How To Speed Up Windows PC | Make Windows PC Faster

In this blog post, I will show you, how to speed up a slow Windows PC.
So, let's get started...
Please NOTE: The tips are listed in order, so start with the first one, see if that helps, and then continue to the next one if it doesn’t. 

Tips To Improve PC Performance In Windows

No extra device needed

1. Update Windows & Device Drivers

One of the best ways to get the most out of your PC is to make sure you have the latest version of Windows installed. When you check for updates, your PC will also search for the latest device drivers, which can also help improve your PC’s performance.

1.1. Check for Windows & Drivers update

To check for updates:
  • Right-click on Start and select Settings. From the left panel select Windows Update. And then click on Check for updates.
  • If the status says "You're up to date", continue and check for optional updates.
    And, if the status says "Updates are available", then Download and Install all updates. You may need to Restart your PC to install updates.

1.2. Check for optional Windows & Drivers updates

Sometimes an optional update, like a new non-critical driver, will be available that may help.
To check for optional updates:
  • Go back to Windows Update. Click on Advanced options > Optional updates.
  • If additional updates are available, select and install all updates.
After installing updates, restart your PC and see if it seems to run better. If not, try the next tip.

2. Update Apps, Games And Programs

Sometimes outdated apps may slow down the PC. So, make sure all installed apps, games and Programs are up to date.

2.1. Update Apps & Games Using Microsoft Store

Universal Windows Platform apps downloaded from Microsoft Store [like Paint] can only be updated using Microsoft Store.
To update Microsoft Store Apps and Games:
  • Open Microsoft Store. Click on Library. Then click on Get updates.
And then, Microsoft Store will automatically check and update all apps and games.

2.2. Update Apps, Games And Programs Using Windows Package Manager (Winget)

Desktop apps [like Classic VLC] can only be updated using the Windows Package manager.
To update Apps, Games And Programs using Windows Package Manager:
  • Select Search on the Taskbar, type CMD, then right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator. On the prompt, click on Yes.
  • Here, type "Winget upgrade --all", then press Enter key.
And then, Windows Package Manager will automatically check and update all apps, games and Programs.

2.3. Update Internet Browser

Internet browsers (like Microsoft Edge) can't be updated using Microsoft Store and Windows Package Manager. So, we have to update the browser manually.
  • On the Internet browser, select Menu > Help > About.
And then, the browser will automatically check and install the latest update.
After updating apps, restart your PC and see if it seems to run better. If not, try the next tip.

3. Make sure the system is managing the page file size

The paging file is an area on your hard disk that Windows uses like memory. There's a setting in Windows that manages the page file size automatically, which can help improve your PC’s performance.
To make sure automatic page file management is turned on:
  • Select Search on the taskbar, type performance, then select Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows.
  • In Performance Options, select the Advanced tab, then select Change in the Virtual memory area.
  • Make sure the Automatically manage paging file size for all drives check box is selected. If it is, continue to the next tip. If it's not, select it and then click on OK.
And then, restart your PC and see if it seems to run better. If not, try the next tip.

4. Free Up Space

You may improve performance if you free some disk space on your PC.

4.1. Check for low disk space

To check for low disk space:
  • Right-click on Start and select Settings. In Settings, go to System > Storage.
If your PC is not low on space, try the next tip.

4.2. Delete temporary files with Storage Sense

You can use Storage Sense to delete unnecessary or temporary files from your device.
  • In the Storage settings. Select Temporary files.
    Windows will take a few moments to determine what files and apps are taking up the most space on your PC.
  • Select the items you want to delete, and then select Remove files.

4.3. Turn on and configure Storage Sense

If you turn on Storage Sense, Windows will automatically free up space by getting rid of unnecessary files—including files in your recycle bin—when you're low on disk space or at intervals you specify.
To turn on and configure Storage Sense:
  • Go back to Storage settings. In the Storage management area, turn on Storage Sense.
  • Select the More > icon for Storage Sense to configure it.
  • Under Cleanup of temporary files, ensure Keep Windows running smoothly by automatically cleaning up temporary system and app files is checked.
  • Under Configure cleanup schedules, choose how often you want Storage Sense to run.
  • For the files you want Storage Sense to delete (your choices are files in your Recycle Bin and your Downloads folder), select the preferred time intervals, or select Never if you want Storage Sense to leave those types of files alone.
  • Scroll down and select Run Storage Sense now.
    Windows will take a few moments to clean up your files, and then you'll see a message indicating how much disk space has been freed up.
If your PC still runs slowly, try uninstalling apps you don't use anymore.

5. Uninstall apps you don’t use anymore

  • Go back to Storage settings. Select Apps & features.
  • Search for a specific app or sort them to see which ones are using the most space.
  • When you find an app to remove, select the More ⁝ icon next to it and select Uninstall.
And then, restart your PC and see if it seems to run better. If not, try the next tip.

6. Optimize Appearance For Best Performance

Windows includes many visual and sound effects, such as animations, shadow effects and notification sounds. These look and feel great, but they can also use additional system resources and can slow down your PC. This is especially true if you have a PC with a smaller amount of memory (RAM).

6.1. Disable Visual Effects

To disable Visual effects:
  • Select Search on the taskbar, type performance, then select Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows.
  • On the Visual Effects tab, select Adjust for best performance. I recommend you, check the "Smooth edges of screen fonts" and "Show thumbnails instead of icons" options.
  • And then click on OK.

6.2. Disable Transparency Effects

To disable Transparency Effects:
  • Right-click on Start and select Settings. In Settings, go to Personalization > Colors.
  • And here, turn off Transparency effects.

6.3. Disable System Sound

To disable System Sound:
  • Select Search on the taskbar, type system sound, then select Change system sounds.
  • Under Sound Scheme select No Sounds.
  • Then click on OK.
And then, restart your PC and see if it seems to run better. If not, try the next tip.

7. Disable Unnecessary Startup Apps & Programs

When you turn on your PC, some programs start automatically and run in the background. You can disable these programs so they don’t run when your PC starts.
To stop a program from starting automatically:
  • Right-click on Start and select Settings. In Settings, go to Apps > Startup.
  • In the Startup Apps area, find the program you want to stop from starting automatically and set it to Off.
And then, restart your PC and see if it seems to run better. If not, try the next tip.

8. Check For And Remove Viruses And Malware

A virus, malware, or malicious software could cause your PC to run slowly.
To scan for viruses using Windows Security:
  • Select Search on the taskbar, type security, and then select Windows Security.
  • In Windows Security, click on Virus & threat protection.
  • And then click on Quick scan.
    It will take some time to scan files.
If Windows Security finds a virus or malware, do the recommended steps explained in our blog post. 
After scanning and removing viruses, restart your PC and see if it seems to run better. If not, try the next tip.

9. Optimize Battery (Power) For Best Performance

If you want the best performance on Windows and don’t mind compromising on the battery life, you can switch to a High-performance power plan.

9.1. Change Power Plan on Laptop

To change the power plan on the Laptop:
  • Right-click on Start and select Mobility Center.
  • Click on the drop-down menu under Battery status and select High performance.

9.2. Change Power Plan on the Desktop

To change the power plan on the Desktop:
  • Select Search on the taskbar, type power plan, then select Choose a power plan.
  • Then, select High performance.
And then, restart your PC and see if it seems to run better. If not, try the next tip.

10. Adjust Fast Startup

Fast Startup is a feature in Windows, that helps start your PC faster after shutdown.
If you installed multiple operating systems on your PC, you should disable Fast Startup.
To open the Fast Startup settings:
  • Select Search on the taskbar, type power plan, then select Choose a power plan.
  • From the left pane, click on Choose what the power button does.
  • Then, click on Change settings that are currently unavailable.
  • Under Shutdown settings, you can enable or disable Fast Startup.
If you changed the Fast Startup setting then, restart your PC and see if it seems to run better. If not, try the next tip.

11. Speed Up Hard Disk

11.1. Check Disks For System Errors

Sometimes, your PC is noticeably slower or programs hang when you access certain files. This problem might occur because there are errors on your hard disk.
To check the disk for errors:
  • Open File Explorer. From Navigation Pane, select This PC.
  • Right-click on Windows Disk and select Properties.
  • In the Properties, click on the Tools tab.
  • In the Error-checking area, click on Check.
  • Then click on Scan drive.
    It will take some time to check the hard disk.
If it finds any error, Restart your PC to repair Hard Disk.

11.2. Optimize Hard Disk

Optimizing your drives can help your PC run smoother and boot up faster.
Please Note: if you are using an SSD then defragmentation is not recommended. It will reduce your SSD’s life.
To optimize Hard Disk:
  • Select Search on the Taskbar, type optimizes, then right-click on Defragment and Optimize Drives and select Run as administrator.
  • Check Advanced View to see all drives.
  • Select the Windows drive and then click on Optimize.
    It will take several minutes to optimize the hard disk.
And then, restart your PC and see if it seems to run better. If not, try the next tip.

12. Repair System Files

If some Windows functions aren't working or Windows crashes, use the System File Checker to scan Windows and restore your files.
To scan and repair system files:
  • Select Search on the Taskbar, type CMD, then right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator. On the prompt, click on Yes.
  • Here, type "DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth"and pressEnterkey.
    When you run this command, DISM uses Windows Update to provide the files that are required to fix corruptions. It may take several minutes.
  • Then, type "sfc /scannow" and then press Enter key.
    This command will scan all protected system files, and replace corrupted files. It may also take several minutes.
After the process is finished, restart your PC and see if it seems to run better. If not, try the next tip.

13. Disable Restartable Apps

To make your experience faster and smoother, Windows restarts some of the background apps once you sign in to your PC. If you have a powerful PC then this may prove to be a good feature. But for older computers, disabling it would help you speed up Windows.
To disable restartable apps on Windows 11:
  • Right-click on Start and select Settings. In Settings, go to Accounts > Sign-in options.
  • Under Additional settings, turn off Automatically save my restartable apps and restart them when I sign back in.
And then, restart your PC and see if it seems to run better. If not, try the next tip.

14. Disable Background apps

Several apps run in the background to stay updated. While mailing and calendar apps don’t pose a problem, there might be many unnecessary background apps that can make the device lag.
To stop an app from running in the background on Windows 11:
  • Right-click on Start and select Apps and Features.
  • Click on the More ⁝ icon next to the apps you want to disable from running in the background, and select Advanced options.
  • Under Background apps permissions, select Never.
And then, restart your PC and see if it seems to run better. If not, try the next tip.

15. Disable Search Indexing

Although Windows search is an important feature to find apps, settings, and files, the indexing process can sometimes consume many resources that can negatively impact the experience – especially on low-end devices. If you keep your files organized, you can slow down the indexing process by excluding all search locations.
To disable Search Indexing:
  • Select Search on the taskbar, type indexing, and then select Indexing Options.
  • Click on Modify.
  • In Indexed Locations, click on Show all locations.
  • Under Change selected locations, uncheck all items.
  • Then, click on OK.
And then, restart your PC and see if it seems to run better. If not, try the next tip.

16. Disable VBS

Virtualization-based security (VBS) is a new feature on Windows that protects the OS from unsafe code and malware. But recent reports suggest that due to this security feature, games have seen a performance drop of 5% to 25%. So if you are a gamer and want the best performance on Windows, you should disable VBS.
To disable VBS on Windows 11:
  • Open Windows Security, then go to Device security > Core isolation details.
  • And here, turn off the toggle under Memory integrity.
And then, restart your PC and see if it seems to run better. If not, try the next tip.

17. Turn off Windows features you don't use

17.1. Search Highlights

Search Highlights presents notable and interesting moments of what’s special about each day—like holidays, anniversaries, and other educational moments in time both globally and in your region.
But, if you don't use this feature, then you should turn it off.
To turn off Search highlights on Windows 11:
  • Right-click on Start and select Settings. In Settings, go to Privacy & security>Search permissions.
  • And then, under More Settings, turn off Search highlights.

17.2. Widgets

The widget is a new taskbar flyout, which displays a panel with Microsoft Start, a news aggregator with personalized stories and content.
But, if you don't use this feature, then you should turn it off.
To turn off Widgets on Windows 11:
  • Right-click on Taskbar and select Taskbar settings.
  • Under Taskbar items, turn off Widgets.

17.3. Clipboard

Using Clipboard, you can paste multiple items from your clipboard history.
But, if you don't use this feature, then you should turn it off.
To turn off Clipboard on Windows 11:
  • Right-click on Start and select Settings. In Settings, go to System>Clipboard.
  • And here, turn off Clipboard history and Sync across your devices.

17.4. Game Mode

When you use Game Mode, Windows prioritizes your gaming experience by turning things off in the background.
If you are not a gamer, it’s best to disable Game Mode altogether. It will stop DVR and other Xbox-related services in the background, speeding up your Windows PC.
To turn off Game Mode on Windows 11:
  • Right-click on Start and select Settings. In Settings, go to Gaming > Game Mode.
  • And here, turn off Game Mode.

17.5. Recommended Items in Start Menu

The Recommended section in Start, shows recently opened files and documents from any location, including a PC, a smartphone, and OneDrive.
To turn off Recommended Items in Start Menu:
  • Right-click on Start and select Settings. In Settings, go to Personalization > Start.
  • And here, turn off Show recently added apps and Show recently opened items in Start, Jump Lists, and File Explorer.

17.6. Chat from Taskbar

Microsoft Chat is a feature, that enables you to chat and call using Microsoft Teams directly from Taskbar.
But, if you don't use this feature, then you should turn it off.
To remove the Chat icon from Taskbar on Windows 11:
  • Right-click on Taskbar and select Taskbar settings.
  • Under Taskbar items, turn off Chats.
And then, restart your PC and see if it seems to run better. If not, try the next tip.

18. Restore your PC from a system restore point

Restoring your PC undoes recent changes that might be causing problems. If you think a recently installed app, driver, or update for Windows could be causing problems, you might get things running normally again by restoring your PC to an earlier point.
You can find a step-by-step guide on the Microsoft site.
If your PC still running slowly after restoration, try Resetting Windows.

19. Reset Windows

This option will take your device back to a state similar to when you turned it on for the first time, removing programs you have installed and removing personal files, depending on which option you select. Windows will handle everything automatically, and you won’t need to use an external storage device. Resetting your device is less impactful than the clean install option, though it will require sufficient disk space.
You can find a step-by-step guide on the Microsoft site.
If your PC still running slowly after resetting, try Reinstalling Windows.

20. Reinstall Windows

If your PC still not performing as expected, then you should do a clean reinstallation of Windows.
You can find step-by-step guides to reinstall Windows 11, Windows 10 and Windows 8.1, in my blog posts.
The ultimate installation guide:

Extra device needed

  • Use ReadyBoost

Hardware Upgrade

  • Replace HDD with SSD
  • Add more RAM

How to speed up Windows PC for gaming?

If you’re a gamer and you want to speed up Windows for gaming purposes, you should disable VBS and enable Game Mode. You can check out the steps to disable VBS on Windows above.

How to speed up Windows startup?

If your Windows PC is slow in start-up, you can disable startups and enable Fast startups. Apart from that, you should think of upgrading your hard disk to an SSD, which will definitely give your computer a huge boost in start-up speed.

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