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| How to Speed Up Windows 10/11 |
How to Speed Up Windows 10/11: 12 Proven Ways to Boost Performance
Is your Windows 10 or 11 PC running slower than usual? Laggy startups, delayed app responses, and endless loading screens can frustrate even the most patient users. Fortunately, you don’t need to be a tech expert to optimize your system. In this guide, we’ll walk you through 12 actionable steps to speed up Windows 10/11, improve performance, and breathe new life into your computer.
Why Is My Windows 10/11 So Slow?
Before diving into fixes, understand common culprits behind sluggish performance:
Too many startup programs hogging RAM
Outdated drivers or Windows OS
Low disk space on your system drive
Background apps and services draining resources
Fragmented hard drive (for HDD users)
Malware or viruses
Now, let’s tackle these issues head-on.
1. Update Windows and Drivers
Outdated software is a leading cause of performance issues. Microsoft regularly releases updates to patch bugs, improve security, and optimize system efficiency.
Steps:
Press Windows + I to open Settings.
Go to Windows Update (or Update & Security on Windows 10).
Click Check for updates and install all pending updates.
Update drivers via Device Manager (right-click Start menu > Device Manager > right-click devices > Update driver).
Pro Tip: Use tools like Windows Update Assistant or manufacturer software (e.g., Dell SupportAssist) for driver updates.
2. Disable Startup Programs
Too many apps launching at startup can slow down boot times by 30% or more.
How to Manage Startup Apps:
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
Navigate to the Startup tab.
Right-click unnecessary apps (e.g., Spotify, Skype) and select Disable.
Recommended: Only keep critical apps like antivirus software enabled.
3. Adjust Visual Effects for Better Performance
Windows uses animations and effects that strain older hardware.
Optimize Visual Settings:
Type “Adjust appearance” in the Windows search bar and select Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows.
Choose Adjust for best performance to disable all effects, or manually uncheck options like Animate windows when minimizing.
Click Apply.
4. Clean Up Disk Space
A cluttered hard drive (especially if less than 15-20% free space) slows down read/write speeds.
Use Built-In Tools:
Disk Cleanup:
Search for Disk Cleanup > Select your system drive.
Check categories like Temporary files and Recycle Bin > Click OK.
Storage Sense (Windows 11):
Go to Settings > System > Storage.
Enable Storage Sense to auto-delete junk files.
Free Up More Space:
Uninstall unused apps via Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
Move large files (photos, videos) to an external drive or cloud storage.
5. Optimize Your Hard Drive
For HDD Users:
Defragment your drive monthly:
Search for “Defragment and Optimize Drives”.
Select your drive > Click Optimize.
For SSD Users:
Enable TRIM to maintain performance:
Search for “Command Prompt” > Run as administrator.
Type
fsutil behavior set DisableDeleteNotify 0and press Enter.
6. Manage Background Apps
Apps like OneDrive or Slack often run silently, consuming RAM.
Disable Background Activity:
Go to Settings > Privacy & security > Background apps (Windows 11) or Settings > Privacy > Background apps (Windows 10).
Toggle off apps you don’t need running in the background.
7. Scan for Malware
Malware can drastically slow down your PC.
Steps to Remove Malware:
Run a full scan using Windows Security (type “Virus & threat protection” in the search bar).
Use a trusted third-party tool like Malwarebytes for a second opinion.
8. Upgrade Your Hardware
If software tweaks aren’t enough, consider hardware upgrades:
Switch to an SSD: Reduces boot time from minutes to seconds.
Add More RAM: 8GB is the minimum for smooth multitasking in 2024.
Clean Your PC: Dust buildup in fans can cause overheating and throttling.
9. Adjust Power Settings
Windows defaults to Balanced power mode, but switching to High Performance can unlock extra speed (at the cost of battery life for laptops).
Search for “Power plan” > Choose Edit power plan.
Select High Performance or create a custom plan.
10. Disable Unnecessary Services
Some Windows services (e.g., Printer spooler if you don’t own a printer) waste resources.
Caution: Only disable services you understand.
Press Windows + R, type
services.msc, and press Enter.Right-click services like Fax or Remote Registry > Select Properties > Set Startup type to Disabled.
11. Reset or Reinstall Windows
For severely slow systems, a fresh start helps.
Reset Your PC:
Go to Settings > System > Recovery.
Choose Reset PC > Select Keep my files to reinstall Windows without losing data.
12. Use Performance Monitoring Tools
Identify bottlenecks with built-in tools:
Task Manager: Check CPU, RAM, and disk usage in real-time.
Resource Monitor: Type “resmon” in the search bar for detailed insights.
Final Thoughts
Speeding up Windows 10 or 11 doesn’t require expensive software or technical expertise. By updating your system, managing startup apps, freeing up disk space, and upgrading hardware, you can restore your PC’s performance in under an hour. Start with the quick fixes (disabling startup programs, adjusting visuals) before moving to advanced steps like hardware upgrades.
Need More Help? Bookmark this guide or share it with a friend struggling with a slow computer!
FAQ
Q: How do I make Windows 10 boot faster?
A: Disable startup programs, enable Fast Startup (Settings > System > Power & Sleep > Additional Power Settings > Choose what the power buttons do > Enable Fast Startup), and upgrade to an SSD.
Q: Does Windows 11 run faster than Windows 10?
A: Yes, Windows 11 includes under-the-hood optimizations, but older hardware may still struggle. Follow the tips above to improve speed.
Q: Can a virus cause slow performance?
A: Absolutely. Always keep your antivirus updated and run regular scans.
Q: How much RAM do I need for Windows 11?
A: 4GB is the minimum, but 8GB or 16GB ensures smooth performance for multitasking.
By following these steps, you’ll not only speed up Windows 10/11 but also extend the lifespan of your device. For more tech tips, subscribe to our newsletter or explore our PC Optimization section!
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