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How Do I Speed Up Windows 10?

Published in Windows Optimization 4 mins read

To speed up Windows 10, focus on keeping your system updated, routinely restarting, and managing startup programs.

Here's a more detailed breakdown of actions you can take to optimize Windows 10 performance:

1. Install the Latest Windows Updates

  • Why: Updates often include performance improvements and bug fixes that can significantly impact speed.
  • How: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click "Check for updates." Install any available updates, including optional ones.

2. Restart Your PC Regularly

  • Why: Restarting clears temporary files and processes, freeing up system resources.
  • How: Simply click the Start button, then Power, and then Restart. Aim to restart your computer at least once a week.

3. Disable Unnecessary Startup Programs

  • Why: Many programs automatically launch when you start your computer, consuming resources and slowing down the boot process.
  • How:
    1. Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc).
    2. Click the Startup tab.
    3. Review the list of programs and disable any that you don't need to launch automatically. To disable, right-click the program and select "Disable."
    • Example: Disable programs like Adobe Acrobat Updater, Spotify (if you don't always use it), and other non-essential applications.

4. Run Disk Cleanup

  • Why: Over time, your hard drive can accumulate unnecessary files that take up space and slow down performance.
  • How:
    1. Search for "Disk Cleanup" in the Start Menu and open the Disk Cleanup tool.
    2. Select the drive you want to clean (usually C:).
    3. Check the boxes next to the types of files you want to remove (e.g., Temporary files, Recycle Bin).
    4. Click "OK" to start the cleanup process.

5. Defragment Your Hard Drive (If Applicable)

  • Why: Defragmenting rearranges files on your hard drive to optimize access times. This is only relevant for traditional mechanical hard drives (HDDs), not Solid State Drives (SSDs). Defragmenting an SSD is unnecessary and can even shorten its lifespan.
  • How:
    1. Search for "Defragment and Optimize Drives" in the Start Menu.
    2. Select the drive you want to defragment.
    3. If it's an HDD, click "Optimize." If it's an SSD, the "Optimize" button will likely be greyed out, or the tool will perform a TRIM operation (which is beneficial for SSDs).

6. Check for Malware

  • Why: Malware can consume system resources and significantly impact performance.
  • How: Run a full system scan with your antivirus software. Windows Defender, which comes built-in with Windows 10, is a good option. Alternatively, consider using a reputable third-party antivirus program.

7. Adjust Visual Effects for Performance

  • Why: Windows 10 uses visual effects that can consume system resources. Disabling some of these effects can improve performance, especially on older or less powerful computers.
  • How:
    1. Search for "Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows" in the Start Menu.
    2. In the Performance Options window, select "Adjust for best performance." Alternatively, you can choose "Let Windows choose what’s best for my computer" or customize the settings manually.

8. Increase Virtual Memory (If Necessary)

  • Why: Virtual memory (also known as a page file) allows your computer to use hard drive space as if it were RAM. If you're running low on RAM, increasing virtual memory can improve performance.
  • How:
    1. Search for "Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows" in the Start Menu.
    2. Go to the "Advanced" tab and click "Change" under the Virtual memory section.
    3. Uncheck "Automatically manage paging file size for all drives."
    4. Select "Custom size" and enter an initial size and maximum size. A common recommendation is to set both to 1.5 to 3 times your physical RAM.
    5. Click "Set" and then "OK."

9. Consider a Clean Install of Windows

  • Why: Over time, Windows can accumulate a lot of unnecessary files and settings that slow it down. A clean install wipes everything and starts fresh.
  • How: This is a more advanced procedure. Back up all your important data first. Then, you can download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool from Microsoft's website and follow the instructions to create a bootable USB drive or DVD. Boot from the USB drive/DVD and follow the prompts to install Windows. Be sure to choose the option to erase all existing data.

By implementing these steps, you should see a noticeable improvement in the speed and responsiveness of your Windows 10 system.

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