If you’re someone who uses a Windows 10 computer, you know how frustrating it can be when your computer slows down. Whether you use your computer for work or leisure, a sluggish computer can put a damper on your productivity and cause unnecessary stress.
The good news is that you don’t have to settle for a slow computer. There are simple and effective ways to rev up your Windows 10 computer and get it running at its optimal speed. By following a few basic tips and tricks, you can speed up your computer and improve your overall computing experience.
So, if you’re wondering how to speed up a slow computer Windows 10, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll cover some easy and effective ways to optimize your Windows 10 computer and get it running like new again.
Ready to learn how to give your Windows 10 computer a boost? Keep reading to discover our top tips and tricks.
Get Rid of Unnecessary Programs
If you have a lot of unnecessary programs installed on your Windows 10 computer, it can slow down your system. Not only do these programs take up valuable space on your hard drive, but they can also use up valuable system resources.
Here are some steps you can take to get rid of unnecessary programs:
Use the Windows Control Panel
- Click on the Windows button on your desktop and select “Control Panel.”
- Click on “Programs and Features.”
- Select the program you want to uninstall and click “Uninstall.”
Use a Third-Party Uninstaller
If you have a lot of programs to uninstall, it can be time-consuming to do it one-by-one. Consider using a third-party uninstaller like CCleaner, which can help you remove programs quickly and easily.
Remove Startup Programs
When you start up your computer, there may be programs that start automatically. These programs can slow down your computer’s boot time and use up valuable system resources. To remove startup programs:
- Press “Ctrl+Shift+Esc” to open the Task Manager.
- Click on the “Startup” tab.
- Select the program you want to disable and click “Disable.”
By removing unnecessary programs, you can free up valuable space on your hard drive and improve the overall performance of your Windows 10 computer. So, take some time to clean up your system and enjoy a faster, more efficient computing experience!
Clean Up Your Disk Space
Over time, your computer’s storage can become cluttered with files and programs you no longer need, taking up valuable disk space and slowing down your system. Luckily, there are several simple ways to clean up your disk space and free up room for the things that matter.
First, you can use the built-in Disk Cleanup tool in Windows 10 to remove temporary files, system files, and other unnecessary items. Simply search for “Disk Cleanup” in the Start menu, select the drive you want to clean, and let the tool do its job. You can also use third-party tools like CCleaner or CleanMyPC for a more thorough cleaning.
Uninstall Unused Programs
- Programs that you no longer use take up valuable space on your hard drive. To uninstall them, go to the Control Panel, select “Programs and Features,” and look for the programs you want to remove. Click “Uninstall” and follow the prompts to complete the process.
- Apps downloaded from the Microsoft Store can also take up disk space. To uninstall them, right-click on the app and select “Uninstall.”
Delete Large Files
If you have large files taking up space on your computer, like movies, music, or photos, consider moving them to an external hard drive or cloud storage service. This will free up space on your computer and make it run faster. You can also use a tool like TreeSize to identify and delete large files you no longer need.
Turn on Storage Sense
- Storage Sense is a built-in Windows 10 feature that automatically frees up space by deleting temporary files and files in the Recycle Bin that have been there for more than 30 days. To turn on Storage Sense, go to Settings > System > Storage and toggle the switch under “Storage Sense” to “On.”
- OneDrive is another cloud storage service that can help free up space on your computer. By default, OneDrive stores your files in the cloud, so you don’t have to keep them on your computer. You can also choose which files and folders to sync with your computer, so you only download what you need.
By following these simple tips, you can easily clean up your disk space and improve your computer’s performance. Keep your computer running smoothly by making disk cleanup a regular part of your maintenance routine.
Disable Unnecessary Startup Programs
If you’re tired of waiting for your computer to start up every morning, it might be time to disable some unnecessary startup programs. When you install certain programs, they automatically configure themselves to start up whenever your computer boots. While some of these programs are essential, others are not and can significantly slow down your computer’s boot time.
Disabling unnecessary startup programs can help your computer start up faster, use less memory, and even increase your computer’s performance. In this article, we’ll show you how to disable startup programs on Windows and Mac computers.
Windows
- Open the Task Manager by pressing Ctrl+Shift+Esc.
- Click on the “Startup” tab.
- Select the program you want to disable and click “Disable”.
- Repeat for any additional programs you want to disable.
Mac
Mac computers don’t have a designated “Startup” folder, but you can still disable startup programs by following these steps:
- Click on the Apple menu and select “System Preferences”.
- Click on “Users & Groups”.
- Select your user account and click on the “Login Items” tab.
- Select the program you want to remove and click on the “-” button.
- Repeat for any additional programs you want to disable.
Benefits of Disabling Unnecessary Startup Programs
Disabling unnecessary startup programs can significantly improve your computer’s performance. By preventing certain programs from starting up with your computer, you’ll be able to reduce your computer’s boot time, use less memory, and decrease the amount of CPU resources being used.
Additionally, disabling startup programs can also help you avoid annoying pop-ups and notifications that can appear when certain programs start up. By disabling these programs, you can reduce the clutter on your desktop and enjoy a cleaner, more streamlined computing experience.
Uninstall Unused Apps
Having unused apps on your device can take up precious storage space and can slow down your device. Uninstalling unused apps is a great way to free up space and optimize your device’s performance.
Here are some tips to help you uninstall unused apps:
Identify Unused Apps
Start by identifying the apps that you haven’t used in a while. Look for apps that you downloaded but never used, or apps that you used once and never opened again.
Uninstall Apps You No Longer Use
Once you’ve identified the unused apps, uninstall them from your device. To uninstall an app on most devices, simply press and hold the app icon, then select “Uninstall” from the options that appear.
Use App Cleaners
If you have a lot of apps on your device, it can be time-consuming to manually uninstall each one. Consider using an app cleaner or uninstaller tool to help you quickly identify and uninstall unused apps.
- AppCleaner
- CCleaner
- AppZapper
By following these tips, you can free up space on your device and ensure that only the apps you use regularly are taking up storage space.
Update Your System and Drivers Regularly
Keeping your system and drivers up-to-date is crucial for maintaining the performance and security of your computer. Outdated drivers can cause your system to slow down or even crash, while security vulnerabilities can leave you open to malware and other cyber attacks.
To ensure that your system and drivers are always up-to-date, make it a habit to regularly check for updates. Most operating systems and hardware manufacturers offer automatic update settings, which you should enable to make the process hassle-free. Additionally, it’s important to only download updates from official sources, as downloading from third-party sites can be risky and may introduce malware to your system.
Benefits of Updating Your System and Drivers
- Improved system stability and performance
- Fixes to known bugs and glitches
- Enhanced security against cyber threats
How to Check for System and Driver Updates
To check for system and driver updates, follow these simple steps:
- For Windows users: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update
- For macOS users: Go to the Apple menu > About This Mac > Software Update
- For hardware drivers: Visit the manufacturer’s website and search for the latest drivers for your specific hardware
By regularly updating your system and drivers, you can ensure that your computer runs smoothly, efficiently, and securely.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I speed up a slow computer running Windows 10?
To speed up a slow computer running Windows 10, you can try a few things. First, run a virus scan to ensure your computer is not infected with malware. Next, uninstall any unused programs or apps. You can also disable any startup programs that you don’t need. Finally, run a disk cleanup and disk defragmenter to free up space on your hard drive and optimize its performance.
Why is my Windows 10 computer running slowly?
There are many reasons why your Windows 10 computer may be running slowly. Some common reasons include a virus or malware infection, low disk space, outdated drivers, too many background processes running, or an outdated operating system.
How do I check for and install updates for my Windows 10 computer?
To check for updates on your Windows 10 computer, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. From there, you can click on “Check for Updates” to see if there are any available updates. If there are, you can click “Download and install” to install them.
How do I update my drivers on Windows 10?
You can update your drivers on Windows 10 by going to Device Manager and right-clicking on the device you want to update. Then, click on “Update driver” and follow the prompts. Alternatively, you can go to the manufacturer’s website and download the latest driver directly from there.
What is the best antivirus software for Windows 10?
There are many antivirus software options available for Windows 10, including Windows Defender (which comes pre-installed), McAfee, Norton, and Kaspersky. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to do your research and choose the one that best fits your needs.
How often should I perform maintenance on my Windows 10 computer?
It’s a good idea to perform maintenance on your Windows 10 computer at least once a month. This includes running virus scans, checking for and installing updates, and cleaning up any unnecessary files or programs. Regular maintenance can help keep your computer running smoothly and avoid any potential issues in the future.