How to Speed Up an Old Computer: 8 Easy Fixes for a Faster PC

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Are you running an older computer? Is its slow speed frustrating you? If you’re wondering how to speed up an old computer, there are simple solutions and steps you can take that will make a major difference. Don’t commit to a replacement before first trying the tips in this guide.

1. Increase performance by freeing up storage space
2. Disable unnecessary startup programs
3. Consider upgrading your RAM
4. Switch to an SSD
5. Always keep your system updated
6. Reduce visual effects and animations
7. Regularly scan for malware and viruses
8. Consider a fresh OS install

1. Increase performance by freeing up storage space

Your computer fills up with unnecessary files over time, slowing down performance. When you delete files and free up storage space, you will improve your computer’s responsiveness and speed.

Start by removing programs you no longer use and clearing out large or outdated files (yes, your downloads folder could probably use a cleanout!). Use built-in tools like Disk Cleanup (Windows) or Storage Management (Mac) to get rid of junk and temporary files.

Uninstalling bloatware (those pre-installed apps you never use) and clearing your browser cache can also help. And if you’ve got massive files you want to keep, store them on an external hard drive instead of letting them take up space on your computer.

2. Disable unnecessary startup programs

When you start your computer, many programs automatically launch. These consume disk space, system resources, and memory. You will significantly improve performance when you disable unnecessary startup applications.

To do this on a PC:

• Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc)
• click on the Startup tab,
• then disable programs you don’t need at launch.

For Mac users:

• Navigate to System Settings > General > Login Items
• remove unnecessary programs.

Just be careful not to disable essential system processes. Stick to apps you recognise and don’t need immediately when your computer starts.

3. Consider upgrading your RAM

Computers often multitask. If yours slows down when running multiple applications, upgrading your RAM will improve performance and increase speed. RAM modules temporarily store data for active processes. The more RAM you have, the better your system will handle tasks.

Before upgrading, check if your computer supports additional RAM. As a general guide:

• 8GB is fine for everyday use like browsing and word processing.
• 16GB or more is ideal for gaming, video editing, or other heavy-duty tasks.

Upgrading your RAM is a cost-effective way to speed up your computer and extend its lifespan. If you’re not sure where to start, we can take care of the upgrade for you.

4. Switch to an SSD

One of the most effective ways to speed up your older computer is to swap out your traditional hard drive (HDD) for a solid state-drive (SSD). HDDs have moving parts whereas SSDs don’t. This allows for much faster data access and boot times.

You’ll discover that files transfer faster, programs load more quickly, and the system responsiveness improves overall. Before switching, clone your existing drive or perform a fresh operating system install on your new SSD. Even entry-level SSDs dramatically improve performance.

5. Always keep your system updated

When you keep your software and operating system up to date, you improve performance and enhance security. Often, updates include bug fixes, patches for vulnerabilities that could slow down your computer, and performance enhancements. Always enable automatic updates for your operating system, drivers, and essential applications. This guarantees your system is always running the latest versions.

On a PC. navigate to Settings > Windows Update, and on a Mac, go to System Settings > Software Update. Regular updates optimise performance, resolve compatibility issues, and keep your computer running smoothly.

6. Reduce visual effects and animations

To enhance aesthetics and the user experience, modern operating systems include visual effects and animations. However, these can slow down older computers with dated hardware. When you disable these effects, you free up system resources and increase responsiveness.

On a Mac computer, you can reduce transparency and motion under System Settings > Accessibility > Display. For Windows users, go to Performance Options. You can find this by searching for “Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows” and selecting “Adjust for best performance” or customise which effects to disable.

When you switch off unnecessary animations, your system can focus on speed over visuals. This results in a smoother UX.

7. Regularly scan for malware and viruses

What do malware and viruses do to your computer? They slow it down by taking up resources, corrupting files, and running unwanted background processes. When you regularly scan for threats, your virus protection will detect and remove viruses and malware before they can cause major problems.

Always use a trusted antivirus program and keep it updated. This protects your system against the latest threats. Running full system scans periodically and avoiding suspicious downloads or links will help keep your computer secure and performing at its best.

8. Consider a fresh OS install

When you perform a fresh operating system install, it removes unnecessary clutter, eliminates malware, and restores optimal OS performance. Always back up important files to an external drive or the cloud before uninstalling and reinstalling your OS.

For PC users, you can reset your computer via Settings > Recover, while Mac lovers can use macOS Recovery to reinstall the operating system. A clean OS install can make an older computer feel like new again.