How to Speed Up Windows 10 – Proven Tips to Boost PC Performance

If your Windows 10 computer feels slow, you’re not alone. Over time, most PCs start lagging due to unnecessary apps, startup programs, and outdated files. The good news is that you can easily speed up Windows 10 with a few proven steps.First, disable unwanted startup apps. Go to Task Manager > Startup and turn off programs you don’t use daily. This simple fix can drastically boost PC performance.

How to Speed Up Windows 10 – Proven Tips to Boost PC Performance

Second, clean up temporary files. Use the built-in Disk Cleanup tool or free alternatives to remove junk files that eat up storage.

Third, update Windows and drivers. Regular updates not only improve security but also help in fixing performance issues.

If your computer is still slow, consider upgrading to an SSD. Switching from a traditional hard drive to an SSD can make Windows 10 run much faster.

Finally, uninstall bloatware or heavy apps that you rarely use. This frees up RAM and improves overall speed.

 Run system maintenance 

Windows 10 routinely performs system maintenance tasks, but if it is affecting performance, you can do this manually instead. 

Upgrade your RAM

Upgrading your RAM can greatly improve the speed and performance of your PC.

Upgrade your storage

Most PCs come with spinning disk hard drives but by upgrading to a Solid-State Drive, users can create more powerful machines. 

By following these steps, you can fix a slow computer and enjoy smoother performance without expensive upgrades. Keep your PC optimized, and your productivity will skyrocket.

• Defrag hard disk
• Wipe free space
• Disable start-up items
• Disable scheduled tasks for various applications which is not needed
• Disable various windows services which you don't require like bluetooth and 'print spooler’ service in my case
• Turn of 'fast start up’ in 'power options
• Make sure your computer is capable of releasing cpu heat, check vents
• Turn off 'indexing’ service
• Upgrading RAM will also improve your CPU performance
• Set power plan to 'high performance’ mode
• Under 'advanced system settings’ check the box named as 'adjust for best performance’

How to Improve System Performance

A slow computer can often be fixed with simple, quick adjustments. By implementing these quick fixes, you can significantly enhance your computer's performance. These initial steps are not just easy; they are a great starting point to improve your computing experience effortlessly!

Step-by-step tips to speed up Windows 10

• Backup & create a restore point — Settings > Update & Security > Backup; Control Panel > Recovery > Create a restore point.
• Disable startup apps — Ctrl+Shift+Esc → Startup tab → disable nonessential apps.
• Uninstall unused programs — Settings > Apps > Apps & features → remove bloatware.
• Clear temp files — Settings > System > Storage > Temporary files or run cleanmgr.
• Run disk check / optimize drives — Run chkdsk C: /f (admin) and open “Defragment and Optimize Drives” for HDDs. (Skip defrag for SSDs.)
• Update Windows & drivers — Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update; update graphics/chipset drivers from manufacturer.
• Scan for malware — Windows Security > Virus & threat protection → Quick/Full scan.
• Adjust visual effects — Control Panel > System > Advanced system settings > Performance Settings → “Adjust for best performance” or deselect fancy animations.
• Run system repairs — Open Admin Command Prompt: sfc /scannow then DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth.
• Tweak virtual memory — System > Advanced > Performance > Advanced > Virtual memory — set custom size (only if needed; 1.5–2× RAM is common).
• Perform a clean boot — Run msconfig, hide Microsoft services, disable others, restart to isolate slow services.
• Hardware & power — Switch to High Performance power plan; upgrade to an SSD and/or add RAM for biggest real-world boost.
• Browser & background cleanup — Remove extensions, clear cache, and limit background apps (Settings > Privacy > Background apps).
• Final check — Reboot, open Task Manager to watch CPU/Storage/RAM; consider a fresh Windows reinstall only if problems persist.

Restart computer

Shutting down and restarting your computer is perhaps one of the first things you can do to speed up the system. (It might be obvious, but it's not the first thing that usually comes to mind.)

When the device restarts, the computer usually terminates the applications and processes. The data loaded into memory also gets cleared, which helps to resolve everyday performance and stability issues due to keeping the operating system running for a long time.

Check Your Internet Connection

One of the biggest causes of slow internet speeds isn't your provider. It's your Wi-Fi connection. Thanks to issues like channel congestion and overlapping Wi-Fi signals, it can be difficult getting a stable signal if you live in an apartment complex as different wireless signals overlap over one another, leading to degraded wireless performance.