Before you spend a single dollar on a new, high-performance Windows PC, take the time to ensure your current one is performing at its best. From simple hardware additions to Windows configurations to routine maintenance, there are a few things you can try to improve your current setup. Here's how to optimize Windows 10 and get the most out of your PC while spending less.
1. Restart the computer
It may sound like an old joke: “Turn it off, then turn it back on again.”But the reason people hear this so often is because there's truth to it. Over time, a lot of digital stuff accumulates in your computer's memory, from poorly developed applications that don't clear the memory they're using to malware. Restarting your computer will clear some of this, at least temporarily.
2. Add RAM
While hardware component updates are more complex than just clicking a few buttons, they can yield the best results. One of the easiest is to increase RAM (RAM) specific to your device. The more RAM The more data your computer has, including running programs and processing files, it can handle simultaneously. So, if you have the budget, purchasing and installing some additional RAM can significantly boost your performance.
Check this guide to check computer RAM compatibility to see which type you need. Then, head over to our buying guides for desktop RAM or laptop RAM for guidance on how much you need.
3. Upgrade to SSD
Older machines may still have mechanical hard drives, which not only struggle with age but can never compete with the speed of SSDs. These drives have magnetic platters with a scribe (much like a recording needle), which must be moved across them to read and write data. In contrast, Solid state drives (SSD) Modern data is stored in cells that are accessed electronically. This makes any process, from reading a program into RAM so it can run, to viewing the latest video on YouTube, many times faster.
First, take a quick look at an overview of the different types of drives. Then follow this guide to:Clone your existing hard drive to an SSD To make it the main drive.
4. Disable startup programs
One possible reason why your computer might start lagging over time is: open Some programs you install run at startup. They may sit in the system tray and never show up, but they still use processing power and RAM. Making sure you only run the applications you use means you're conserving these resources for other applications.
Use the toggle switches in Settings > Apps > Startup screen To turn off apps that you don't use regularly. Don't worry; you can always go back and set it to start automatically again if you find you're missing it.
5. Adjust the power profile
You might think something called “Power Profile” It will only be necessary for battery-powered laptops. "power" The speed you experience from your computer is a function of the number of bits of data it transfers through its internal components, from the processor to the RAM to the storage or network and vice versa. The faster it is, the more electrical power it consumes.
If you have a laptop, click the battery meter in the system tray, where you can use the slider to adjust your computer's power level. For desktop computers, open the Control Panel, select Power Options, and ensure the Maximum Performance option is selected.
6. Update software and drivers
It's important to ensure your computer is up to date with updates, as they include improvements to performance, security, and functionality. There are three main areas to consider when staying up to date:
- Windows Updates: Open an app Settings , and select Update & Security > Windows Update If there are any updates ready, click Install Now.
- Driver updates: From the same screen, click View all optional updates , which can install updated device drivers.
- App updates: The method for updating apps varies, but as a general rule, if you see a notification for an update, install it as soon as possible.
7. Run an antivirus scan
It can cause Malicious software Your computer may be running slower, either because it's set up to use your resources for nefarious activities or simply to make your life difficult. Regularly running an antivirus program can ensure these nasty elements are removed and your computer runs at its fastest.
Don't forget to apply any Updates Antivirus related brought to you. Antivirus is also software, and it's as smart as the latest set of virus definitions it receives from its developer.
8. Disable Windows visual effects
One of the most processing-intensive tasks a computer can perform is View graphicsIf you don't have a dedicated graphics chip in your machine, using Windows Visual Effects can cost you overall performance.
You can adjust these settings by going to the application. Settings, choose System > About , then click the Advanced system settings link on the right. In the dialog box System Features , select tab "Advanced Options" , and click the button “Settings” within "performance". Here you can choose "Adjustment" For best performance (notice how it turns off all effects).
9. Increase page file size
The Windows page file is where the operating system stores temporary data normally stored in RAM. "deportation" When Windows moves data between this file and RAM, depending on which application or service is most processing density Currently. Performing Increase the size to give Windows more space. To store this temporary data, it can help improve stability and prevent crashes.
from the dialog box System Features , Click "Settings" within "the performance" , then switch to the tab "Advanced Options"Within. Virtual Memory , click the . button Change and make modifications in the dialog box. Virtual Memory.
10. Defragment your hard drive (older)
When Windows saves your data to mechanical disks An old However, it often won't keep all of the data in the same location. Instead, it saves pieces of data across the disk and then reassembles them as needed. Therefore, as files are saved and deleted over time, gaps are created on the disk. Over time, the reader must move further and further to collect all the pieces to reconstruct the files.
Lead Disk defragmentation By compressing all this data together, disk reads and writes are faster. All of this means better performance for your computer. Open the Storage screen in the Settings app, click the Optimize Drives link to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: How can I speed up downloads on my computer?
The answer: Usually it would be Slow download speeds on Windows Network issues. You can try moving closer to the router, switching to a wired connection, or resetting your network devices. You should also check that nothing is consuming bandwidth, such as streaming platforms or online games.
Q1: How can I speed up my Windows 10 laptop?
The answer: The above suggestions should work whether you're using a laptop or a desktop computer. The main difference is that your laptop may have two power profiles: when the computer is running on battery power and when it's plugged in. Generally, a laptop runs better when plugged in because Windows doesn't have to make any changes to reduce power consumption and extend battery life.
