Is your computer taking forever to start up, open apps, or just do anything? Don’t worry — you’re not alone. Over time, even good Windows PCs can start to feel sluggish. But the good news is: you don’t need to be an expert or spend money to get things running smoothly again.
In this article, we’ll walk through 10 simple fixes to speed up your Windows 10 or 11 computer.
✅ 1. Restart Your PC
It sounds basic, but sometimes a simple restart is all it takes to free up memory and clear stuck background processes.
Tip: Restart regularly if you leave your PC on for days or weeks.
⚙️ 2. Disable Startup Programs
Too many apps starting with Windows will slow things down. Let’s clean them up:
- Press
Ctrl + Shift + Escto open Task Manager - Click the Startup tab
- Right-click and disable programs you don’t need at startup (e.g. Teams, Spotify, Zoom)
Leave antivirus and essential drivers enabled.
🧽 3. Clean Up Disk Space
Your computer needs room to breathe. Clear up space by removing junk files:
- Open Settings > System > Storage
- Click “Temporary Files” and delete unneeded items
- Use Disk Cleanup (search it in the Start Menu)
Consider uninstalling apps you never use too.
🦠 4. Run a Malware Scan
Viruses or background malware can slow things down.
- Run a full scan with Windows Security (free)
- Or use a trusted tool like Malwarebytes
🔄 5. Update Windows and Drivers
Performance fixes often come with updates:
- Go to Settings > Windows Update
- Install pending updates
- Update graphics and system drivers (using the manufacturer’s site or Windows Update)
🚀 6. Switch to SSD (If You Haven’t Already)
If you’re still using an old HDD (hard disk drive), upgrading to an SSD (solid-state drive) will massively boost speed — even on older PCs.
Not sure which drive you have? Let us know and we’ll help check!
📂 7. Defragment (Only if You Have an HDD)
Skip this step if you’re using an SSD!
- Type “Defragment and Optimize Drives” in the Start Menu
- Select your HDD and click Optimize
❌ 8. Close Background Apps
Some apps keep running even when you close them.
- Press
Ctrl + Shift + Escto open Task Manager - Check Processes tab and end tasks you don’t need
Don’t close anything if you’re not sure what it is.
🧠 9. Adjust Visual Effects
Fancy animations can slow older PCs.
- Right-click This PC > Properties > Advanced system settings
- Under Performance, click Settings
- Choose “Adjust for best performance” or manually uncheck effects you don’t need
🔄 10. Reset or Reinstall Windows (as a Last Resort)
If all else fails and your PC is still crawling, a clean Windows reinstall can help:
- Go to Settings > System > Recovery > Reset this PC
- Choose “Keep my files” if you don’t want to lose data
Backup important files first.
🧰 Summary: Quick Fix Checklist
| Task | Quick Action |
|---|---|
| Restart | Ctrl + Alt + Del > Restart |
| Startup apps | Task Manager > Startup tab |
| Disk Cleanup | Settings > Storage |
| Malware Check | Windows Defender / Malwarebytes |
| Updates | Settings > Windows Update |
| Background Apps | Task Manager > Processes tab |
| Visual Effects | System > Advanced > Performance |
| SSD Upgrade | Consider if on old HDD |
| Reinstall (optional) | Settings > Recovery |
💬 Final Thoughts
You don’t need a new PC to get things running fast again. With just a few tweaks and cleanup tasks, your old machine can feel brand new.
