Why Does a PC Slow Down?
PCs slow down for several common reasons: too many programs running at startup, accumulated junk files, outdated drivers, malware, insufficient RAM, or an aging hard drive. The good news is that most causes are fixable without spending any money.
15 Ways to Speed Up Your PC
1. Disable Startup Programs
Many programs add themselves to startup, slowing your boot time. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc → Startup tab → Right-click and disable programs you don't need at startup.
2. Uninstall Unused Programs
Go to Settings → Apps → scroll through and remove software you haven't used in months. Less clutter = faster system.
3. Run Disk Cleanup
Search "Disk Cleanup" in Windows → Select your C: drive → Check all boxes → OK. This removes temporary files, old update files, and browser caches that accumulate over time.
4. Upgrade to SSD
If you're still running an old HDD (spinning hard disk), replacing it with an SSD is the single biggest performance upgrade you can make. SSDs are 3-5x faster for everyday tasks.
5. Add More RAM
If your PC has 4GB or 8GB of RAM and you multitask heavily, upgrading to 16GB makes a dramatic difference. Check your motherboard's max and current RAM before purchasing.
6. Adjust Power Settings
Go to Settings → Power & Sleep → Additional power settings → Select "High Performance." This ensures your processor isn't throttled.
7. Update Your Drivers
Outdated drivers, especially GPU and chipset drivers, can cause performance issues. Use Device Manager or manufacturer websites (NVIDIA/AMD for GPU drivers) to update.
8. Scan for Malware
Malware and viruses often run hidden processes that consume CPU and memory. Run Windows Defender + Malwarebytes Free for a thorough scan.
9. Enable Storage Sense
Windows 10/11: Settings → System → Storage → Turn on Storage Sense. This automatically cleans up temporary files on a schedule.
10. Defragment Your HDD (Not SSD)
If you have an HDD, defragmenting reorganizes data for faster access. Never defragment an SSD — it's unnecessary and reduces lifespan.
11. Clear Browser Cache
Browsers accumulate gigabytes of cache data. In Chrome: Settings → Privacy → Clear Browsing Data → Select "Cached images and files" → Clear.
12. Reduce Visual Effects
Search "Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows" → Select "Adjust for best performance" or manually disable animations.
13. Check for Windows Updates
Pending updates can sometimes cause background slowdowns. Keep Windows fully updated for optimal performance and security.
14. Restart Regularly
If you leave your PC in sleep mode for days, restart it. Restarting clears RAM, applies updates, and refreshes system processes.
15. Upgrade Your CPU Cooling
If your CPU gets too hot, it throttles its speed to prevent damage. Check CPU temperatures with HWMonitor (free). Clean dust from fans and consider replacing thermal paste on older systems.
Conclusion
You can dramatically speed up most PCs without spending a dime. Start with the software fixes (startup programs, disk cleanup, malware scan) before investing in hardware upgrades. For most users, disabling startup programs + running Disk Cleanup will provide an immediate noticeable improvement.
For more practical guides, explore How to Use Google Drive Like a Pro or learn about protecting your online privacy.