effects, while aesthetically pleasing, demand additional processing power. “Windows 11 contains a number of visual effects,such as animations and shadow effects. They look good but use additional system resources and slow down your computer. This is especially true if your computer has a smaller amount of memory (RAM),” the company explained.
Users can mitigate the impact of visual effects by searching for “power” within Windows,selecting “Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows,” and then choosing the “Adjust for best performance” option. This disables many of the visual flourishes, potentially freeing up system resources.
