A simple guide to speed up your slow laptop or desktop
Windows computer can seriously affect your productivity and overall experience. Fortunately, most performance issues can be fixed with a few simple maintenance steps—no technical expertise or expensive upgrades required. From updating Windows to cleaning up storage space, these five practical tips can help you get your PC running smoothly again.
1. Keep Windows and Drivers Up to Date
One of the easiest and most effective ways to improve your computer’s performance is by keeping Windows and your device drivers updated. Regular updates often fix bugs, close security gaps, and enhance system efficiency.
How to do it:
- Select Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates
- Install all available updates and restart your PC
- Check for optional updates under Advanced options > Optional updates
- Download and install any recommended driver updates
2. Manage Startup Programs
Too many apps launching when your PC starts can slow down boot times and overall performance. Many of these apps run quietly in the background, even if you rarely use them.
How to do it:
- Open Start > Settings > Apps > Startup
- Turn Off any programs you don’t need to run automatically
- Check your taskbar’s notification area for background apps and close them if unnecessary
3. Free Up Disk Space
Low storage space can noticeably reduce your PC’s speed. Windows offers built-in tools to help clear clutter and free up valuable space.
How to do it:
- Go to Settings > System > Storage
- Select Temporary files to remove junk data
- Turn on Storage Sense for automatic cleanup
- Uninstall unused apps from Settings > Apps > Installed apps
- Move rarely used files to an external drive or cloud storage
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4. Adjust Visual Effects
Windows comes with eye-catching animations and effects that can make your computer look good—but at the cost of performance, especially on devices with limited RAM.
How to do it:
- Type “performance” in the search bar
- Select Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows
- Under the Visual Effects tab, choose Adjust for best performance
- Click Apply and restart your PC
5. Scan for Malware
Viruses, spyware, and other malicious software are common causes of slow performance. Windows Security, included with Windows 11, offers built-in protection against these threats.
How to do it:
- Go to Start > Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Security
- Click Open Windows Security
- Select Virus & threat protection
- Click Protection updates > Check for updates
- Run a Quick scan
- If issues persist, go to Scan options > Microsoft Defender Antivirus (offline scan) and click Scan now
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Pro Tip
Before trying advanced fixes, Microsoft suggests a simple restart—it often resolves temporary slowdowns. Also, close unused browser tabs and background apps. If your PC supports it, using a USB flash drive with ReadyBoost can provide an extra speed boost without upgrading your RAM.
Final Thoughts
Start by applying these tips one by one—beginning with system updates—and continue through the list until your PC’s performance improves. If your computer still runs slowly after trying all these methods, consider using System Restore to roll back recent changes that might be affecting performance.
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