Step 1: Check for Updates
One of the best ways to get the most out of your PC is to ensure you have the latest version of Windows installed. When you check for updates, your PC will also search for the latest device drivers, which can help improve its performance [1].
To check for updates, simply go to the Start menu, select Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates. If updates are available, download and install them. After the installation is complete, restart your PC and see if it’s running better [1].
Step 2: Close Unnecessary Programs
Having too many programs, web browsers, and tabs open at once can really slow down your PC. It’s like trying to juggle too many balls – eventually, something’s got to give! [2]
If you notice your PC slowing down, take a look at what’s running in the background. Close any apps or browser tabs you don’t need at the moment. Then, restart your PC and only open the programs you actually need. This should give your PC a much-needed performance boost. [2]
Step 3: Run the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter
Sometimes, older programs that were designed for previous versions of Windows can cause issues on your PC. They might not play nicely with the newer software, resulting in slowdowns and other problems. [2]
To tackle this, you can use the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter. Just search for “troubleshoot” in the Start menu, select “Troubleshoot settings,” and then choose the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter. Follow the on-screen instructions to identify and fix any compatibility problems. [2]
Step 4: Use ReadyBoost
ReadyBoost is a cool feature in Windows that lets you use a removable drive, like a USB flash drive, to improve your PC’s performance. It’s like giving your computer a little extra memory boost without having to open it up and install more RAM. [3]
To use ReadyBoost, just insert a compatible USB drive or memory card into your PC. Windows will detect it and ask if you want to use it for ReadyBoost. Follow the prompts, and voila – you’ve got a handy performance enhancer at your fingertips. Just remember, ReadyBoost won’t work if your PC is already rocking a solid-state drive (SSD), since those are already super-fast. [3]
Step 5: Manage the Paging File
The paging file is an area on your hard drive that Windows uses as extra memory when your computer is running low. By default, Windows is pretty good at managing this, but you can give it a helping hand to improve performance. [1]
To make sure automatic paging file management is turned on, search for “advanced system” in the Start menu, and then select “View advanced system settings.” In the System Properties window, go to the Advanced tab, click on “Settings” in the Performance section, and then make sure the “Automatically manage paging file size for all drives” box is checked. If not, select it and restart your PC. [1]
Step 6: Free Up Disk Space
If your PC is running low on disk space, that can definitely slow things down. It’s like trying to stuff too many books into a bookshelf – eventually, it’s just going to get bogged down. [1]
To check your disk space, go to the Start menu, select Settings > System > Storage, and take a look at the available space on your drives. If things are looking a bit tight, you can use Storage Sense to automatically delete temporary files and other unnecessary clutter. [1]
You can also manually delete files you don’t need by going to the Disk Cleanup tool. Just search for “disk cleanup” in the Start menu, select the files you want to get rid of, and watch the space start to open up. Just be careful with what you delete, as you don’t want to accidentally remove something important. [1]
Step 7: Uninstall Unused Apps
Over time, we tend to accumulate all sorts of apps and programs on our PCs, many of which we rarely (if ever) use. These unused programs can take up valuable system resources and slow down your computer. [1]
To get rid of the ones you don’t need, go to the Start menu, select Settings > Apps > Installed apps, and take a look at what’s installed. Sort them by size to see which ones are hogging the most space, and then uninstall the ones you don’t use. [1]
Step 8: Pause OneDrive Syncing
OneDrive is a handy way to keep your files synced across devices, but all that syncing can put a strain on your PC’s performance. If you’re noticing slowdowns, try pausing the syncing temporarily to see if it helps. [1]
Look for the OneDrive icon in your taskbar notification area, right-click it, and select “Pause syncing.” You can choose how long you want to pause it, then restart your PC and see if the performance issues have improved. When you’re ready to start syncing again, just go back to the OneDrive icon and select “Resume syncing.” [1]
Step 9: Disable Startup Programs
When you turn on your PC, some programs automatically start running in the background, even if you don’t need them at the moment. This can significantly slow down the startup process and overall performance. [1]
To see which programs are set to start automatically, go to the Start menu, select Settings > Apps > Startup, and take a look at the list. For any programs you don’t use frequently, turn the “Startup” setting to “Off.” This will prevent them from launching when Windows starts, giving your PC a little extra spring in its step. [1]
Step 10: Scan for Viruses and Malware
Viruses, malware, and other nasty bits of code can wreak havoc on your PC’s performance. If you’re noticing slowdowns, unexpected pop-ups, or programs starting up on their own, you could be dealing with an infection. [3]
To check for and remove any malicious software, use the built-in Windows Security (formerly Windows Defender) tool. You can find it in the Start menu by searching for “Windows Security.” Run a quick scan, and if any issues are found, follow the instructions to quarantine or remove the threats. [3]
If Windows Security isn’t working or can’t fully resolve the problem, you can also try running the Windows Defender Offline scan, which is a more thorough virus and malware check. [3]
Step 11: Restore Your PC
If you’ve tried all of the above steps and your PC is still running slow, it might be time to restore it to an earlier point in time. This can undo any recent changes that might be causing the performance issues. [1]
To do this, search for “restore point” in the Start menu and select “Create a restore point.” Then, in the System Properties window, choose “System Restore” and select the most recent restore point that was created before the problems started. [1]
Keep in mind that restoring your PC will remove any apps, drivers, or updates that were installed after the restore point was created, but it won’t affect your personal files. [1]
So there you have it, my friends – 11 tried and true tips to help speed up your PC. From updating Windows to scanning for viruses, there’s something here for everyone. Give these a try, and I’m confident you’ll have your computer running like a well-oiled machine in no time. Happy computing!
[1] Knowledge from https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/tips-to-improve-pc-performance-in-windows-b3b3ef5b-5953-fb6a-2528-4bbed82fba96
[2] Knowledge from https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/12-tips-to-speed-up-windows-10-windows-11
[3] Knowledge from https://www.computerworld.com/article/1634994/how-to-speed-up-windows-10.html
