6 Ways to Speed Up Windows 10

Just like PC hardware gets faster and faster, so too does the software running it – including Windows 10. If you’re upgrading from Windows 7 or earlier, you’ll notice a huge jump in performance when switching to Windows 10.

That being said, there are a few quick changes you can make to optimise the functionality and performance of Windows 10 even further. In this article, we’ll share six of our favourite ways to speed up Windows 10. As a bonus, the majority are free.

Six Effective Methods to Speed Up Windows 10

Windows 10 is one of the most popular operating systems in the world, but like all software, it can start to slow down over time. Whether it’s due to too many background processes, a cluttered hard drive, or outdated drivers, slow performance can be frustrating. Fortunately, there are many ways to boost the speed and performance of your PC. In this blog, we’ll cover six effective methods to speed up Windows 10 and make your system run smoother than ever.

1. Minimise Start-up Processes

One of the most common reasons for a slow Windows 10 system is too many programs set to run at startup. These programs use up valuable system resources and can slow down your computer’s boot time. Thankfully, Windows 10 allows you to control which programs run when your computer starts up.

How to do it:

1. Right-click the Taskbar and select Task Manager.
2. Go to the Startup tab.
3. Review the list of programs that start automatically. Right-click and select Disable for any unnecessary applications.

By disabling unnecessary startup programs, you can significantly improve your computer’s boot time and free up resources for other tasks.

For additional tips on speeding up your system after a fresh install or upgrade, check out our guide on Upgrading to Windows 10.

2. Uninstall Crapware

Crapware is the more or less useless software pre-installed on new PCs by computer manufacturers. Sometimes the manufacturer will call these ‘helper’ programs, but they do little else than slow your computer down. Some new devices can have 20 or more helper programs installed – it’s well worth removing these. Here’s how:

• Open the Start menu and select All apps.
• Look through the listed programs for software that you didn’t install or that you don’t need.
• Right-click on the offender and click Uninstall.

While you’re here, don’t forget to uninstall apps you installed yourself but no longer use.

3. Add more RAM

Adding more RAM is always an effective way to boost your PC’s performance, especially if you use memory-heavy applications (photo and video editing software, games, etc.) regularly. The catch is, not all PCs allow you to upgrade the RAM – if you have a new, super-slim laptop, chances are you won’t be able to add more.

You can find out more information about upgrading your RAM in our article, Why Upgrade Your PC’s RAM?

4. Install an SSD

Another computer hardware upgrade that will actually improve the performance of Windows 10 is upgrading to a solid-state drive (SSD). Not only will an SSD speed up the start-up process, but it will also improve your PC’s performance when using demanding applications.

Again, not all PCs will let you switch to an SSD. And again, it’s the slimmer, newer laptops that are the least likely to cater to hardware upgrades.

5. Clean up your disk

The Disk Cleanup utility has been a part of several generations of the Windows operating system. If you haven’t been using it, start now.

To run Disk Cleanup, open the Start menu and type disk cleanup. Your computer will then remove unwanted junk, such as temporary files, offline web pages, your recycle bin, and installer files.

It’s a good idea to make Disk Cleanup a part of your regular computer maintenance routine.

6. Check for Malware and Adware

Malware and adware can severely impact your PC’s performance by running hidden processes in the background. A full system scan will help detect any harmful software that may be affecting your computer’s speed.

How to do it:

1. Open Windows Defender by typing Windows Security in the search bar.
2. Go to Virus & Threat Protection and click Quick Scan or Full Scan for a more thorough check.

In addition to Windows Defender, you may also want to use a trusted third-party antivirus program for added protection. Regularly scanning your system helps ensure that malicious software isn’t causing slowdowns.

We recommend downloading the free version of Malwarebytes for added protection if you don’t want to pay.

Bonus Tip: Transferring Your Windows 10 License

If you’re upgrading your PC or switching to a new hard drive, you might need to transfer your Windows 10 license. If you’re unsure how to do this, our detailed guide on Transferring a Windows 10 License can help you through the process seamlessly. This ensures you don’t face any activation issues while keeping your system running at full speed.

Conclusion

By following these six steps, you can significantly speed up your Windows 10 PC and enjoy a smoother, faster user experience. From disabling unnecessary startup programs and updating your drivers to cleaning up disk space and adjusting your system settings, these simple steps can make a world of difference.

You can also use the Storage Sense feature in Windows 10, which automatically deletes temporary files and unused data. For even more comprehensive cleaning, you can check out our guide on cleaning Windows 10.

For additional tips and expert advice on optimizing your Windows 10 system, don’t hesitate to reach out to Computer Cures. We’re here to ensure your Windows 10 device runs as efficiently as possible!