Is your computer running slow? It doesn’t necessarily mean you need to dump it in the garbage. Sometimes all your computer needs is a good restart, cleaning, or updates. A well-maintained system results in a happy, peppy computer.
This guide will teach you how to clean your PC, so it runs closer to the way it did when it was brand new. Try these steps to improve performance and learn abouthelpful habits to stop slowdowns.
If you have a Mac, check outour tips for speeding up a Mac, too.
Turn off your PC
While this doesn’t fall under the “clean your PC” umbrella, poor performance may be nothing more than excess junk dumped into your PC’s system memory.
Sometimes you just need to turn off the computer — not simply let it sleep, enter hibernation, or restart — so the memory sticks completely drain. Without power, memory can’t retain any data.
When you turn the PC back on, you start with a semi-clean slate.
Update your software
Ensuring your computer’s software is up to date is one of the easiest ways to potentially speed up your computer. Much of your computer’s software could be at the mercy of third-party developers who are less religious than big-name developers like Microsoft and Apple when it comes to issuing updates.
However, verifying that Windows 10 is up to date should be a top priority. In some cases, sluggish performance stems from Windows 10 when it’s currently updating and/or needs to restart. Updates can fix performance issues in addition to enhancing security, which is why Windows 10 needs to remain current.
Step 1:Click the notification icon next to the system clock and select theAll Settingstile in the Action Center.
Step 2:SelectUpdate & Securitywithin the Settings app.
Step 3:TheWindows Updatecategory appears by default. Click theCheck for Updatesbutton.
Windows 10 typically installs important updates automatically, but it’s always nice to check and make sure that everything is current.
You should also verify that all Windows 10 apps are current. Again, you may experience sluggish performance while Windows 10 updates these apps and needs to reboot.
Step 1:Click the shopping bag icon on the taskbar. This opens the Microsoft Store app.
Step 2:Click the three-dot ellipsis icon located in the top right corner.
Step 3:SelectDownloads and Updateson the drop-down list.
Step 4:Click the blueGet Updatesbutton, or theUpdate Alllink (if available).
Finally, be sure that all heavily used software is current. Most provide in-app notifications while others may need a manual update by visiting the developer’s website.
Update or reinstall drivers
Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause serious performance issues, especially in the latter scenario. On a basic level, drivers provide a bridge between Windows 10 and the underlying hardware. Without that proper communication, your PC simply won’t function optimally.
Many pre-built systems include a proprietary desktop program that downloads and installs driver updates. On the Start Menu, they’re typically listed under the OEM’s name, likeDellorHP, or under the PC’s brand, likeAlienware.Run this program to see if the manufacturer provides new updates, including BIOS upgrades.
You may also need to check with component manufacturers. For instance, Nvidia issues new drivers for its discrete GPUs regularly, even more so slightly before or after a hot new game arrives. They are acquired through the company’s GeForce Experience desktop software — which sends notifications when new drivers become available — or you can manually download them from Nvidia’s website.
The same goes for your motherboard. You don’t need to worry about CPU or memory drivers.
If you suspect driver issues, one resolution is to uninstall and reinstall the offending driver. It may already be marked in the Device Manager, flagging your attention with a yellow triangle icon.
Step 1:Right-click on the Start button and selectDevice Manageron the Power Menu.
Step 2:Select and right-click on the component that may be causing issues and selectUninstall Deviceon the pop-up menu.
Step 3:SelectActionon the Device Manager toolbar followed byScan for Hardware Changeson the drop-down menu. Windows 10 should reinstall the driver.
Another option is to update the driver through Device Manager:
Step 2:Select and right-click on the component that may be causing issues and selectPropertieson the pop-up menu.
Step 3:ThePropertieswindow appears on your screen. Select theDrivertab.
Step 4:Click theUpdate Driverbutton.
Step 5:Select theSearch automatically for updated driver softwareoption. If you have new drivers already downloaded to your PC, select theBrowse my computer for driver softwareoption instead.
Delete unnecessary files, apps, and programs
Storage plays an important role in your PC’s overall health. Not only does it house the operating system, all your programs and apps, files, and temporary data, it plays a part in memory management. Windows 10 turns to your primary drive and uses a portion as “virtual memory” when the system memory is overloaded. This typically shouldn’t be a problem in PCs with large memory capacities, like 16GB and up.
For example, Windows 10 may allocate 5GB of free space for virtual memory. If your drive is so packed full of files and programs that it only has 4GB of free space, you could see performance issues. Deleting files and programs you no longer need will help.
Step 1:Click the folder icon on the taskbar. This opens File Explorer.
Step 2:File Explorer should open with theThis PCcategory selected — if not, selectThis PClisted on the left. Right-click on your primary drive and selectPropertieson the pop-up menu.
Step 3:Click theDisk Cleanupbutton.
Step 4:TheDisk Cleanupwindow appears on your screen. UnderFiles to delete, select all the file types you want to delete.
You can safely remove these files:
Note that you can also delete files in yourDownloadsfolder. If it contains files you don’t want, include this category. If you’re storing files in this folder, leaveDownloadsunchecked.
Step 5:ClickOKto complete.
You can also click theClean up system filesbutton to delete even more files, but you want to be cautious. Here’s a list you can safely delete:
When in doubt, read each description before deleting. If you see a listing labeled asWindows ESD installation files, don’t delete it. These files are used to reset your PC.
Delete apps and desktop programs
You can make further room on your PC so that both you and Windows 10 have enough room to play by eradicating unwanted apps and desktop programs.
For apps:Simply right-click on its tile or Start Menu listing and selectUninstallon the pop-up menu.
For desktop programs:Right-click on its Start Menu listing and selectUninstallon the pop-up menu. If the program comes with an uninstaller, use that instead.
You can also delete apps and desktop programs through one interface by following these steps:
Step 1:Right-click on the Start button and selectApps & Featureson the Power Menu.
Step 2:Select an app or desktop program and click theUninstallbutton followed by a secondUninstallprompt.
Defragment your hard drive
Note: SSDs don’t require defragmentation. In fact, the process could shorten its lifespan because cells degrade as data is written and erased.
Drive fragmentation is caused by deleting old files and writing new ones in their place. When your PC was once baby-fresh new, the hard drive wrote data in an ordered sequence. However, when chunks of data are deleted, the remaining gaps are used by new data that are not part of the original sequence. Because data is out of sequence, the drive must search in multiple locations for the requested data. This process takes longer than if all the data was organized in a logical sequence, thus reducing your PC’s overall performance.
However, fragmentation is an issue with mechanical drives, not SSDs. That’s because data is written to tracks on a spinning disk — similar to how music exists in grooves on a vinyl record, only mechanical drive data is held magnetically. If data resides in multiple tracks and multiple platters, the read heads take longer to access that data.
The good news here is that Windows 10 automatically recognizes the difference between a mechanical drive and an SSD. It also does an excellent job keeping your drive(s) neat and tidy. However, if you suspect a hard drive may suffer long read and write times, checking the current optimization state is a good idea. Do the following:
Step 1:TypeDefragin the taskbar’s search field and selectDefragment and Optimize Drivesin the results.
Step 2:TheOptimize Driveswindow appears on your screen. Select a drive and click theOptimizebutton.
For a mechanical drive, you’ll see an additionalAnalyzebutton. This will quickly check the drive’s fragment level and provide a percentage. This button is inactive for SSDs.
By default, Windows 10 optimizes all drives every week. To change the schedule, click theChange settingsbutton. You can alter or disable the scheduling, increase the tasks, change the priority, and select the drive you want automatically optimized.
Disable apps and programs in the startup
Many apps and desktop programs load when Windows 10 starts. They consume system resources before you even have a chance to read your first email of the morning. On PCs with low memory, this can be problematic, leaving little room for the services you and Windows 10 need most.
You can remove these apps and desktop programs from the startup without deleting them altogether. Here’s how:
Step 1:Right-click on the Start button and selectTask Manageron the Power Menu.
Note: If you find yourself accessing Task Manager often, right-click on its taskbar icon and selectPin to Taskbaron the pop-up menu.
Step 2:Click theStartuptab listed in the Task Manager window.
Step 3:Select an app or desktop program you don’t want to load automatically and click theDisablebutton in the bottom right corner.
What should remain enabled? Anything directly tied to your PC, like components from Intel and Realtek, Microsoft services, and so on. Here are apps and desktop programs you can safely disable:
Clean your vents
Nearly every computer requires airflow to keep the components inside cool. One set of vents allows fans to pull in cool air while the second set of vents exhausts warm air. In some cases, you’ll see ultrabooks without vents, as the chassis itself transfers heat away from components. However, most desktops and laptops rely on constant airflow.
For PCs that require airflow to keep cool, you absolutelymustkeep the intake vents clean. Because the internal fan(s) pull in air, these vents accumulate dust and other detritus. Over time, this collection of nastiness will reduce the air intake, causing the internal components, like the processor and memory, to get hot. The hotter the PC, the slower it performs. Eventually, you’ll see programs crash, the infamous Blue Screen of Death, and random reboots.
On desktops, the intake vents are primarily on the front. You may even see them on the side and/or along the top. Warm air blows out through vents on the back, including your PC’s power supply.
On laptops, intake vents are typically found on the bottom. The exhaust vents are usually mounted on the back or along the sides, depending on the model. Intake fans are typically the dirtiest.
The best way to clean these vents is to use compressed air. you’re able to grab a can from Walmart or similar stores. In some cases, you may need to open the side of your desktop and simply blow everything out or clean the dust filters by hand. For laptops, there may be a panel on the bottom you can remove to use compressed air on the fan and surrounding components.
However, don’t take anything apart unless you’re familiar with the process. Just clean the intake vents or get someone more experienced to help.
Use native and third-party software
Third-party software can help remove unnecessary files and browser histories, which in turn could improve performance. Here are a few recommendations:
Antivirus software
Viruses are often to blame when your system loses its mojo. Fortunately, you don’t need to shell out any money to get quality antivirus software. While Windows 10 provides built-in antivirus protection,BitDefenderperforms even deeper scans to identify and eliminate malicious software.
For more options, we provide a list ofthe best free antivirus software.
Registry cleaners
As you install and uninstall software over time, the Windows 10 registry becomes muddled with outdated and corrupted entries that can provoke system errors and crashes. That’s where a registry cleaner comes in handy.
Auslogics Registry Cleanerselects a default list of drives and items on your computer and swiftly scans and repairs issues before they become more troublesome. In case it deletes something you need later, the Rescue Center feature can restore files from a backup.
Modify visual effects
Windows 10 is rather fancy in appearance, but all those visual effects may put a burden on older PCs. That includes animations, smooth edges on fonts, shadows, translucency, and so on.
If you notice a performance drop by simply dragging a window, your PC’s graphics chip may be struggling under the load. You could try lowering the resolution, reinstalling or updating the drivers, or using the following steps to change the platform’s visual effects.
Step 1:Click the Start button and selectControl Panellisted underWindows Systemon the Start Menu.
Step 2:The Control Panel appears on the screen. ClickCategorynext toView byand selectLarge iconsorSmall icons.
Step 3:Select theSystemoption on the expanded interface.
Step 4:SelectAdvanced system settingslisted on the left.
Step 5:TheSystem Propertieswindow appears on your screen. Select theAdvancedtab.
Step 6:Click theSettingsbutton shown underPerformance.
Step 7:TheVisual Effectstab loads by default in thePerformance Optionswindow. Select theAdjust for best performanceoption and clickApplyfollowed byOK.
If you don’t like the way Windows 10 changes the visual effects, return to thePerformance Optionswindow, selectCustom, and manually adjust the settings. If you don’t want jagged fonts, be sure to enableSmooth edges of screen fonts.
Run the troubleshooters
Windows 10 provides built-in troubleshooters that can help target issues in performance. You can find them by following these steps:
Step 2:The Settings app appears on your screen. SelectUpdate & Security.
Step 3:Select theTroubleshootcategory listed on the left.
Here you have access to 17 troubleshooters. Notable options include:
You could also try running theSystem Maintenanceservice in the Control Panel. Unfortunately, it’s not easily accessible:
Step 2:The Control Panel appears on your screen. ClickCategorynext toView byand change the setting toSmall iconsorLargeicons.
Step 3:ClickTroubleshooting.
Step 4:ClickRun maintenance taskslisted underSystem and Security.
Step 5:Click theNextbutton to start the maintenance tool.
Change power settings
If your PC is set to the recommendedBalancedpower profile, you can sometimes get an extra boost by switching over to theHigh Performanceplan. Your PC will use more power using this profile, but it shouldn’t set your wallet on fire when the power bill arrives.
Step 2:SelectSystem and Security.
Step 3:SelectPower Optionson the following screen.
Note: On laptops, right-click on the battery icon located next to the system clock and selectPower Optionson the pop-up menu.
Step 4:Select theHigh Performancepower profile. You can tweak this profile by clickingChange plan settingsfollowed byChange advanced power settings, if available.
If you don’t see aHigh Performanceprofile, be sure to click the down arrow next toShow additional plans.
Reset or restore your PC
With Windows 10, you can get that factory-fresh feeling without deleting your files. This is accomplished by using theReset This PCfeature in the Windows 10 settings. We providea separate how-to guideif you want to take that route. However, here’s the shortcut:
Settings > Update & Security > Recovery
If you remember when your PC once felt speedy and believe that updates and/or software may be causing issues, you’re able to use a restore point to send your PC back in time. Granted, everything you’ve installed since that time will be removed, but your files will remain untouched. This method requires that Windows 10 previously created a restore point.
Step 2:When the Control Panel appears on your screen, clickCategorynext toView byand change the setting toSmall iconsorLargeicons.
Step 3:SelectRecoveryin the expanded interface.
Step 4:SelectOpen System Restoreon the following screen.
Step 5:TheSystem Restorewindow appears on your screen. ClickNextto begin.
Step 6:Select an entry at a time when your PC was faster and clickNext.
Overclock your CPU
Overclocking refers to turning up the clock rate for your processor, increasing how frequently it performs operations. This is one of the most straightforward ways to increase computer speed, but it also carries risks. The native clock rate is chosen so the CPU will function optimally: Increasing that clock rate can cause CPUs to overheat and develop additional problems. That’s why it’s a good idea to read up on how to do it before you take a stab at it yourself.
If you don’t mind the research and work that goes into overclocking, the process has never been easier thanks to current software and monitoring options. Take a look atour guide on overclocking, the risks you should know about, and what software to use.
If all else fails, upgrade your hardware
You’ve tried all our tricks and even reset your PC, but it’s still running like a snail. That’s a good indicator thatyou’re due for an upgrade.
Memory (RAM)
If you run heavy programs like Photoshop, or just tend to run a lot of programs at once and notice that your system slows down when you switch from one to the other, installing more system memory, or RAM (random access memory), could make your life easier.
To find out how much RAM you already have, follow this path:
Settings > System > About
Next, you mustdetermine how much more RAMyour computer can handle and what kind you can install. Crucial and Kingston Technology are good resources tofigure out what kind of RAMwill work for you.
Solid-state drives (SSDs)
Switching from a mechanical disk to a solid-state drive (SSD) can make a huge difference in speed and reliability.
An SSD doesn’t have moving parts. Instead, it relies on stationary flash memory to provide faster read and writes while lowering drive failure rates. Mechanical drives, on the other hand, resemble old-school vinyl record (or CD) players, relying on rotating magnetic platters and read/write heads that move in and out like a record needle.
With an SSD, your file fragments can be located in adjacent spots or scattered loosely all over — they’re just as quick to read. SSDs can even purposefully store pieces of files in different places to level the overall wear and tear. The lack of moving parts not only make SSDs lighter and less energy-dependent, but also shockproof and more durable, further extending the life of your machine.
If you want an SSD, you’ll need to determine what kind is compatible with your computer. Samsung, Western Digital, and Intel have great SSD options to explore, no matter what size you’re looking for. Once you choose a new SSD, you can manually add it to your system using anupgrade kit— with no experience necessary.
For suggestions, check outour list of the best SSDsyou can get right now.
Graphics card
f you’re an avid computer gamer and begin to notice slow (and highly agitating) performance, you might need to opt for a video card upgrade. Cheaper machines usually include built-in graphics, while more expensive builds may consist of aseparate graphics processing unit(GPU), which has enhanced graphics abilities.
Even if you own a GPU, you may desire a quicker model, depending on the particular games you play regularly. Just like with all RAM and SSDs, you must first determine which card will work best on your personal computer, as not all cards will be supported by your motherboard.
Maybe you have an outdated accelerated graphics port (AGP). Chances are, it’s a PCI Express (PCIe). Ask yourself whether or not it’s integrated into the motherboard or if it’s a separate card in and of itself.
Do some research before you go all-in, as some video card upgrades demand a power supply upgrade as well.
Lastly, the GPU is the only element you can’t alter in a laptop out of these three choices. It’s important to note that you might enjoy access to these sections for storage and RAM, but your upgrade choices may be restricted.
