It is unavoidable for the speeds of any and all computers to gradually decrease at some time in the future. The method in which your personal computer responds to changes in software can have a significant bearing on the level of performance it is capable of achieving.
There may also be a significant difference depending on the type of operating system you use and whether or not you have upgraded to Windows 10.
There are some changes that you can make to your laptop that will make it run quicker. However, there are also other enhancements that you can make that will be simpler, less expensive, and easier to implement.
The performance of your computer may not appear to be improved by making these seemingly insignificant modifications; yet, when taken together, they can make it possible for your computer to continue functioning for a number of years.
There are also many other kinds of software that you can use to assist you get rid of outdated files while also locating applications that you don’t use very often and might wish to remove from your computer. These tools can also alert you to files and software that may be the causes for a slow computer and may, in the end, be worth uninstalling as a result of the slowdown they create.
The following are seven ways in which you can increase the speed of your computer and its overall performance.
1. Remove any software that isn’t necessary.
Your computer comes packed with a number of software that many people won’t use, but which can suck up a lot of system resources if they are left running. In most cases, you will be able to recognise these when a pop-up window appears asking you to update an application that you have never used before.
• Expunge them from your computer to make more room on your hard drive.
• To access the “All apps” menu, select the “Start” button, and then click on it.
• This section provides a list of the programmes that you have already installed, as well as a list of the applications that you have not yet installed.
• When you have located the application that you wish to remove from your computer, right-click on its icon to bring up the “Options” option.
You also have the option to right-click the Start button and then navigate to Programs and Features. The Windows assistant known as Cortana can also be useful because it has the capability to conduct a search for “Programs” in its own search field.
You’ll find a record of the apps you’ve used recently as well as which ones take up the most space once you navigate to that section. After taking an inventory of what’s already installed, you’ll be able to determine which programmes can be removed to make the system run more efficiently.
You should also become familiar with the software applications that must be installed on your computer in order for it to function correctly, as well as those that are optional. These software frequently start up automatically whenever you boot up your computer, which is one of the reasons why your PC is running slower than usual as a result.
If you aren’t sure if you want these programmes deleted permanently, you may take a more in-depth look at the applications you wish to remove under the aforementioned menus. This will allow you to determine whether or not you want these applications deleted permanently.
2. Restrict the number of apps that load during launch
Along the same lines, you have the ability to choose which programmes start up automatically whenever your computer boots up. With the redesigned Task Manager that comes with Windows 10, it is now much simpler to choose which processes you want to keep running in the background and which ones you may initiate manually.
• To open the Task Manager, press Ctrl+Shift+Esc on your keyboard.
• When you click on the box, a list of all the programmes that you have previously installed on your computer will show.
• When you start your computer, it also provides you with a comprehensive report on how much RAM is being used by each application.
• If you want to make a modification, all you have to do is right-click on the programme you want to edit and tell it not to execute unless it is commanded to.
If you find that a software is no longer operating on your computer that has an effect on how you use it, you may always adjust the settings to accommodate this change. If you are unsure, you may always restart your computer and observe how it performs after removing specific software from being available when the computer boots up.
3. Upgrade the amount of RAM in your computer.
Windows 10 uses less random access memory (RAM) than earlier versions, but increasing the amount of RAM in a device is a tried-and-true method that has been used for years to speed up the device’s performance.
Unless you have a convertible or detachable laptop, you’ll probably have to make do with whatever accessories were included with your device. It is feasible to add more RAM to some business laptops and gaming laptops, although doing so is not always straightforward.
It is more simpler and far more affordable to increase the amount of RAM that is present in desktop PCs. Installing additional RAM may be done in around one hour by anyone who has a fundamental understanding of the innards of a desktop tower.
You also have the option of taking your computer to a specialised shop to get additional RAM placed on it. If you are concerned about perhaps jeopardising your system or carrying out these steps in an improper manner, seeking the advice of a person who is knowledgeable in the area will put your mind at ease and make it simple for you to install additional memory.
4. Conduct a search for malware and spyware.
While it’s nearly impossible to avoid becoming infected with a virus at some point during your time spent surfing the web, the newest version of Windows Defender makes it simpler than ever to identify malicious software that could be wreaking havoc on your personal computer. The removal of any spyware or viruses that you may have picked up can also be accomplished with the use of third-party software, which is simple to install and can be just as effective.
There are some applications that are superior than others, and some can consume more space than others, which can subsequently lead to problems with the computer’s speed. You should search for software that is not only effective at eradicating malware in its entirety but also does not require an excessive amount of storage space on your personal computer.
You should think about installing two different kinds of software in order to monitor the functioning of the machine. Cleanup applications for malware can fix slow computers as well as obvious problems with performance or popups. On the other hand, you should also investigate other applications that provide continuous protection and operate in the background. Remember that these antivirus programmes take up space on your computer, and pick an antivirus programme that is meant to run smoothly without slowing down your computer.
Doing a little bit of study will help you locate the software that is compatible with your particular type of operating system as well as your financial constraints. When you download free software, there is a possibility that it may not be compatible with other programs. Therefore, you should verify everything twice before installing it to ensure that it will not cause any additional performance issues.
5. Perform defragmentation and disc cleanup regularly.
On the hard drive of every computer is a collection of data and applications that either haven’t been accessed in a while or aren’t useful. Using Disk Cleanup, you are able to determine which programmes and files on your computer can be erased, so making more room on your hard drive for the apps you will actually use.
Disk Cleanup can be accessed in a manner that is very simple.
• You can access the software by selecting it from the Cortana search box or by clicking the Start button.
• A simple scan will show you the temporary files, installer apps, and web pages that you no longer require or that you haven’t used in a while.
• Once you reach that point, it will immediately remove them in order to free up some space.
The amount of RAM that you have installed on your personal computer is directly proportional to the efficacy of the Disk Cleanup utility, which may also cause your computer to perform more slowly than it normally would. If this is the case, it is possible that increasing the amount of RAM that your gadget has installed may be a smart idea.
In addition, you should plan to defragment your hard drive on a semi-regular basis so that you are aware of the total amount of space available on your hard drive. You may launch the Optimize Drives tool in Windows by clicking the Start button or typing “Cortana” into the search box on your computer.
There are also a number of third-party apps that you may use to assist you in removing files from your computer that you are no longer making use of.
6. Think about using an SSD for the starting
If you want your computer to have better performance, installing a startup solid-state drive (SSD) can go a long way toward relieving some of the strain placed on the processor during the booting phase of your computer. If you frequently run multiple applications at the same time or make use of software for editing photos or videos, then a startup drive can go a long way toward making these programmes function more smoothly and load more quickly for you.
Although they are most typically found in desktop computers, solid-state drives (SSDs) are also compatible with some versions of laptops. You always have the option of purchasing an external disc that communicates with your computer via USB 3.0 in the event that you are unable to use an internal solid-state drive (SSD).
This drive can provide you with the additional boost at startup that you require in order to complete tasks, as well as provide a boost for applications that require more temporary memory in order to work effectively.
Depending on how you want to use your computer, there are a variety of solid-state drive (SSD) options that will fit within your price range. When you want to get the correct drive for your computer and you need to know that it is compatible with your operating system, storage review sites that you can find online can be helpful sources of information that you can use.
7. Take a look at the settings for your internet browser.
Sometimes the performance of your personal computer can be improved by making only minor tweaks. The speed at which web pages, movies, and photos load can be affected by something as simple as the web browser that you use. If you have been using a particular web browser and have noticed that there is a delay in loading pages, you may want to attempt switching to another one to see if the loading times are improved.
When you use the internet on your computer, one of the things that could be slowing it down is the sort of web browser you use. However, this is not the only one. If you have a full cache that has not been cleared out in a while, you should go into your settings and make sure that it is cleared out. If this is the case, you will need to clear out your cache.
What you store in your cache is made up of the information that you gather from browsing a variety of websites. Many websites save information about your browsing behaviour in the form of cookies on your computer, and any advertisements that you click on while you’re visiting a site will also leave a cookie.
These files are kept as information in a cache, and if you spend a lot of time online, the cache may become cluttered with too many of these files, which will make your computer perform more slowly.
To our good fortune, there is a simple solution. Within the most widely used web browsers, this can be accomplished in one of two ways:
For Internet Explorer:
• Visit “Internet Options”
• Navigate to the “General” tab and click on it.
• Look for an option called “Browsing History” in the menu.
• Make sure “Temporary Internet Files” and “Website Data” are both selected.
• Hit “Delete”
If you are using Google Chrome:
• Visit “More settings”
• Make a selection under “More tools”
• Select “Clear browsing data” from the menu.
• Keep in mind that Chrome gives you the option to delete data once a specified amount of time has passed.
• Select “All time” from the drop-down menu if this is the first time you’ve ever cleared the files from your cache.
• Make sure that “Cookies and other site data” and “Cached pictures and files” are both checked off in their respective boxes.
• Hit “Clear data”
You should be aware that cookies can also contain the autofill function in your search bar; hence, it is a good idea to have your favourite websites saved just in case. This warning should serve as a reminder to you.
In conclusion,
If you are having problems with apps loading or are just struggling with slow computer performance, then it is likely that you just need to make a few simple tweaks to get your computer to work more efficiently.
Be sure to run a thorough examination to determine whether or not a virus, malware, or spyware is the source of the lags or slow speeds. After that, you can investigate what else might be creating any problems so that you can speed up, maintain, and check the performance of your computer so that you can have an overall better experience with it.