How to Speed Up a Slow Windows PC

These are some of the easiest tips that work to make your Windows PC perform faster.

Ever locked up your Windows PC and had to wait for ages and ages before the PC can be booted into Windows? Or, a web browser or even the occasional application opening seems sluggish as compared to normal. You aren't alone if you know this condition.

One of the most frequent issues with computers for Windows users is a slow one. Fortunately, you don't have to purchase a brand-new computer or shell out cash for repairs every time. For a lot of PCs, making some simple changes can achieve this result and cause you to feel as if your PC is speeding up.

I re-remembered assisting a friend with starting his laptop that took almost 5 minutes to boot up. He was going to get another laptop when he thought that the laptop was completed. A few minor start up programs were removed, some temporary files were deleted and updated and the laptop is now so much smoother. This was a new mod, but not too new for being used every day.

Below you will learn some easy and practical tips to make your Windows System run faster. No technical knowledge required, simply follow the steps, one at a time.

Why do a Windows-based PC get slow?

Knowing the causes is helpful before correcting the problem.

Some common reasons include:

The program contains too many startup programs.

• Low storage space
• Temporary and junk files
• Outdated Windows version
• Old drivers

List of background applications for memory.

An attack by malware or unwanted software.Attack from malware or unwanted software.

An out-of-date hard drive

Fortunately, a lot of these problems can be easily fixed.

## 1. Make sure to restart your computer frequently.

Many people don't reboot their computer for days and days. A mere "restart" clears any temporary memory, shuts down unnecessary background programs, and also revitalizes Windows.

When your Computer is slow, the first thing you should do is to restart your Computer.

## 2. Temporary Switch off Unnecessary Startup Programs

Some applications boot auto-matically with Windows itself. Your computer may take a lot longer to boot if you have an excessive amount of startup programs.

To disable them:

Go to Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.

Press the **StartUp** button.

When you start up Windows, turn off programs that don't need to run at that time.

Only disable programs that you know and aren't using frequently.

## 3. Delete Temporary Files

Temporary files are created by Windows during the operation of the applications. Over time, these files can take up valuable storage space.  

To remove them:

• Press **Windows + R**
• Type **%temp%**

In the folder, delete the files.

Windows Disk Cleanup or Storage Sense can help you to remove junk safely.

## 4. Free Up Storage Space

If you're running close to full drive, you will notice a huge impact to your PC's performance.

Try these tips:

• Delete old downloads.
• Remove duplicate files.
• Uninstall unused software.

Transfer big files to a structured/USB stick account.

Make sure that Windows keeps some space free of storage; the recommended amount is 15-20%.

## 5. Uninstaller Programs You No Longer Use

There are lots of computers with programs that haven's been used a few months.

Go to:

Settings, Apps, Installed Apps

Uninstall unused programs.

With less software, less background services fighting each other for system resources.

## 6. Keep Windows Updated

However, windows updates do not only include new features. Also they fix bugs, enhance security and performance optimisation.

To see if there is any updates,

To check for Windows Updates, select Settings on the menu bar, then select Windows Update, and finally, select Check for Updates.

Many performance issues can be addressed with the latest updates.

## 7. Scan for Viruses and Malware

Unwanted software and viruses can run silently in the background, but they cause your computer to run slower.

Use one of the good anti-virus software (Windows Security) to do a complete scan.

Don't download software from unfamiliar sites—there are many unwanted programs on them.

## 8. Reduce Visual Effects

Windows has got some nice effects, animations and transparency that are nice to the eye yet responsible for using the system.

These effects can be reduced if your PC is old and you want it to become more responsive.

Click on Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows, and then click on Adjust for best performance or customise the effects you wish to retain.

## 9. Close inactive apps that are using bandwidth. Close apps that consume bandwidth.

Multiple applications can still run after they have been closed.

Access the Task Manager and review which applications are consuming the most memory or CPU.

Only shut down programs you know and are not using.

This will have a positive immediate impact on performance.

## 10. Upgrade to an SSD

One of the largest performance improvements available for computers with a traditional hard disk (HDD) is upgrading to a Solid State Drive (SSD).

An SSD can make your PC:

• Start much faster
• Open applications quickly
• Reduce loading times
• Improve overall responsiveness

This one upgrade spills a lot of old computers back into the equation.

## 11. Add more RAM memory (if required)

Many browser tabs or heavy programmes may cause your computer to run out of memory.

Here are a few tips for helping increase the RAM:

• Improve multitasking
• Reduce lag
• Minimize latency, delays, and interruptions in applying the different views

You should if your laptop or computer could muster any more RAM prior to upgrading.

## 12. You have a lot of applications open. Too many Apps Opened!

You can have 20, 30 browser tabs and apps open all day long.

It is advisable to close any unused applications regularly to keep a computers memory usage to a minimum and maintain a smooth operation.

In other instances, "restarting" is the sole resolution your PC can need.In other instances, all you have to do is restart.

## Extra Tips to Keep Your PC Fast

A few good habits to maintain good performance:

• Restart Computer periodically every few days.
• Ensure Windows and drivers are up to date.
• Don't install any irrelevant application.
• On regular basis, clean the Recycle
  
  Bin.
• Scan for malware once per week.
• Make sure you have sufficient free space.
• Create backups of critical files.
• Little things can lead to big things!

Should You Re-Install Windows?

If you've exhausted all possibilities and your computer is still slow, a Windows reset could help.

You can reset the system in Windows, without losing your belongings. This eliminates unneeded software and gets Windows to a cleaner state.

Always back-up important data before resetting.

Final Thoughts

If your computer is running slowly, it's not always a sign that you should replace it. Sometimes, with a simple maintenance, the difference is great.

Frequently remove junk files, unneeded startup programs, update Windows and clean up for malware to boost speed and overall performance. Even greater improvements will be seen if your computer is older, through upgrading to an SSD or more RAM into the computer.

Think of it this way, it is good to keep your PC speedy, but not a single performance changing magic bill, it's a matter of creating a couple of great habits that will make sure your PC remains healthy over time.

If you like this guide, then do spread the word among your friends and family on WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X (formerly known as Twitter). Someone else may have the same problem with their computer, too!

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