How can I increase my computer’s performance?

1. Uninstall Unnecessary Programs

One of the simplest and most effective ways to increase your computer’s performance is by uninstalling programs you no longer need. Over time, computers can end up filled with bloatware or obsolete programs that can be taking up valuable resources. To uninstall a program, simply open your computer’s Control Panel, locate the program(s) you want to remove, click Uninstall and follow the on-screen instructions.

2. Clean Up Your Hard Drive
Your computer’s hard drive can become cluttered over time with unnecessary files, cookies, and temporary internet files. This can cause your computer to slow down and become unresponsive. To clean up your hard drive, you can use a disk cleanup utility such as CCleaner to scan your system and automatically remove old files and junk.

3. Defragment Your Hard Drive
Disk fragmentation occurs when the files on your hard drive become scattered across the disk instead of being stored in one place. This can make your computer slower, since it takes more time for your hard drive to access the necessary files. To defragment your disk, open your computer’s disk management utility and run the disk defragmentation tool.

4. Update Your Operating System
Software updates are important for staying secure online and keeping your computer running smoothly. Outdated software can contain security vulnerabilities and create instability issues. To keep your computer up-to-date, ensure that you install all important updates from Microsoft and other software providers.

5. Install More RAM
Random access memory (RAM) is a key component of your computer and can drastically improve its performance. If your computer is frequently running out of memory, then adding more RAM is an easy way to boost its performance. Installing RAM is not overly difficult, but it can be slightly different on each computer depending on its hardware. Regardless, make sure to double check your computer’s specifications before buying and adding RAM.

6. Upgrade Your CPU
The central processing unit (CPU) is another key component of computers and is responsible for carrying out instructions. Computers with a slower CPU can experience significant lags and delays when using software demanding more processing power. As a result, it might be beneficial to upgrade your computer’s processor to increase its speed and performance. This process is usually quite involved and may require someone who is knowledgeable in computer hardware to complete.

7. Get an SSD
A solid-state drive (SSD) is a storage device with no moving parts which allows for faster read and write speeds. This makes them ideal for gaming rigs, video editing systems, or any machine with high performance needs. Upgrading to an SSD can drastically significantly increase your computer’s boot times and overall performance.

8. Disable Animations and Visual Effects
Windows includes a number of animated elements such as windows fading in and out, sliding menus, and smooth transitions. These visual effects may look cool, but they can also slow down your computer. To disable these animations, open the System Properties window, switch to the Advanced tab and select “Adjust for best performance”.

9. Disable Startup Items
When you turn on your computer, a number of programs run automatically in the background. This can take up precious system resources and slow down your computer’s startup time. To manage your startup programs, open the Task Manager, switch to the Startup tab, and select the items you want to disable.

10. Use Lightweight Software
Heavy, resource-intensive software can heavily impact your computer’s performance. If you’re looking for faster, less resource-intensive alternatives, then there are a number of lightweight programs available. Google Chrome, for example, is a much lighter browser than Internet Explorer and has some great features. Similarly, both AVG and Microsoft Security Essentials provide effective antivirus protection without needing to hog your system’s resources.

11. Monitor Your Network Usage
Having too many devices connected to your network can cause slowdowns and interfere with your connection. To monitor your network usage, open the Network and Sharing Center and select “Manage Network Connections”. You will then see a list of all connected devices, as well as their network status. From there you can right-click on a device to disconnect it or view its properties.

12. Upgrade Your Computer
Sometimes, your computer might be too old or out of date to run the latest software. If you’re looking to improve your system’s performance, it might be time to invest in a new computer. With recent advances in computing, buying a new PC can give you a huge boost in performance for relatively little money.