How to speed up Windows?

• Admin
• 2017-02-22 03:58:12
• 1,502

Is your PC or laptop working slower? If your Windows seems sluggish there is nothing to worry as you can restore good performance with the help of some simple steps. You must have noticed that your laptop or PC works fine when you get it at the first place. But as you continue to install apps, games, photos etc. its efficiency is affected. A number of factors may affect the speed of Windows. Regardless of what is causing this problem, you can find a suitable solution and end all issues related to windows performance.

Get rid of start-up programs

PCs may take long to start due to the applications and utilities you've installed. Many of those run on their own as soon as you start the Windows while most of them don't have to. They should use up resources just when you really require to use them.

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You can disable all the other programs and 'helpers' apps that start with Windows. To do this, you have to press Windows+R and type msconfig and click Ok. Choose the Services tab, tick ‘Hide all Microsoft services' and check out what's left. There are tons of services that you may not need and clearing the tick box checks them from running. On the Startup tab, are lots of programs that start with Windows. Finding out what to disable isn't not simple but you can use Google to search for items and find out if they are important, helpful or no good. You can right click and disable programs which have a high start-up impact in Windows 10 which tells you about it.

Run antivirus 

In order to ensure that your system is free from all types of erroneous pieces of software that may cause harm and slow down your machine, you must also run scans. You can use Windows Defender by going to the Start Menu>Settings>Update and Security>Windows Defender. In the right hand panel scroll down and click Open Windows Defender. In the next window on the right hand side you will see Quick, Full, or Custom scan options. Click on Scan now. If you want to use another antivirus program, you will have to follow the same procedure. 

Degfragging

Latest versions of Windows automatically defragment the disk. However, Microsoft's tool is just fundamental and there are improved defragmenters to help you enhance performance even more. Programs such as O&O Defrag are fine, but IObit's Smart Defrag 5 is better. You should only use one of these if your PC has a traditional mechanical hard drive. But in case it has an SSD, remember not to use such utilities on them. If you have both, use a defragger on the hard disk.

Reinstall Windows

Another way to solve the slow Windows problem is to reinstall it. Well, this step helps to get rid of any unwanted software that slows down the PC. It also helps to erases adware and other malware, clears out junk files etc. to reinstall your windows, you need to install older Windows versions but Windows 8 and 10 come with a built in Refresh option. If you are using Windows 8, bring up the Charms bar on the right side of the screen and then click Settings, Change PC settings. Click Update and recovery, then Recovery. Under Refresh your PC without affecting your files, then you need to click Get started. For Windows 10, you need to click the cog icon on the Start menu to see the new Settings app. Now you have to click Update & security, select Recovery from the menu on the left. The 'Reset this PC' option will be there on the right. Select keep personal files - photos, music and documents. This procedure is useful since it's automatic and simple. You can also install Windows entirely but remember to copy files you want to keep to another drive.

Turn off the visual effects

Sometimes your Windows 10 may get slow due to visual effects. You can do away with this problem by turning them off. Firstly, you have to open the Windows Start Menu and type advanced system settings and choose the top result. You will see a section marked Performance, with a button for Settings, which you have to click. You will then get to see a list of the number of visual effects. Depending on your choice, you may uncheck the ones you feel that might be problematic, or just choose the Adjust for best performance option. 

Free up disk space

Freeing some space from your hard disk can also help improve the performance of your PC. Disk space can be freed up in a number of ways. You can choose to remove files manually, or install a utility to do a deeper search and do the job with ease. Choose some items and clean them, but makes sure that the app backs up the changes. If your sustem is working fine, just do it and clean a few more items. It is advised not to clean it all in one go as in case something goes wrong you won't know where the issue is.

Update drivers and apps

Sometimes the reason behind slows PC can be drivers, programs and Windows itself that is outdated. If Windows updates are automatic, it is recommended to go to Windows Update in the Control Panel and check for updates manually. Just essential ones are installed automatically and there may be suitable optional ones available. To update the drivers you can use the shorter route by using a free tool like SlimDrivers Free or Driver Booster Free. They recognize the existing drivers, check if there are updates, and download and install them for you. They solve many issues. You can also opt for paid-for options like Driver Talent.

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Install faster software

Installing faster software is another way to improve performance of your PC or laptop. Like you could go for Google Chrome instead of Internet Explorer or other faster options out there. Smaller, lightweight programs are often faster than big, full featured apps. 

Upgrade your hardware

There are times when your old system may not be able to use the latest game or other software you want to use in the best possible way. In such a scenario, a hardware upgrade may be needed and this will improve the PC's performance beyond its original specs and little the gap between your existing PC and the latest ones.

Memory (RAM)

Generally old laptops and computers have issue of little memory which effects their speed. Consider 4GB the minimum nowadays but it is the maximum usable by 32-bit versions of Windows. That is why upgrading to 64-bit is the right thing to do. Adding RAM is the other thing to do once you installing an SSD. Before you buy any memory it is important to examine your PC or laptop as some are easy to upgrade, but others are not. The most cost effective way is to buy RAM online and installing it yourself. However, if you are not really sure about it, seek professional help.

Install an SSD

A solid state disk drive (SSD) is the best way to perk up performance in a number of older laptops and systems. In case you own a laptop, you will have to clone the old disk drive onto the new SSD prior to installing it. To this you need to plug the SSD into the PC's USB port and run a cloning program on the PC. Upgrading the graphics card is a great way to speed up games, however, it has limited advantages to other software. High end video cards are big, so before ordering the latest Nvidia or AMD model, make sure it will fit the case.