Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to make your Windows 10 faster! If your computer is running sluggishly, taking too long to boot up, or programs are not responding as fast as you would like, then you have come to the right place. Our step-by-step guide will help you optimize your Windows 10 performance, so you can get more done in less time.
Steps to Make Windows 10 Faster
Step 1: Disable Startup Programs
When you start your computer, many programs automatically launch in the background, consuming valuable resources. Disabling these programs can help speed up your computer and reduce boot-up time. To disable startup programs, open the Task Manager by pressing Ctrl+Shift+Esc, select the Startup tab, and disable the programs that you don’t need.
Step 2: Uninstall Unused Applications
Unused applications and programs take up space on your computer, slowing it down. Uninstalling these programs can free up disk space and make your computer run faster. To uninstall programs, go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features, find the program you want to uninstall, and click Uninstall.
Step 3: Free Up Disk Space
Windows 10 requires at least 20GB of free disk space to function properly. If your computer is running low on disk space, it can slow down significantly. You can free up disk space by deleting temporary files, old backups, and uninstalling unused programs.
Step 4: Disable Visual Effects
Visual effects, such as animations and transparency, can make Windows 10 look attractive but can also slow it down. To disable visual effects, right-click on This PC or My Computer, select Properties > Advanced system settings > Settings, then select Adjust for best performance.
Step 5: Remove Malware and Viruses
Malware and viruses can cause significant damage to your computer’s performance. It’s important to install and run an antivirus software to protect your computer from attacks. Windows 10 comes with built-in antivirus software called Windows Defender.
Step 6: Defragment Hard Drive
Over time, files on your hard drive can become fragmented, causing your computer to slow down. Defragmenting your hard drive can help organize files more efficiently, leading to faster performance. To defragment your hard drive, go to This PC > Properties > Tools > Optimize and defragment drive.
Step 7: Adjust Power Settings
By adjusting your power settings to high performance, you can boost your computer’s performance. To change your power settings, go to Start > Control Panel > Power Options, select High-performance mode.
Step 8: Disable Background Apps
Several apps run in the background, consuming resources and slowing down your computer. Disabling the apps you don’t need can help speed up your computer. To disable background apps, go to Settings > Privacy > Background apps.
Step 9: Adjust Virtual Memory
Virtual memory is a feature that allows your computer to use hard drive space as if it were RAM. If your computer is slow, you can increase the amount of virtual memory to improve performance. To adjust virtual memory, go to Control Panel > System > Advanced system settings > Performance > Settings > Advanced tab > Change.
Step 10: Update Drivers
Outdated drivers can cause your computer to run slowly or crash. Updating your drivers can improve your computer’s performance and stability. To update drivers, go to Device Manager, right-click the hardware that you want to update, and select Update Driver.
Step 11: Upgrade Hardware
If your computer has become slow over time, it may be time to upgrade its hardware. Adding more RAM, a solid-state drive, or a faster processor can significantly improve your computer’s performance.
Step 12: Reset Windows 10
If all else fails, resetting Windows 10 to its default state can help restore its performance. To reset Windows 10, go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Recovery, select Reset this PC, and choose between keeping your files or removing everything.
Tips and Tricks
Tip 1: Disable OneDrive
OneDrive is a cloud storage service that comes with Windows 10, but it can slow down your computer’s performance. If you don’t use OneDrive, you can disable it by right-clicking the OneDrive icon in the notification area and selecting Settings > Account > Unlink this PC.
Tip 2: Use Performance Monitor
Windows 10 has a built-in tool called Performance Monitor that can help identify performance bottlenecks. To use Performance Monitor, press Windows+R, type “perfmon”, and press Enter.
Tip 3: Use ReadyBoost
ReadyBoost is a feature that allows you to use a USB drive as additional memory. To use ReadyBoost, insert a USB drive, go to This PC > Properties > ReadyBoost, and select the option to use it as additional memory.
Tip 4: Use a Third-Party Disk Defragmenter
Third-party disk defragmenters can be faster and more effective than Windows 10’s built-in defragmenter. Popular third-party disk defragmenters include Auslogics Disk Defrag and Defraggler.
Tip 5: Disable Search Indexing
Search indexing can slow down your computer’s performance. To disable search indexing, right-click the Start button, select Control Panel > Indexing Options, and select Modify. Uncheck the folders you don’t want to include in the index and click OK.
Tip 6: Adjust Visual Effects
Adjusting visual effects can help improve your computer’s performance. To adjust visual effects, right-click This PC or My Computer, select Properties > Performance > Settings, and choose Adjust for best performance.
Tip 7: Use an SSD
SSDs are faster than traditional hard drives and can significantly improve your computer’s performance. Consider upgrading your hard drive to an SSD for faster boot-up and program loading times.
Tip 8: Check for Windows Updates
Windows updates often include performance improvements and bug fixes. Make sure to regularly check for and install Windows updates.
Tip 9: Disable Notifications
Notifications can be distracting and slow down your computer’s performance. To disable notifications, go to Start > Settings > System > Notifications & actions, and disable the ones you don’t need.
Tip 10: Use CleanMyPC
CleanMyPC is a third-party software that can help clean up your computer’s junk files, registry, and improve performance. It’s a paid software but has a free trial version.
Now that you know how to make your Windows 10 faster, start taking action on the steps provided above. The tips and tricks shared in this guide can help you optimize your computer’s performance, leading to faster work.
Advantages and Disadvantages of How to Make Windows 10 Faster
Advantages
1. Faster system performance: By following the steps to make Windows 10 faster, you can expect an improvement in your computer’s performance. This means that programs will run more smoothly and load faster.
2. Improved battery life: If you’re using a laptop, making your Windows 10 faster can also help improve battery life. By disabling unnecessary background programs and optimizing power settings, you can reduce the strain on your battery.
3. More storage space: Another advantage of making Windows 10 faster is that it can help clear out unnecessary files and applications. This can free up valuable storage space on your hard drive.
4. Better productivity: A faster computer can help improve productivity, as you can work more efficiently without delays or lags. This is especially important for those who rely on their computers for work.
5. Improved security: By regularly optimizing your computer’s settings, you can also improve its security. This includes removing unnecessary programs that may pose a security risk, as well as updating your Windows software.
Disadvantages
1. Risk of damaging system files: One of the potential disadvantages of trying to make Windows 10 faster is that you may accidentally delete important system files or settings. This can cause your computer to malfunction or crash.
2. Time consuming: Optimizing your computer’s settings to increase speed can be a time-consuming process. It requires patience, as well as knowledge of how Windows 10 works.
3. Need for technical expertise: If you’re not an experienced computer user, you may find it difficult to follow the steps to make Windows 10 faster. This may require you to seek help from a technician.
4. Compatibility issues: Some programs or hardware may not be compatible with the changes you make to your Windows 10 settings. This may lead to malfunctions or other issues.
5. Limited impact: Finally, it’s worth noting that while making Windows 10 faster can provide improvements in performance, the impact may be limited. If your computer is already old or outdated, it may not be able to keep up with newer software and hardware requirements.
FAQ
1. Why is my Windows 10 Slow?
Windows 10 can become slow due to various reasons. These reasons may include outdated hardware, virus/malware, bloatware, and unnecessary background processes.
2. How can I check for viruses/malware?
You can use any antivirus software to scan your system for viruses/malware. Windows Defender, which comes pre-installed, is a good option as well.
3. Can I remove bloatware from Windows 10?
Yes, you can remove some of the bloatware by going to the Control Panel and selecting “Uninstall a Program.”
4. How do I manage unnecessary background processes?
You can manage unnecessary background processes by opening the Task Manager and ending the processes that are not needed.
5. Can I disable some of the startup programs?
Yes, you can disable some of the startup programs by opening the Task Manager and going to the “Startup” tab.
6. How often should I clean my computer?
You should clean your computer regularly to maintain its performance. Cleaning it once every three months is a good practice.
7. Is it safe to clean my computer using third-party software?
Yes, it is safe to clean your computer using third-party software. However, you need to research and download reputable software to avoid downloading malware.
8. How can I optimize my hard drive?
You can optimize your hard drive by defragmenting it regularly. Windows 10 has an in-built disk defragmenter that can be used for the same.
9. How can I speed up the boot time of my computer?
You can speed up the boot time of your computer by disabling the unnecessary startup programs, updating your drivers, and keeping your system updated.
10. Should I disable Windows automatic updates?
No, you should not disable Windows automatic updates as they contain important updates for your system’s security and performance.
11. Can I upgrade my hardware to improve performance?
Yes, you can upgrade your hardware to improve performance. Upgrading hardware such as RAM, storage, and graphics card can significantly enhance performance.
12. How can I free up disk space?
You can free up disk space by uninstalling the unnecessary programs, deleting temporary files, and clearing the recycle bin.
13. Can I restore my computer to its factory settings?
Yes, you can restore your computer to its factory settings by going to the control panel and selecting “Update & Security,” then clicking on “Recovery,” and selecting the “Reset this PC” option.
Conclusion
It is frustrating when a PC gets slow and unresponsive. Windows 10 is one of the latest and most popular operating systems, but it too can become slow over time. Fortunately, there are many ways to speed up your machine and make it run like new. In this article, we have outlined some of the most effective ways to make Windows 10 faster. It is important to take care of your PC and optimize its performance regularly to ensure that it runs smoothly and efficiently.
Closing
Thank you for reading this article on how to make Windows 10 faster. By following the tips and tricks we have provided, you can start enjoying a faster and more efficient computing experience. Remember to keep your PC clean, free of viruses and malware, and optimized for performance. Also, be sure to keep your software and drivers up to date to ensure maximum compatibility and stability with your operating system. We wish you the best of luck in optimizing your Windows 10 machine and hope to see you again soon!