Is your Windows PC feeling sluggish? Don't worry, you don't need to be a tech expert to give it a significant speed boost. In just a few minutes, you can improve your computer's performance using built-in tools and simple steps. Follow this guide to make your PC run faster and smoother.
Step 1: Restart Your PC
It might sound too simple, but a restart is often the quickest way to resolve temporary performance issues. It clears your computer's memory and stops any background processes that might have stalled.
How to do it: Click the Start button, select the Power icon, and then choose Restart. Give your PC a fresh start before trying anything else.
Step 2: Uninstall Unused Programs
Over time, your computer can accumulate programs you no longer use. These applications take up valuable storage space and can sometimes run background processes that slow down your system. Removing them is a great way to declutter.
How to do it: Go to Settings -> Apps -> Apps & features. Scroll through the list, click on any program you don't need, and select Uninstall.
Step 3: Disable Startup Programs
Many programs automatically set themselves to launch when your computer starts up. While convenient for some, too many startup programs can drastically increase the time it takes for your PC to boot and become usable.
How to do it: Press
Ctrl + Shift + Escto open Task Manager. Click on the Startup tab. Right-click on any program you don't need to start automatically and select Disable. Be careful not to disable essential system processes.
Step 4: Clean Up Temporary Files
Windows and the applications you use create temporary files to help them run faster. However, these files can build up over time, taking up space and potentially slowing down your system. The Disk Cleanup tool is a safe and easy way to remove them.
How to do it: Search for "Disk Cleanup" in the Windows search bar and open the app. Select the drive you want to clean (usually C:) and click OK. Check the boxes next to the file types you want to delete (like "Temporary files" and "Thumbnails") and click OK to clean them up.
Step 5: Update Windows and Drivers
One of the most overlooked ways to speed up a PC is simply keeping it updated. Microsoft frequently releases updates that fix bugs, patch security holes, and optimize system performance. Similarly, outdated drivers (especially for your graphics card) can slow things down.
How to do it: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click Check for updates. If updates are available, install them and restart your PC.
Step 6: Change Your Power Plan
By default, Windows often uses a "Balanced" power plan to save energy. However, this can limit your computer’s performance. If you are plugged into power (not running on battery), switching to "High Performance" can give your system an instant speed boost.
How to do it: Type "Control Panel" in the search bar and open it. Go to Hardware and Sound > Power Options. Select High performance. (Note: This uses more energy, so it’s best for desktop PCs or laptops plugged into a charger).
Step 7: Disable Special Visual Effects
Windows 10 and 11 look great because of animations and shadow effects, but these "eye candy" features use up system resources. If your PC is older, turning these off can make the interface feel much snappier.
How to do it: Search for "Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows" in the search bar. In the window that opens, select Adjust for best performance, or manually uncheck boxes like "Animate windows when minimizing and maximizing." Click Apply.
Step 8: Scan for Malware
Sometimes, a slow PC isn't a hardware issue—it's a virus or malware running in the background. These malicious programs use up your CPU and memory. Running a scan ensures your computer is clean and safe.
Final Thoughts
You don't need to buy a new computer just because yours feels a little slow. By performing these regular maintenance tasks—cleaning up junk files, managing startup apps, and keeping your software updated—you can extend the life of your PC and enjoy a faster, smoother experience every day.
Have you tried these tips? Let us know in the comments which one worked best for you!
