4 Easy Ways to make Windows 10 Faster
How do I make Windows 10 run faster?
Other things to try
1. Restart device
Shutting down and restarting your computer is perhaps one of the first things you can do to improve the overall performance. It might be obvious, but it’s not the first thing that usually comes to mind.
2. Disable startup apps
On Windows 10, many apps can register themselves to start automatically during startup and continue to run in the background, wasting system resources that can slow down the experience. When you try to speed up Windows 10, it’s recommended to disable all the apps running at startup, or, at least, those you do not use regularly.
3. Disable apps relaunch on startup
Windows 10 has a feature that restarts the apps from your last session after a reboot, even before you sign in. Although this is a valuable feature that can speed up the process of quickly resuming where you left off, it can also impact system performance.
4. Disable background apps
On Windows 10, some apps can continue to run tasks in the background even when you’re not using them. If you want to speed up your computer as much as possible, you can decide which apps can operate in the background or disable the feature to block all apps.
5. Uninstall non-essential apps
Typically, new devices come with applications you do not need, including the usual bloatware and system tools that you will never use that will only waste space on the drive and resources. When trying to increase the system performance, you should always remove those non-essential applications.
6. Install quality apps only
Old and poorly designed apps and apps that load unnecessary features can negatively affect the performance of your computer. Also, just because an app comes from a company you trust does not mean it’s a good app.
If you want to keep your device healthy and snappy, only install good apps. Usually, you want to install apps available from the Microsoft Store because they’ve been reviewed for security and performance. If the app is not available through the store, only download apps from trusted sources and confirm they work on Windows 10.
If you are unsure, you can research online to get more information about the app. For instance, you can check the software vendor’s forums to check whether users are experiencing issues or post a question in the forums to find out more details.
7. Clean up hard drive space
If the computer has relatively new hardware and you notice apps, managing files, and other tasks are struggling to complete, it is likely because the drive is running out of space. Usually, this becomes more evident after the drive is filled up around 70 percent of the total capacity.
One way to prevent the storage from impacting performance is to use the Storage settings to delete temporary and unnecessary files to reclaim space.
8. Use drive defragmentation
If you have a computer with older hardware and a traditional rotating platters hard drive, organizing the data can increase the responsiveness.
9. Configure ReadyBoost
In addition, to use the defragmentation tool on computers with older hardware, you can also use the ReadyBoost feature to boost performance.
ReadyBoost is not new to Windows 10. It’s been around for years as a feature that uses a flash drive or SD card to cache files to boost the overall system performance. (If the device has an SSD, this feature won’t be available since it won’t offer additional benefits.)
10. Perform malware scan
When a device starts to run very slowly, this could indicate a malware infection. Typically, viruses, spyware, and other malware types are known to take up many system resources, making a device unusable.
We’ve all been there. You boot up your trusty Windows 10 machine, ready to conquer the day’s tasks, only to be met with a symphony of delays, stutters, and frustrating loading times. The once-zippy cursor crawls like a snail on vacation, and even opening a simple email feels like wading through molasses. Fear not, weary warrior! Today, we embark on a quest to diagnose and vanquish the slowdown beasts plaguing your Windows 10 experience.
The Usual Suspects:
These common culprits are often the first line of inquiry in your slowdown saga:
1. Resource Hogs: Imagine tiny gremlins living inside your computer, guzzling RAM and CPU cycles like squirrels at an acorn buffet. These gremlins could be rogue background processes, resource-hungry software, or even malware. To identify the culprits, open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and sort by CPU or Memory usage. Any unfamiliar programs with high usage flags are prime suspects.
2. Startup Overload: Every time you boot up, a whole parade of programs lines up to launch alongside Windows. Some you use daily; others might lurk in the shadows, silently siphoning resources. To trim the startup fat, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc, click the “Startup” tab, and disable programs you don’t need running immediately.
3. Storage Blues: A cluttered hard drive is like a messy attic—finding anything takes an eternity. Over time, unused files, temporary data, and fragmented files can bog down your system. Disk Cleanup and Defragmenter are your allies here. Run them regularly to declutter and optimize your storage space.
4. Driver Dilemmas: Outdated or faulty drivers can wreak havoc on performance. Make sure you have the latest drivers for your hardware, especially graphics cards and network adapters. Windows Update usually handles this, but for specific drivers, check the manufacturer’s website.
5. Power Play: Depending on your power settings, Windows might prioritize battery life over performance. This can be great for laptops, but not ideal for desktops plugged into the mains. Head to Power & sleep settings, choose “High performance” mode, and unleash the beast within your PC.
6. Malware Mayhem: Malicious software is the ultimate performance Grinch. Run a reputable antivirus scan to check for unwanted guests and evict them promptly. Don’t forget to keep your antivirus software updated!
Beyond the Usual Suspects:
Sometimes, the slowdown isn’t due to specific programs or settings, but deeper systemic issues. Here are some advanced troubleshooting tips:
1. Check for system errors: Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM scan to check for and repair corrupted system files. Open Command Prompt as administrator and type “sfc /scannow” for SFC and “DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth” for DISM.
2. Disable visual effects: Windows loves its eye candy, but all those animations and shadows can take a toll. Head to System > Advanced system settings > Performance > Settings and adjust for better performance.
3. Tweak virtual memory: Virtual memory uses hard drive space as temporary RAM. While increasing it can help, improper settings can backfire. Unless you’re a power user, leave this one alone.
Remember: These are just starting points. The specific cause of your slowdown might be unique. Don’t hesitate to research online forums or consult a qualified technician if the problem persists.
The Final Fix:
Ultimately, the best way to keep your Windows 10 running smoothly is through proactive maintenance. Develop good habits, like:
- Regularly restart your computer.
- Updating Windows and software.
- Uninstalling unused programs.
- Running antivirus scans.
- Defragmenting your hard drive.
- Optimizing your hard drive with SSD optimization tools for SSDs.
Bonus Tip: Treat your computer like a trusty steed. Keep it clean (both physically and digitally), update its software like you’d replace its horseshoes, and give it the occasional performance tune-up. A well-maintained computer is a loyal companion in the digital wilderness.
Advanced Strategies for Power Users:
If you’re a techie enthusiast or your slowdown defies conventional solutions, delve deeper with these advanced tactics:
1. Monitoring Tools: Third-party monitoring tools like Process Explorer and Resource Monitor offer granular insights into system resource usage, helping you pinpoint specific processes causing bottlenecks.
2. Registry Tweaks: Modify registry entries with caution, but advanced users can fine-tune system performance through specific tweaks
When Nostalgia Bites Back: Why Windows 10 Might Sputter on Your Vintage PC
Ah, the sweet scent of nostalgia. You dust off your trusty PC, a relic from a bygone era, its worn keys whispering tales of dial-up connections and floppy disks. You dream of resurrecting it, injecting the youthful vigor of Windows 10, and reliving those glory days of pixelated adventures. But hold on, cowboy! Before you embark on this digital time-travel mission, brace yourself for some harsh realities. This ol’ steed might not be built for the shiny saddle of Windows 10.
Here’s why running Windows 10 on an older PC is akin to putting a Formula One engine in a Model T:
1. Hardware Hiccups: It’s all about raw power, folks. Windows 10, with its bells and whistles, demands beefier specs than its predecessors. Your Pentium 4 processor might have been a champion in its day, but it now resembles a wheezing asthmatic facing a marathon. RAM? Don’t even get me started on the 512 MB struggle. Running Windows 10 on such limited resources is like trying to run a marathon in swim fins.
2. Driver Dilemmas: Remember those good old days of scouring the internet for the perfect driver that wouldn’t turn your computer into a blue screen disco ball? Those days are back, my friend. Modern drivers might not play nice with your antiquated hardware, leading to crashes, glitches, and performance woes that even a seasoned tech wizard would weep over.
3. Storage Shortcomings: Windows 10 is a storage hog, gobbling up gigabytes like a vacuum cleaner on dust bunnies. Your cramped 80 GB hard drive, once a marvel of technology, now resembles a miniature storage closet barely fitting your socks. Expect excruciatingly slow boot times, agonizing file transfers, and the constant nag of that dreaded low disk space notification.
4. Software Sclerosis: Remember all those old programs you loved? Well, guess what? They might not like Windows 10. Compatibility issues can rear their ugly heads, leaving your favorite vintage software unusable or buggy. Prepare for compatibility headaches, driver hunts, and the bittersweet realization that some apps might be forever lost to the sands of time.
5. Security Concerns: Microsoft might be generous with its support for older systems, but security updates for Windows 10 eventually end. This leaves your trusty PC vulnerable to the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity threats. Running an unsupported OS on an ancient machine is like driving a car without airbags or seatbelts—one wrong bump and you’re toast.
So, what are your options?
Don’t despair, vintage tech enthusiast! Here are some paths you can choose:
- Embrace the Past: Keep your old OS and software alive! Embrace retro gaming, vintage applications, and the simpler times of pixelated charm. There’s beauty in nostalgia, and your old PC can still be a treasure trove of digital memories.
- Lightweight Alternatives: Explore lighter-weight operating systems like Linux Mint or Lubuntu. These OSes are designed for older hardware and can breathe new life into your dusty relic. You might not have all the bells and whistles of Windows 10, but you’ll have a smoother, more stable experience.
- Upgrade Frenzy: If you’re feeling adventurous, consider upgrading your hardware. New RAM, a solid-state drive, and a modern processor can significantly improve your experience. However, remember, sometimes the cost of upgrades might outweigh the value of your old PC.
Ultimately, the decision is yours. Windows 10 on an older PC can be a bumpy ride, a journey fraught with potential pitfalls. But with careful consideration and a sprinkle of tech savvy, you might just resurrect your vintage machine and relive the digital dreams of yesteryear. Just remember that sometimes nostalgia is best enjoyed through rose-tinted glasses, not by forcing old tech to perform new tricks.
Bon voyage on your digital time-travel adventure!
Bonus Tip: If you absolutely must run Windows 10 on your ancient hardware, proceed with caution! Do your research, ensure compatibility, and prioritize security updates. And remember, patience is your key to navigating the slow lanes of vintage computing.
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