How can I improve my PC performance?

arham belal 0 Reputation points
2026-09-26T18:02:01.1266667+00:00

My computer has been getting slower over time, especially when opening multiple applications. What are some simple steps I can take to improve overall performance without making major hardware changes?

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Performance and system failures
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  1. AI answer

    2026-09-26T18:02:21.72+00:00

    Simple steps that can improve PC performance without major hardware changes:

    1. Remove programs that are not needed Uninstall apps that are rarely used, especially if the slowdown started after installing new software. In Windows 8.1:
      • Open Search
      • Type appwiz.cpl
      • Open Appwiz.cpl
      • Select a program, then choose Uninstall, Change, or Repair
    2. Reduce startup load Some programs start automatically with Windows and slow down boot and overall responsiveness. If the app has startup options, change them. If it does not, the program manufacturer must provide that option.
    3. Run fewer programs at the same time Keeping many apps, browser windows, and email messages open can slow the system, especially when multitasking.
    4. Turn off visual effects This can improve responsiveness.
      • Open Search
      • Type Performance Information and Tools
      • Select Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows
      • On the Visual Effects tab, select Adjust for best performance
      • Select OK
    5. Clean up the hard disk Temporary files and other unnecessary files can reduce performance.
      • Open Search
      • Type free up disk space
      • Select Free up disk space by deleting unnecessary files
      • Choose the drive and complete Disk Cleanup In Vista guidance, a drive with less than 20% free space can run slowly.
    6. Check the disk for errors Hard drive errors can slow the PC.
      • Open Search
      • Type computer
      • Open This PC
      • Right-click the drive, select Properties > Tools
      • Under Error checking, select Check This may take several minutes and may require a restart.
    7. Optimize or defragment the drive Windows can optimize drives automatically, but it can also be run manually.
      • Open This PC
      • Right-click the drive, select Properties > Tools
      • Select Optimize
      • Analyze the drive, then optimize it if needed If the drive is more than 10% fragmented, optimize it.
    8. Check for malware or viruses Malware can interfere with normal operation and cause slow performance.
    9. Avoid running multiple antivirus products at the same time Using more than one antivirus or antispyware product can reduce performance, cause instability, or trigger unexpected restarts. Keep one active security product and remove the others. Caution: make sure one security product remains installed before uninstalling another.
    10. Restart regularly Regular restarts can help clear temporary performance issues.
    11. Consider virtual memory and RAM only if basic steps do not help Windows usually manages virtual memory well by default, but in some cases performance can improve by moving virtual memory to a faster local drive or setting a fixed size. One guidance suggests using about 1.5 times installed RAM as virtual memory. If the system is still slow after ruling out software, malware, and low disk space, adding RAM may help.
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  2. Bulldog 4,765 Reputation points
    2026-09-26T22:21:27.0533333+00:00

    Here are three steps that everyone can take to let their computer run as well as it can:

    (These are not presented in any particular order.)

    1- Resist the temptation to adjust your computer's configuration and settings - don't change the registry, disable services, 'optimize' the computer, etc. The closer a computer is to a fully supported configuration, the better it will run.

    2- Reduce the number of apps that start together with Windows.

    3- Keep attackers from the internet off your computer.

    My Windows 10 computer is 16 years old and running on the original CPU and motherboard. It runs as well now as the first day I got it, and i have the above principals to thank for that.

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