The Top 5 Things to Do to Boost the Performance of Your Windows Computer

By Abe Johnson – June 10, 2024. A sluggish computer can be a significant hindrance to productivity and entertainment. Over time, even the fastest machines can begin to slow down due to software demands, lack of maintenance, or outdated hardware. For those using a Windows operating system, there are several effective strategies to rejuvenate and enhance your computer’s performance. This article explores the top five methods to boost your Windows computer, ensuring a faster and more efficient user experience.

1. Regularly Update Your Software

Importance of Software Updates: Keeping your operating system and software up to date is crucial for both performance and security. Microsoft frequently releases Windows updates that not only patch security vulnerabilities but also introduce performance enhancements and new features that can help your system run more smoothly.

How to Update:

• To check for Windows updates, open ‘Settings’, go to ‘Update & Security’, and click on ‘Windows Update’.
• Set your computer to automatically install updates to ensure that you always have the latest enhancements and security patches.
• Use Software Updater to scan your computer for latest updates of installed programs

2. Upgrade Your RAM

Benefits of More RAM: RAM (Random Access Memory) is where your computer keeps data it needs to access quickly. The more programs you are running, the more RAM you need. If your computer runs low on RAM, it will start to use the hard drive as temporary storage through a process called swapping, which significantly slows down performance.

Upgrade Tips:

• Check how much RAM your system currently has by going to ‘Settings’, then ‘System’, and ‘About’.
• Consider upgrading your RAM if you frequently use memory-intensive applications like video editing software, games, or if you tend to have many applications open at once.
• Ensure your computer’s motherboard supports the upgrade in terms of both maximum capacity and type of RAM.

3. Optimize Your Startup Processes

Managing Startup Programs: Many applications configure themselves to start automatically when Windows boots. This can significantly slow down the time it takes for your system to start up and can reduce the amount of available RAM and CPU resources for other tasks.

How to Manage Startup Apps:

• Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open the Task Manager.
• Go to the ‘Startup’ tab to see a list of all applications that start with Windows.
• Disable applications that you do not need immediately at startup. Be cautious not to disable system processes that your operating system might depend on.

4. Clean Your Hard Drive

Clearing Unnecessary Files: Over time, hard drives can get cluttered with unnecessary files such as system cache, temporary files, and unused programs. This clutter can slow down your computer as it takes longer to locate and access files.

Cleaning Tips:

• Use the built-in ‘Disk Cleanup’ tool to remove temporary files, system files, and empty the Recycle Bin. Access this tool by typing ‘Disk Cleanup’ in the Windows search bar.
• Consider using tools like ‘Storage Sense’, found under ‘System’ in the Windows ‘Settings’. This feature automatically frees up space by cleaning up files you don’t need, like temporary files and content in your recycle bin.
• Uninstall applications that you do not use. Go to ‘Settings’, then ‘Apps’, and select ‘Apps & features’ to find and uninstall unnecessary applications.

5. Defragment Your Hard Drive

Why Defragmentation Matters: Fragmentation occurs when the file system saves data on the disk in a noncontiguous manner. This fragmentation makes your hard drive do extra work that can slow down your computer. Defragmenting your drive regularly can significantly improve read and write speed.

How to Defragment:

• Windows 10 and later automatically defragment files for you. However, to manually defragment your drive, type ‘Defragment and Optimize Drives’ in the Windows search bar.
• Select your drive and click ‘Optimize’. This process should be done when you do not need to use the computer, as it can be resource-intensive.

Conclusion

Improving your Windows computer’s performance doesn’t always require technical expertise or significant hardware upgrades. Simple steps like updating software, managing startup processes, and maintaining your hard drive can significantly enhance your system’s efficiency. Regular maintenance ensures that your computer will continue to serve your needs, whether for work, study, or leisure. By implementing these top five tips, you’ll not only boost your computer’s performance but also extend its lifespan, making your investment last longer.