10 ways to speed up Windows 10
Windows 10 slow? I’ll tell you what to do so that the OS does not slow down even on an old PC. I consider the ten most effective methods that I regularly use myself. They do not exclude each other, but complement each other.
Therefore, my OS works quickly, and games and applications do not freeze.
Disable automatic launch of the software
It is unlikely that you need a large number of applications to start with the OS. Go to startup and disable auto run of those programs that are not used constantly.
Prevent programs from running in the background
A number of programs run in the background. If you don’t need this option, turn off the “Allow apps to run in the background” option. Or forbid only certain programs to work in the background. Go to the privacy settings and turn off the option for each program one by one.
Remove extra software
If the computer is new, it may have pre-installed programs. Check it out first, it might come in handy. If not, delete. Do the same with apps you’ve tried but don’t use.
Do not install old programs
Long-developed software can slow down the computer. Even the one that was great in the past. Whenever possible, download apps only from the Microsoft Store. And only the latest versions. They are usually better optimized.
Replace your hard drive with a solid state drive
If the files are valuable, then there is no way out – just change the disk to a more capacious one. If the computer allows, then on an NVMe PCIe SSD. Tested 2 terabyte SSD Kingston NV1. 35 times faster than conventional HDD. The price is at the level of models with SATA interface. Easily fits in a laptop or monoblock.
Solved two problems at once. Windows 10 loads in just 30 seconds, and the software “flies”. Even the one that was noticeably slowing down before. And there is enough space with a margin even for games and movies.
The method is not free, but the most effective. I use it when my drive hits the “ceiling” of performance and volume.
Defragment your HDD
Only hard drives need defragmentation. Solid state will not help, only hurt. Open the disk optimization option in the “Memory” subsection of the “System” section of Windows Settings.
When completed, the files will be arranged so that it takes less time to search for them.
Check your PC for viruses and malware
Use the built-in functionality of Windows or third-party antiviruses with a good long-term reputation. Found malware should be removed.
Update OS and install new drivers
Install the latest drivers and update Windows regularly. In most cases, the performance of a PC with the latest updates will be better.
Reinstall Windows
Bugs and crashes in the operating system are constantly heating up. If the OS has been installed for a long time, the computer slows down more and more noticeably. Especially if the system is on a hard drive. I periodically reinstall Windows 10. Not as often as XP, but still I don’t forget the “old” way to rid the OS of “brakes”. Periodically, I remind you of the decades-old method in the System Administrator’s Blog.
Clean up the disk from unnecessary files
Clean up temporary files regularly. If you download a lot from the Internet, periodically look through the Downloads folder. Dozens and even hundreds of gigabytes of unnecessary programs, pictures and videos can accumulate there.
Delete unnecessary files from the disk. Drive performance may drop if the drive is 70 percent full.