How to Speed Up a Slow PC?

Dear Readers,

To speed up a slow PC, you can follow below steps to clear up resources, optimize settings, and improve overall performance.

Step 1: Uninstall Unnecessary Programs

• Go to Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a program. Review the list and remove programs you rarely use or don't need. Extra software can slow down the system, even if it’s not actively running.

Step 2: Disable Startup Programs

Windows:

• Right-click the Taskbar > Task Manager > Startup tab, then disable any unnecessary programs that launch on startup. This can reduce boot time and free up system resources.

MAC:

• Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups > Login Items and remove any items you don’t need at startup.

Step 3: Free Up Disk Space

• Use Disk Cleanup on Windows: Go to Start > Disk Cleanup, select the drive, and remove temporary files, cache, and other unneeded files.

• On Mac, use the Optimize Storage feature in Apple Menu > About This Mac > Storage to free up space.

Step 4: Add Extra RAM (Memory)

• Adding extra RAM can help your computer handle more applications and files simultaneously without slowing down. Check your PC's RAM capacity, and consider upgrading if it’s below 8 GB for basic use, or 16 GB for high-performance tasks like gaming or video editing.

Step 5: Optimize Your Hard Drive or SSD

• Defragment Your HDD: This step is only for HDDs (not SSDs). Go to Start > Defragment and Optimize Drives, select the hard drive, and click Optimize.

• For SSDs: Enable TRIM in settings if it isn’t already on; it helps maintain performance and extend SSD life.

Step 6: Adjust Visual Effects for Performance

• Go to Control Panel > System > Advanced System Settings > Settings (under Performance). Choose Adjust for best performance, or manually deselect animations and effects to free up resources.

Step 7: Update Your Software and Drivers

• Keeping Windows, MacOS, and drivers updated ensures your system is running with the latest security patches and performance improvements. Go to Settings > Update & Security (Windows) or System Preferences > Software Update (Mac) and apply any pending updates.

Step 8: Run a Malware and Adware Scan

• Malware and adware can significantly slow down your PC. Use Malwarebytes, or another reliable antivirus software to scan your system. Removing malware can often result in noticeable speed improvements.

Step 9: Switch to a Solid-State Drive (SSD)

• If your PC is still using a traditional hard drive-HDD, switching to an SSD can offer dramatic improvements in speed, especially with boot times and loading applications.

Step 10: Restart Your Computer Regularly

• Restarting can clear temporary files, close background applications, and improve speed, especially if you tend to leave your computer on for extended periods.

Step 11: Disable Background Apps

Windows:

• Go to Settings > Privacy > Background apps and turn off apps you don’t need running in the background.

Mac:

• Use Activity Monitor to identify and close unnecessary background apps.

By following these steps, you can help speed up a slow PC and keep it running efficiently. Regular maintenance is key to a smooth-running system!