1. Uninstall Unused Programs: The more programs you have installed, the more system resources your computer has to spend on running them which can slow down your system. By uninstalling unnecessary programs and applications, you can free up system resources and increase performance.
2. Disable Unnecessary Startup Programs: Many programs are set to automatically launch when you turn on your PC. These programs often use up valuable system resources and can slow your PC down significantly. To disable them, go to Start > All Programs > Startup. You can then identify which programs you don’t need and temporarily disable them.
3. Update Drivers: Drivers are an important component of your computer’s hardware. Outdated drivers can slow down your computer, so it’s important to keep them updated. To check that your drivers are up-to-date, go into your Device Manager (open the Start Menu, type “device manager” and hit Enter).
4. Adjust Your Virtual Memory: Virtual memory is a combination of RAM and storage space used when RAM runs out. If your virtual memory is too low, you’ll experience significant lag. To adjust the settings, right-click on your My Computer icon and select Properties > Advanced > Performance > Settings.
5. Clean Up Your Hard Drive: Over time, files and junk can build up on your hard drive. To get rid of this clutter, use Windows Disk Cleanup tool. You can access this by searching for “disk cleanup” in the Start Menu.
6. Defragment Your Hard Drive: As you save and delete files, your hard drive can become fragmented. This means that information is scattered around in different places on your disk. Over time, this fragmentation can slow down your PC’s performance. To defragment your hard drive, search for “disk defragmenter” in the Start menu.
7. Increase Your RAM: Random Access Memory (RAM) is responsible for how quickly your computer can load applications and files. If you’re running a lot of programs at once, increasing the amount of RAM in your PC can help speed it up. Before you do this, however, make sure your system meets the minimum requirements for the RAM you’re trying to install.
8. Free up Space on the System Disk: Reclaiming space on your system disk can help your computer run faster. Uninstalling programs, deleting unnecessary files and emptying the recycle bin will reduce the size of your system disk and free up some much needed space.
9. Install a System Optimizer: A system optimizer is a type of software that can scan your PC for potential problems and repair them. It can also delete obsolete file types and defragment your hard drive. The best system optimizer we recommend is WinUtilities. It can monitor your system for any potential problems, increase startup speed, and even extend battery life.