Simple Ways to Boost PC Performance
Your computer was fast when you bought it. Now it takes ages to open programs. The good news? You can fix it yourself. These simple ways to boost PC performance work on almost every Windows computer and cost nothing.
Simple ways to boost PC performance start with small daily habits. Even a child can follow these steps. Let’s begin.
Why Computers Become Slow
Computers collect junk the same way a room collects dust. Too many files, too many programs running at the same time, and old drivers make everything slow.
1. Restart – The Magic First Step
Restart your computer at least once every day.
How? Click Start → Power → Restart.
This clears the memory and stops hidden programs. Many people see speed improve right after one restart.
2. Remove Programs You Never Use
Open the List of Programs
Press Windows key + S → type “Add or remove programs” → open it.
Look Carefully
You will see many programs you forgot about. Old games, toolbars, free trials – delete them.
Safe to Remove
If you are not sure, search the name on Google with the word “safe to uninstall”. Most people remove 5–20 programs and feel the difference.
3. Clean Junk Files (Very Important)
Use the Built-in Tool
Press Windows key + S → type “Disk Cleanup” → choose your main drive (usually C:) → click OK.
Tick everything → OK → Delete Files.
Do It Every Month
This removes temporary files that can be many gigabytes big.
4. Stop Programs That Start Automatically
Many programs open themselves when you turn on the computer. They eat memory.
How to Stop Them
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc → click “More details” → go to the Startup tab.
Right-click programs you do not need immediately (example: Spotify, Skype, printer software) → Disable.
Do not disable Microsoft or antivirus items.
5. Keep Windows Updated
New updates fix slow parts and make the computer safer.
Go to Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates → Install everything.
6. Update Graphics and Other Drivers
Old drivers make games and videos slow.
Easy Free Way
Download a small free program called “Snappy Driver Installer Origin” from the official site: sdio.com.
Run it → it finds and installs the newest drivers for free.
7. Change Power Settings to High Performance
Some laptops run slow to save battery.
Fix It
Right-click the battery icon → Power Options → choose “High performance” or “Best performance”.
8. Turn Off Fancy Visual Effects
Pretty animations use power.
Simple Fix
Press Windows key + R → type “sysdm.cpl” → Enter → Advanced tab → Performance Settings → choose “Adjust for best performance” → Apply.
Your computer will look simpler but run much faster.
9. Scan for Viruses and Malware
Bad programs can make everything slow.
Open Windows Security (type it in search) → Virus & threat protection → Scan options → Full scan → Scan now.
Do this once a month.
10. Add More Memory (RAM) – The Best Long-Term Fix
If your computer is more than 5 years old and has only 4 GB RAM, adding more makes a huge difference.
How to Check
Right-click taskbar → Task Manager → Performance tab → see Memory.
8 GB or more is good for today. You can buy a RAM stick for very little money and ask a shop or friend to put it in.
Bonus Free Tools That Help
- CCleaner (free version) – cleans junk safely – ccleaner.com
- BleachBit – another free cleaner – bleachbit.org
- Defraggler – puts files in better order on old hard drives – ccleaner.com/defraggler
Only download from the official websites.
Quick Checklist: Do These Today
- Restart your computer now
- Uninstall 3 programs you never use
- Run Disk Cleanup
- Disable 5 startup programs
- Check for Windows updates
- Change power plan to High performance
Do only these six things and your computer will feel faster before dinner time.
When to Buy a New Computer
If your computer is 8–10 years old and still slow after all these steps, it may be time for a new one. But most computers become fast again with the simple ways to boost PC performance above.
Your computer wants to run fast. Help it with these easy steps and enjoy speed every day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will these steps delete my photos or documents?
A: No. They only remove junk and unused programs. Your personal files stay safe.
Q: My computer is still slow after everything. What now?
A: The hard drive might be old. Replacing it with an SSD (solid-state drive) costs little and makes the computer 5–10 times faster.
Q: Is it safe to use free cleaner programs?
A: Yes, if you download only from official websites and do not pay for “pro” versions you do not need.
Q: How often should I do these things?
A: Restart daily, clean junk monthly, check updates weekly.
Start right now. Your faster computer is waiting!