A slow Windows computer can be frustrating — whether you're trying to get work done, attend meetings, or just browse the internet. Fortunately, you don’t always need to buy a new PC to boost speed. Here are practical and effective tips to make your Windows PC faster.
1. Remove Unnecessary Startup Programs
When Windows starts, many apps launch in the background. Disable the ones you don’t need:
How:
-
Press
Ctrl + Shift + Esc
to open Task Manager. Go to the Startup tab.
-
Right-click and disable unnecessary programs.
2. Clean Up Your Disk
Temporary files, old downloads, and system logs can slow you down.
How:
-
Open Settings > System > Storage.
Click Temporary files and delete unnecessary data.
-
You can also use Disk Cleanup by typing it in the Start menu.
3. Uninstall Unused Programs
Unused software takes up valuable space and may run in the background.
How:
-
Go to Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a program.
Remove the ones you don’t use anymore.
4. Optimize Your Drives
Defragmentation organizes data for faster access (for HDD users).
How:
- Type Defragment and Optimize Drives in the Start menu.
- Select your hard drive and click Optimize.
(Note: SSDs do not need defragmentation.)
5. Use Lighter Software Alternatives
Switch to lightweight browsers and apps that use fewer system resources. For example:
-
Use Brave or Edge instead of Chrome.
Use VLC instead of heavy video players.
6. Restart Regularly
Don’t just put your PC to sleep — reboot it every few days to clear memory and processes.
7. Check for Malware
Viruses and spyware can hog resources and slow down your system.
How:
- Use Windows Defender or a trusted antivirus like Malwarebytes to scan your system.
8. Upgrade Your Hardware (Optional but Powerful)
If you’ve tried all the above and still face slowness:
- Upgrade to SSD: Much faster than HDD.
- Add more RAM: Helps with multitasking.
9. Keep Windows Updated
Updates fix bugs and improve performance.
How:
- Go to Settings > Windows Update and install any pending updates.
10. Reset Your PC (Last Resort)
If nothing else works, consider a fresh start:
How:
-
Go to Settings > System > Recovery > Reset this PC.
Choose Keep my files or Remove everything, based on your need.
Final
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