Windows
10 Ways to Speed Up a Slow PC
Simple, effective techniques to make your Windows computer run faster without spending money.
Simplified from original source
Originally published by How-To Geek
Restart your computer
If you haven't restarted in a while, do it now. Restarting clears temporary files, closes memory-hogging processes, and applies pending updates. It's the single most effective speed fix.
Check for updates
Settings > Windows Update > Check for Updates. Outdated systems miss performance improvements and security patches. Let all updates install and restart.
Disable startup programs
Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc for Task Manager. Click the Startup tab. Disable programs you don't need at boot. Each disabled program shaves seconds off startup time.
Free up disk space
Settings > System > Storage > Temporary Files. Delete temporary files, empty the Recycle Bin, and remove old downloads. Windows needs at least 10-15% free disk space to run well.
Check for malware
Open Windows Security > Virus & Threat Protection > Quick Scan. Malware running in the background is a common cause of slowness. If quick scan finds nothing, run a Full Scan.
Add more RAM (if applicable)
If your PC has less than 8 GB RAM, upgrading to 16 GB can dramatically improve multitasking. Check Task Manager > Performance > Memory to see current usage.
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About this article: This guide was simplified and rewritten by TekSure from content originally published by How-To Geek. We make it easier to read for everyday users — no jargon, just plain steps. View the original article. Learn about our content sources.