How To Make a Slow Computer More Usable in 2022

Tips To Speed Up Your Computer

In this article, I will be discussing about Microsoft Windows 10. If you’re still using an older version of Windows, you should think about upgrading, as Microsoft has ended support for all previous versions of Windows, so those computers are no longer safe.

Reboot (Restart)

This may appear to be a simple tip, yet many users do not consider to reboot their machines.
While computers can stay powered on for extended periods of time, if you notice things slowing down or apps not working properly, the first thing you should do is restart the computer. If you don’t want to turn off your computer every night, you should do it at least once a week.

Check your Startup Programs

Startup programmes are those that load and execute in the background once you turn on your computer. When you install new software, it is frequently added to the startup list.
That means that every time you boot up your computer, that software is loading and running in the background; you may not see it or be aware that it is operating.

Each of those apps operating in the background consumes system resources and memory and may interfere with other applications you have installed. Eliminating starting applications will speed up your computer, require less system resources, and give less room for conflict.

Some apps must always execute at boot time. For example, anti-virus software is a programme that must be running at all times. However, most apps do not need to load and operate every time you boot up your computer.

If you’re not sure whether a software has to be running all the time, try a Google search for the application’s name to find out.

Once you’ve identified which ones don’t need to execute at startup, locate each application and modify its settings as follows:

• Open the task manager by pressing ctrl-alt-del and then select “Task Manager.” (alternatively, you can use ctrl+shift+esc to bring up Task Manager directly)
• Click “More Details” in the task manager window.
• Click the “Startup” tab to see the list of programs that launch when you start Windows.
• Select the program in the list and then click the “Disable” button. That will prevent the program from launching automatically when Windows starts.

Adjust Visual Effects

You can turn off or adjust some of the visual effects in Windows 10 to improve overall system performance. Open the Control Panel, go to “System” and then click “Advanced System Settings.” Click the “Advanced” tab in the system settings dialog and then click “Settings” under “Performance.” Put a check in the box for “Adjust for Best Performance” and click “OK.

Use the Windows 10 Disk Checking tool

Windows 10 has a built-in utility that will scan and check your hard drive for errors and problems.

Here’s how to run the tool:

• Open File Explorer and navigate to your hard drive.
• Right-click on the name of the drive.
• Choose “Properties” from the window that comes up.
• Click the “Tools” tab in the Properties window.
• Click the check button under “Error Checking” to find the option to scan the drive.

If Windows finds any issues, it will prompt you to check the disc. If no issues are identified, you will receive a message that reads “You don’t need to scan this disc,” but you may still perform a scan if you like.

Before launching a scan, ensure that all processes are closed. When the scan is finished, you will be notified that either multiple problems or no errors were identified. If errors are discovered, you will be required to restart the computer in order for the file system to be fixed.

Run a Disk Cleanup

Over time as you use your computer, temporary files are created and can accumulate. Deleting those files will free up disk space and may help your computer run better.

To run a disk cleanup, follow these steps:

• Open File Explorer.
• Right-click the hard drive.
• Select “Properties.”
• Click the “General” tab under “Error Checking.”
• Click the “Disk Cleanup” button.
• Put a check in the box next to the files you would like to delete and then click the “Cleanup System Files” button.

The files you selected will be removed.

Clear Your Browser Cache

Every web browser stores information in a cache. Web pages, photos, cookies, temporary internet files, and other downloaded information are all saved in a cache.

Cookies are little text files that your web browser saves for the pages you visit on the internet. A cookie file saves information about your surfing habits, such as the website URL, any information you entered on the site, the time of your visit, your location, and other personal information. As a result, deleting your cookies can aid in the protection of your privacy.

Not all cookies are harmful. A “session” cookie, for example, is used by websites to guarantee that the user is identified when going from page to page inside the website. However, these files will amass over time and you will want to erase them.

Each browser is slightly different in how to clear the cache, and these steps may change over time. Here are instructions for the three most used browsers: Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome.

Microsoft Edge

• Open Microsoft Edge and click the ellipsis (three dots) icon in the top right corner.
• Select “History” from the list.
• Click the ellipsis icon.
• Click “Clear browsing data.”
• Select “All Time” (this will remove all browser data).
• Put a check in the checkboxes next to the items you would like to delete and click the “Clear Now” button.

Mozilla Firefox

• Open Mozilla Firefox.
• Click the “History” menu in the toolbar.
• Click “Clear Recent History.”
• Select everything in the drop-down menu at the top labeled “Time range to clear.”
• Put a check in the checkboxes next to the items you would like to delete and click the “OK” button.

Google Chrome

• Open Google Chrome and click the ellipsis icon in the top right corner.
• Select “History” and then click “History” again.
• Click “Clear Browsing Data.”
• Click the “Advanced” tab to see all options.
• Select “All Time” in the drop-down menu at the top labeled “Time range to clear.”
• Put a check in the checkboxes next to the items you would like to delete and click the “Clear Data” button.

Uninstall Unnecessary Programs

Bloatware is a word used to describe the list of trash and trial apps that come pre-installed on new computers. The list of bloatware apps might vary greatly depending on the manufacturer.

Many of these services are unnecessary, if not destructive. Uninstalling them will enhance your computer’s overall performance.

You may have also previously installed apps that you no longer require. Unwanted or useless apps can be removed to save up disc space and system resources. Many applications come with an uninstall option.

If the program does not include an uninstall option use the add/remove programs feature in your computer’s Control Panel to uninstall the program:

• In the search box type, “control panel” and then select “Control Panel” in the search results list.
• Select “Programs” and then “Programs and Features” (the options may look a bit different depending on the view settings you have selected).
• In the Programs menu find the program you would like to uninstall.
• Click the program to select it and then click the “Uninstall/Change” button.
• Reboot the computer when you are finished.

You can also use the Apps menu in Windows 10 to remove programs and apps:

• Click the “Start” button.
• Click “Settings.”
• In the Settings menu select “Apps.”
• Scroll through the list and select the apps you would like to uninstall.
• Once you’ve selected an app, click the “Uninstall” button.

(Physically) Clean the Inside of Your Computer

Dust and other debris will collect inside your computer over time. When the fans and other components are dirty, they may experience performance issues and overheating. Ideally, you should clean your computer out at least once a year.

Unplug the power cord and all peripherals attached to it before cleaning the interior of the computer (mouse, keyboard, printers, USB devices, network and phone lines, etc.).

To clean the interior of the computer, first unplug the power cord and all peripherals attached to it before cleaning the interior of the computer (mouse, keyboard, printers, USB devices, network and phone lines, etc.), use a vacuum cleaner with small attachments, a can of compressed air, a soft cloth, and cotton swabs. (Cleaning kits are also available.)

When working on the guts of the computer, exercise extreme caution. The motherboard and other components are delicate and easily damaged. Take special care of the case fan, CPU fan, and power supply, as these become coated with dust and debris very easily.

Check for Malware and Viruses

Trojans, viruses, spyware, grayware, rootkits, backdoors, and worms are all examples of malware. All of these might cause your computer to slow down and cause other issues.

Always keep a strong antivirus application on hand. Windows Security is included in Windows 10. Although that is usually enough if you practise basic internet safety, there are other strong antivirus software products available, some of which are free. Set your antivirus software to update and scan automatically on a regular basis.

Final Thoughts

I hope some of these tips help you accelerate your computer’s speed and thus delay a new purchase.

But when the time comes to upgrade your device, check out GoatGoatGoat’s guide to finding the best laptop deals and this list of current laptop deals from Goat.