Last Updated on September 1, 2023 by Daniel Osakwe
Table of Contents
7 Ways to Speed Up a Computer
Uninstall any unused software.
Numerous programs that come preinstalled on your computer can consume up system resources even though many users won’t use them. These are typically easy to spot when a pop-up window asking you to update an application you’ve never used appears.
- Take them out of your computer to make disk space available.
- Visit the “All Apps” section by clicking the “Start” button.
- When you locate the item you want to uninstall, right-click on the icon to open the “Options” section.
- You may view a list of the programs you have installed as well as those you haven’t.
Additionally, you should be aware of which apps your computer needs to function effectively and which ones can be removed. These programs frequently launch automatically when you turn on your computer, which is one of the reasons they slow down your PC.
Note: You can take a closer look at the applications you wish to delete within the above options if you are unsure if you want them permanently deleted.
Limit the number of apps that run during Start-Up.
In a similar vein, you can control which programs start up with your computer. The Task Manager in Windows 10 has been improved to make it simpler to choose what you want to run in the background and what you may start independently.
- Hit Ctrl-Shift-Esc to open Task Manager.
- You’ll see a box with a list of all the installed programs on your system.
- When your computer starts, it also provides you with a thorough breakdown of how much RAM each program needs.
- Simply right-click the application you want to update to instruct it not to run until instructed to make the necessary changes.
Upgrade your computer’s RAM.
Windows 10 utilizes less memory than earlier versions, but boosting RAM memory has long been a tried-and-true method of accelerating PCs.
You’ll probably have to make do with what came in the box if you have a convertible or detachable laptop. It is feasible to increase RAM in some business and gaming laptops, but it can be challenging.
More RAM can be added to desktop computers much more quickly and inexpensively. Installing extra RAM takes around an hour for anyone with a rudimentary understanding of a desktop tower’s innards.
Additionally, you can bring your computer to a qualified shop to get more RAM added. A professional’s opinion can put your mind at ease and make adding extra memory simple if you’re concerned about potentially harming your computer or doing it incorrectly.
Virus and malware scanning
While visiting the web, it’s nearly difficult to avoid picking up a virus at some time, but the new Windows Defender program has made it simpler than ever to discover malware that could be seriously harming your PC. Third-party applications can be just as successful at eliminating any malware or viruses you might have acquired and are equally simple to install.
Some applications perform better than others and some may require more storage, which may slow them down. Finding software that is effective and thoroughly gets rid of malware while not taking up a lot of space on your PC is ideal.
Defragment and use Disk Cleanup
Each computer contains a number of files and applications on its hard drive that are either useless or haven’t been used in a while. You can use Disk Cleanup to determine which programs and files should be removed from your computer in order to make room for the apps you actually use.
- Disk Cleanup is really simple to use.
- You’ll be directed to the program through the Start button or Cortana search box.
- You can quickly scan for and identify temporary files, installer programs, and websites that you haven’t used or don’t require.
- After that, it will automatically erase them to make room.
In order to know how much hard drive space you have, you need also to schedule disk defragmentation on a semi-regular basis. You can use the Start button or the Cortana search box to launch Windows’ Optimize Drives utility. Several third-party applications are also available that can be useful in removing files that are no longer needed.
Think about a startup SSD
A startup solid-state drive (SSD) can go a long way toward relieving some of the burdens on the processor when your computer boots up if you want greater performance. A starting drive can significantly improve the speed and smoothness of these apps if you frequently run multiple programs at once or use photo and video editing tools.
Depending on how you use your PC, you can discover a variety of SSD alternatives that fit within your budget. If you want to choose the proper driver for your computer and you need to know if it is compatible with your current OS.
Examine your web browser.
Your PC’s speed can frequently be improved with small changes. The speed at which websites, movies, and photos load can be slowed down or accelerated by something as simple as the browser you use. Consider trying a different browser to see if the loading times are faster if you have been using one and have noticed a lag time.
Your choice of browser may not be the only factor slowing down your computer when you browse the internet. You should check your settings to make sure that the cache is empty if it is full and hasn’t been cleared in a while.
What you download when you visit different websites is included in your cache. Numerous websites use cookies to track your surfing patterns, and any adverts you may click on on a site also do so. If you spend a lot of time online, these files might amass and slow down the performance of your computer because they are stored in a cache.
