17 SIMPLE TWEAKS TO SPEED UP WINDOWS 10 | PC or Laptop

Written by Firas Sameer in Microsoft Windows,SW/HD Maintenance

Although Windows 10 is faster than earlier versions of Microsoft’s desktop operating system, it may yet be improved. It’s common for a Windows system to slow down over time. Every Windows user will face this issue at some point.

Table of Contents

Why My Windows 10 Suddenly Becomes Slow?

Your Windows 10 becomes slow because you have too many programs running in the background that you rarely use. Stop them from running, and your computer will run faster. When you launch Windows, you’ll see a list of the apps and programs running in the background.

What Functions Are Slowing Down My PC?

Here are some of the reasons that cause your computer to slow down:

  • RAM is running out (Random Access Memory)
  • Disk drive space is running out (HDD or SSD)
  • Hard drive that is old.
  • There are far too many background apps.
  • There are far too many startup programmes.
  • Not keeping Windows or driver upgrades.
  • Viruses or malware.

17 Tips To Speed Up Windows 10

You can use the tips below to speed up a computer and make it run faster or to figure out why a computer is slow.

Here are some tips you should try:

[1] – Reboot Your PC

Computers are expected to run faster after a reboot. By clearing the RAM, you can make your computer run much faster by removing all of the temporary files that have been stored in your computer’s memory.

If your computer hasn’t been rebooted in a while, do so before proceeding with any of the procedures below.

NOTE: Rebooting the computer can solve a number of issues and is a simple initial step.

[2] – Disable Unnecessary Start Up Programmes

Some programs start automatically and run in the background when you switch on your computer. Many programs are set up to run in the background when Windows starts up. You are unaware that they are operating, but when you go to utilize them, they will instantly open.

NOTE: This is useful for apps you use frequently, but not for programs you don’t use frequently because it slows down Windows startup.


To stop a program from starting automatically:

  • Select the Start button > then Settings > Apps > Startup from the drop-down menu.
  • Find the program you wish to stop from launching automatically in the Startup Apps category and turn it off.

[3] – Use ReadyBoost to Increase System Performance

ReadyBoost allows you to boost your PC’s performance by using a portable drive, such as a USB flash drive, without having to open it and add more memory (RAM).

You’ll need a USB flash drive or memory card with at least 500 MB of free space and a high data transmission rate to use ReadyBoost.

To use ReadyBoost

  • Insert the USB flash drive into one of your computer’s USB ports.
  • Right-click the USB flash drive in File Explorer, then select Properties.
  • Select the ReadyBoost tab, then Use this device from the drop-down menu.
  • Select OK to reserve this space so ReadyBoost can use it once Windows determines how much free space to use to improve memory.

[4] – Close Background Programmes

Programs running in the background are one of the most typical causes of a slow computer. Terminate and Stay Resident (TSRs) and start programs that start automatically when the computer boots should be removed or disabled.

To close Background Programs:

  • Open the Settings menu and select Privacy.
  • Select Background apps from the drop-down menu.
  • Turn off the toggle switch for the apps you want to restrict under the “Choose which apps can run in the background” section.

[5] – Free Up Hard Drive Space

When your hard disc memory is full, your computer slows down because the operating system lacks sufficient free space to function properly. Your operating system needs space in order to use the swap file, avoid fragmentation, and create temporary files (more on these later).

NOTE: Make sure there’s at least 500MB (megabytes) of disc space available to ensure your computer isn’t slowing down due to a full hard drive.

To Free Up Hard Drive Space:

  • Open Settings > System > Storage from the Start menu. 
  • Select your storage options.
  • Turn on Storage Sense to have Windows automatically delete unnecessary files.
  • Change how we free up space automatically to manually delete unnecessary files. 
  • Select Clean now under Free up space now.

[6] – Disable Search Indexing

In Windows 10, search indexing increases the search tool’s reaction time and speeds up searches. However, because it works in the background and consumes a lot of system resources, it degrades performance. As a result, if you only make searches periodically, it’s preferable to turn it off.

To Disable Search Index:

  • Press Windows Key + S and enter indexing.
  • Select Indexing Options from the menu.
  • Click on Modify button and Uncheck the locations that you don’t want to index
  • Click on OK to save changes.

[7] – Scan For Viruses

A virus, malware, or malicious software could slow down your computer.

Running anti-malware and antivirus software and keeping it up to date is the best way to deal with viruses and malicious software. Even if you take precautions, your computer can become infected.

NOTE: Windows Security (formerly Windows Defender Security Center), which is included with Windows 10, can scan your computer for viruses and other malicious software.

To Scan for Viruses:

  • Select Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options, select Microsoft Defender Offline scan.
  • After clicking the Scan now button.
  • Your computer will restart to do a scan.

[8] – Disable Browser’s Plugin

Many Web Browsers use plugins to provide different functions. These plugins slow down your PC in a browsing state. Try deactivating these browser plug-ins, add-on, or extensions if your computer is extremely slow when using your web browser. This will certainly improve the performance of your windows.

To Disable Browser plugins:

  • At the upper right of the browser, click the ≡ symbol.
  • To open a new Options tab, go to Tools, then Extensions.
  • To disable an extension, uncheck Enabled or remove it entirely, click Remove.
  • To disable the plugin, click the Disable link under it.

[9] – Update Drivers to Latest Version

Make sure to have the latest version and most up-to-date drivers for your computer hardware, particularly the video drivers. Drivers that are out of current can cause a variety of problems, including poor performance.

To Update Drivers:

  • Open Settings and Select Update & Security.
  • Click on Windows Update and Check for updates button.
  • Select View optional updates option and Click the Driver updates tab.
  • Select the driver you want to update.  Click the Download and install button.

[10] – Don’t Allow PC to Heat Up

Look for overheating in your PC and processor. Because most operating systems automatically reduce the processor’s speed to compensate for heat-related difficulties, excessive heat can cause a decrease in computer performance.

Dust, filth, and hair can also obstruct appropriate airflow, causing your computer to overheat. Make sure your computer casing is clean and that the fans aren’t obstructed.

To cool down your computer:

  • Don’t block your computer’s vents.
  • Use a laptop cooling pad.
  • Avoid using programs that push your computer’s CPU limits.
  • Clean your computer’s fans and vents.

[11] – De-fragment Hard Drive of System

De-fragmenting your hard drive organizes your hard disk’s disorganized data into conveniently accessible and orderly pieces. De-fragmenting your computer can help it run faster if it has slowed down over time. Large file size apps (video editors, games, etc.) will fragment your hard disc, and De-fragmenting will increase their performance.

To defrag Hard Drive:

  • Open search bar on the taskbar and enter defrag.
  • Select De-fragment and Optimize Drives.
  • Select the disk drive you want to optimize.
  • Click on the Optimize button.

[12] – Use CCleaner Regularly

Every Windows system fills up with temporary and useless data over time, causing file fragmentation and system slowdown. It’s better to delete such information on a regular basis. CCleaner is a disc cleanup tool that deletes temporary files, cookies, cache, and other junk data that needs to be cleaned on a regular basis in order for the system to run smoothly.

To use CCLEANER:

If you wish to run CCleaner for Windows 10, all you have to do is: 

  • Click the Analyze button and it will start searching for the files that are no longer needed.
  • After the analysis is complete, you can run CCleaner and it will erase them.

[13] – Disable Sync Features

Passwords, browser settings, system and language choices, and other information are all synced with your Microsoft account in Windows 10. As a result, this feature uses up system resources and your internet connection’s capacity.

NOTE: If you don’t require the sync feature, try turning it off.

To Disable Sync Features:

  • Open Settings, and Go to the Accounts > Sync your settings page.
  • On the right, go to the section Individual sync settings.
  • Disabling the option Sync Settings will stop Windows 10 from syncing all your preferences at once.

[14] – Use an SSD

SSDs (Solid State Drives) use Flash memory, which is similar to that found in USB sticks. They provide significantly faster access and writing times than traditional mechanical hard drives that use magnetized discs.

NOTE: If you have the budget, purchase SSD Hard Disk Drive from the local market make it the booting drive, install Windows 10 on it, and make the older drive as the secondary drive for file storing.

[15] – Increase RAM of PC

Random Access Memory (RAM) is your computer’s fast working memory space. Windows is forced to shift data in RAM to and from your hard drive when there isn’t enough of it to hold all of your current program and operating system data.

This is one of the worst performance problems a computer may have, slowing everything down to a halt.

NOTE: Adding extra RAM to your PC is the most effective method.

[16] – Restore Your System

If none of the previous suggestions work to fix your Windows 10, you should try to reset your computer. This option will install a new configuration on your system.

NOTE: While system restore will not affect your saved data, you will lose access to your old software and configurations.

To reset Windows 10

  • Open Settings and click on Update & Security then go to Recovery.
  • Under the Reset this PC section, click the Get started button.
  • Click the Keep my files option.
  • Click the List of apps to be removed option.
  • Check the apps that you’ll need to reinstall after the reset to factory settings.
  • Press Reset Button.

[17] – Reinstall Your Windows

If everything else fails, the best choice is to reinstall Windows. If you’ve been using your computer for a long, you probably have a huge collection of apps and files that you don’t use anymore. While wiping them out one by one helps, the best way to be sure you’ve removed everything is to uninstall then reinstall Windows. All of your settings and drivers will be restored to default.

NOTE: Before reinstalling Windows, make a backup of all your important files, as this process will erase everything from your hard drive.

To Reinstall Windows 10:

The simplest way to reinstall Windows 10 is through Windows itself by:

  • Click Start > Settings > Update & security > Recovery and then choose Get started under Reset this PC.
  • A full reinstall wipes your entire drive, so select Remove everything to ensure a clean reinstall is performed.

Why Does PC Suddenly Get Slow Down?

A virus or malware code can create problems on your computer. One of them is a slowing down computer. If you’re using your computer for work, make sure it’s virus-free by checking it with an anti-virus or malware scanning program.

How to Clean C Drive Windows without Formatting it?

  1. To clean the C drive, use the Disk Cleanup tool.
  2. Right-click on the C drive and pick Properties from the This PC/My Computer menu.
    disc clean up tool
  3. Select the files you want to erase from the C drive by clicking Disk Cleanup.
    disc clean up for system
    disc cleanup tool for system
    disc cleanup tool for windows
  4. To confirm the operation, click OK.

Conclusion

Windows 10 can cause your PC to slow down if there are too many programs running in the background. If necessary, stop them from running and your computer will run faster.  When your hard disc memory is full, your computer slows down because the operating system lacks sufficient free space to function properly. Performing these steps will enhance your system performance and make you able to do tasks quickly.

Firas Sameer

This is me Firas Sameer the founder of Dealing With Windows, I am a computer and telecommunication engineer with over 14 years of experience, I love helping people and I love spending some of my free time posting useful articles for free about Microsoft windows.

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