Like any machine, a computer slows down with age. Usually, the culprit is outdated hardware. But, before you upgrade the processor, add more memory, switch to a faster hard drive, or purchase a completely new PC, implement some cost-effective solutions to optimize your Windows. A quick tune-up may give your computer the boost it desperately needs.
Refine the Startup Process
Many programs load needlessly on startups and drain your system’s resources. Stop them from loading to boot your computer faster. Head to the Startup tab on your Task Manager and examine the list of programs that launch with Windows. Cut the programs you don’t need from the list to trim the fat from your Startup.
Remove Unnecessary Programs
Unnecessary programs that quietly run in the background are a load on your computer. Some manufacturer-installed programs are especially wasteful. Be wary of trial edition software that expired long ago but continues to use your PC’s processing power, disk space, and memory. Head to the Control Panel and uninstall unwanted software ruthlessly. Afterward, use the Disk Cleanup tool to remove temporary files, trash in the Recycle Bin, and unneeded system files that clog your computer.
Tackle the Malware Problem
Malware is any malicious software, like viruses, trojans, and worms. Your PC attracts malware whenever it connects to the Internet. The worst malware damages your PC, steals your information, spies on your online activity, and hijacks your data for ransom.
Even the most harmless malware impacts your system’s performance. Use advanced antivirus protection software that’s smart and effective to squash most malware threats and optimize your computer’s performance. The right antivirus software should also be light and strengthen your computer’s defenses while respecting its valuable resources.
Defragment Your Hard Drive
The files on your mechanical disk drive become fragmented and slow over time. Use the Defragmentation tool to optimize the file systems on your Hard Disk Drive (HDD) on Windows. This tool physically reorganizes the data inside your PC’s storage to improve data access performance. However, the software is not useful for Solid State Drives (SSDs), so only use it on a mechanical disk drive.
Restart Your PC Regularly
Some programs get stuck in your computer’s memory and slow down your system. Likewise, some resource-hungry errant processes get caught in limbo. Moreover, certain applications have bugs that increasingly drain your computer’s memory with each passing day. Restart your PC every so often to automatically close all programs and give your computer a breath of fresh air.
Get Rid of the Special Effects
Some versions of Windows feature beautiful see-through effects. Unfortunately, these transparency effects take up resources. Disable transparency in the Settings menu for a small performance boost. Alternatively, visit the Performance Options tab in System Properties to adjust the Visual Effects settings and remove all effects. While your Windows will look somewhat basic after this adjustment, the performance gains may be worth the sacrifice.
These six tips can speed up your PC without hurting your wallet. Get rid of the clutter, download the right malware remediation software, and use your system’s optimization tools for an appreciable speed boost.