If your computer running Windows 10 has been acting like a sloth on a lazy Sunday, don’t worry! This guide will show you how to speed it up. You’ll learn how to manage your startup programs, clean out unnecessary files, update your system, and more. By the end of this, your computer should run smoother and faster.
How to Fix Slow Computer Windows 10
In this section, we’ll go through the steps to identify and resolve the issues that are slowing down your Windows 10 computer. By following these steps, you can improve your computer’s performance without needing to be a tech wizard.
Step 1: Disable Startup Programs
Go to the Task Manager and disable unnecessary startup programs that are slowing down your boot time.
When you turn on your computer, some programs start automatically. While some are necessary, many are not. To disable these programs, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. Click on the “Startup” tab, and you’ll see a list of programs that launch when your computer starts. Right-click on the programs you don’t need right away and select “Disable.”
Step 2: Clean Up Unnecessary Files
Use the Disk Cleanup tool to remove temporary files and free up space on your hard drive.
Over time, your computer collects a lot of temporary files that you don’t need. To get rid of them, type “Disk Cleanup” in the search bar and open the tool. Select the drive you want to clean (usually C:), and the tool will calculate how much space you can free up. Check the boxes next to the types of files you want to delete, then click “OK” and “Delete Files.”
Step 3: Update Windows and Drivers
Keep your Windows and drivers up to date to ensure peak performance and security.
Updates often contain fixes and improvements that can speed up your computer. To check for updates, go to “Settings” > “Update & Security” > “Windows Update” and click on “Check for updates.” Don’t forget to update your drivers as well. You can do this by going to “Device Manager,” right-clicking on the device you want to update, and selecting “Update driver.”
Step 4: Adjust Visual Effects
Change your visual effects settings to prioritize performance over appearance.
Windows 10 has lots of visual effects that can make it look pretty, but they can also slow it down. To adjust these settings, right-click on “This PC” and select “Properties.” Click on “Advanced system settings” and then “Settings” under the Performance section. Choose “Adjust for best performance,” or manually uncheck the effects you don’t need.
Step 5: Scan for Malware
Run a full system scan using Windows Defender or another antivirus program to check for malware.
Malware can significantly slow down your computer. Open Windows Defender by typing “Windows Security” in the search bar, then go to “Virus & threat protection.” Click on “Quick scan” or “Full scan” to check your computer for malicious software. If you find any threats, follow the prompts to remove them.
After following these steps, your computer should run more efficiently. You might even notice that it boots up faster and programs load quicker.
Tips on How to Fix Slow Computer Windows 10
- Regularly restart your computer to clear out any temporary files and refresh your system.
- Keep at least 15% of your hard drive space free to ensure your computer can operate efficiently.
- Schedule regular scans and updates to maintain your computer’s health and performance.
- Use a solid-state drive (SSD) instead of a traditional hard drive (HDD) for a significant speed boost.
- Limit the number of browser tabs and programs you have open simultaneously to avoid overloading your system.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I run Disk Cleanup?
Running Disk Cleanup once a month should be sufficient for most users. However, if you often download or install large files, you might want to run it more frequently.
Is it safe to disable all startup programs?
Not all startup programs should be disabled. Programs like antivirus software are essential for your system’s security and should remain enabled. Only disable programs that you recognize and do not need immediately upon startup.
What kind of malware scan should I run?
A quick scan is sufficient for regular checks, but running a full scan once a month will ensure that no hidden threats are lurking in your system.
Can adjusting visual effects harm my computer?
No, adjusting visual effects won’t harm your computer. It simply changes how Windows displays certain elements, trading off appearance for performance.
Do I need to update drivers even if my computer is running fine?
Yes, it’s a good practice to keep your drivers up to date. Updated drivers can improve your computer’s performance, add new features, and fix bugs or compatibility issues.
Summary
- Disable unnecessary startup programs.
- Clean up unnecessary files using Disk Cleanup.
- Update Windows and drivers regularly.
- Adjust visual effects for best performance.
- Scan for malware to ensure your system is clean.
Conclusion
Dealing with a slow computer can feel like trying to run a race with a backpack full of rocks. But with the steps outlined in this guide, you can lighten that load and get your Windows 10 machine humming along smoothly again. Whether it’s disabling startup programs, cleaning out unnecessary files, or scanning for malware, each step plays a crucial role in optimizing your system’s performance.
If you still experience issues, consider seeking professional help or diving deeper into other advanced settings and optimizations. Technology changes rapidly, and keeping your computer up to date and well-maintained is crucial. Happy computing!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.