1. Check Your Computer for Viruses and Other Malware
2. Close Unnecessary Programs and Processes
Your computer can only run so many programs at once. Unused programs clog up memory and take away from the resources available to the programs you actually need. To free up these resources, you should close any programs you are not actively using. On Windows 10, open Task Manager (Right-Click on the Taskbar and select ‘Task Manager’). Then click on ‘More Details’ to view a list of all the programs running in the background. You can then select and end any unnecessary processes.
3. Update Your OS, Drivers, and Applications
Old and outdated applications and drivers can greatly slow down your computer. Make sure you are running the latest updates for your operating system and any applications you use. This should help improve the speed of your computer, as well as improve its security.
4. Clear Out Your Downloads Folder
Downloads are one of the main causes of a cluttered hard drive. Over time, the files you download accumulate and start to weigh down your PC. Delete any files you no longer need to free up some space.
5. Uninstall Unused Programs
Unused programs and applications can also take up valuable space on your hard drive, as well as clutter up your installed programs list. To free up space and resources, uninstall any programs you don’t need or use.
6. Clean Up Your Hard Disk
Cluttered hard drives are a major cause of slow performance. The more fragmented the data is on your hard drive, the longer it takes for your computer to access the files it needs. Use a disk optimization utility to clean up your hard drive. These programs will clean up any junk files, remove old temporary files, and de-fragment the files on your hard drive.
7. Add More Memory
Memory is one of the most important components of a fast computer. The more RAM your computer has, the faster it can run. If your computer is constantly running out of memory, you may need to upgrade to a larger RAM module.
8. Overclock Your Computer
If your computer isn’t already overclocked, it may be worth looking into. Overclocking is a way to increase the speed of your processor without buying a new one. It involves changing the settings of the CPU and RAM to make them run faster than they were originally designed to run. However, this is a risky process, and you should only do it if you really know what you are doing.
9. Adjust Visual Effects
Windows 10 comes with a variety of visual effects that can slow down your computer. To view the visual effects, right-click your desktop and select ‘Personalize’, then choose ‘Performance’. From here you can adjust the visual effects to suit your needs.
10. Defragment Your Hard Drive
Fragmented files are scattered all over the hard drive, which slows down the process of finding the files. One way to speed up your computer is to defragment the hard drive, which will reorganize the files so that they are easier for your computer to access.
11. Disable Unnecessary Startup Programs
Some programs will automatically launch when you start up your computer, even if you don’t need them. They can eat up memory and slow down your computer’s startup time. To disable these programs, open the Task Manager again and select the ‘Startup’ tab. Here you can disable any programs that you don’t need.
12. Regularly Clean Your Hardware
Dust and debris buildup can block fans and vents, preventing air flow and slowing down your computer. Make sure to clean the inside of your computer regularly, as well as any external hardware such as monitors, keyboards and mice.
13. Upgrade Your Hardware
In some cases, the best way to speed up your computer is to upgrade the hardware. If your computer is more than a few years old, you may benefit from a new processor or graphics card. Look up your model online to see what upgrades are available, and consider investing in them if you plan to keep your computer for a few more years.