Windows 10 is one of the snappiest and user-friendly operating systems developed by Microsoft. Though Windows 10 has been coded to be more efficient than its predecessors, it also has many features that require large amounts of system resources. If these features are left unoptimized, your computer’s performance could slow down with time and consistent use.
To speed up Windows 10 isn’t as difficult as it sounds. From clearing out outdated programs to defragging your drives to disabling RAM consuming special effects and even updating your drivers, this article covers 10 tips that will guide you on how to make Windows 10 faster:
10 steps to speed up Windows 10
Here are steps you need to follow to speed up Windows 10
1. Restart your PC if it has been running over a long period
Probably the most obvious suggestion in this list, many users keep their PCs switched on for days or weeks. This may turn damaging for your hardware in the long run, as the internal heat generated by the components over extended periods of use will reduce its efficiency. Windows 10 features a Sleep Mode that temporarily puts the display to sleep, but this does not disable previously running apps and software.
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The simple solution to avoid this problem is to switch off your PC every day after usage. Keep in mind that you should manually close running programs and save your work before closing to ensure no data goes missing.
2. Update regularly
Microsoft releases regular updates for their OS. These updates fix common bugs that bring down system performance. Some of these may not make a visible difference whereas others make major changes, maximizing the efficiency of your system.
To keep your PC up to date, open the Windows menu, and search for ‘Update’ in the bar. Click ‘Check for Updates‘ to access your settings.
If Microsoft has released a new update, save and back up your local data before beginning the update process. Your PC will restart a few times while applying the available updates. In case you haven’t updated your system in a while, do click ‘Check for Updates’ again to make sure no more are available.
3. Disable unnecessary start-up apps
PCs become sluggish if excessive applications are running in the background. A few applications will ask the user to run their program automatically right after you log in to your PC. Over time, this takes a major hit on both your startup time and overall system speed.
To disable these memory consuming programs from running automatically during start-up, open Task Manager, and click the Startup tab. To stop an application from launching automatically after login, right-click, and choose ‘Disable’.
4. Always perform disk cleanups
Disk Cleanup comes pre-installed as a Windows utility. The software clears out temporary files that accumulate on your machines, such as thumbnails, downloaded files, and offline webpages.
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You can also use this application to conveniently delete any files on your hard drive that are no longer needed.
5. Uninstall unnecessary software
PC manufacturers usually bundle their machines with third-party software. This software is usually space-consuming and is mostly unnecessary, leading to them being often referred to as ‘Bloatware’. It is also a common habit for users to install software for a specific purpose and never use it again. Such software uses up space on your hard drive, significantly affecting its peak performance in the long run.
To remove such programs, right-click on their icons and select ‘Uninstall‘. Click ‘Yes‘ when Windows asks permission to continue.
6. Reduce/Disable Special Effects
Windows 10 comes packed with special effects. Windows applications by default are programmed to fade in and fade out of view. Other features include translucency and animations, which surely adds to the visual experience of your PC, but is resource-intensive and may contribute to your system slowing down over time.
To choose basic transitions and animations, open the Windows menu, and select ‘Performance Settings’ under the ‘Advanced Settings’ tab.
Under the ‘Visual Effects’ tab, choose ‘Custom’. You can now choose any visual effects to disable.
7. Remove Transparency Effects
Windows 10 enables transparency effects on certain features, such as the task menu. This effect, though aesthetically pleasing to the eye, ends up consuming RAM space as the system calculates the same plane twice.
To disable this effect, search for ‘Make Start, taskbar and Action Centre transparent’ on Windows. Under the ‘Color’ Settings, you’ll find the option to switch off transparency.
You can also choose the ‘Dark’ mode for applications under this menu. This will reduce eye strain while using your Desktop.
8. Upgrade Your RAM
One factor that dramatically influences the operating speed of your PC is the Random Access Memory (RAM). 4GB of RAM capacity is the minimum requirement for Windows 10 to run smoothly, excluding power-intensive applications like rendering and video editing.
Increasing your RAM is a sure shot way to speed up your PC. Most modern motherboards house several slots to expand RAM.
Installing new RAM chips can be easily done by de-assembling your CPU chassis and installing the RAM sticks into the designated slots. Using an anti-static wrist strap for preventing damage to delicate components is recommended if you’re installing manually. Alternatively, you can take your PC to a local hardware store to upgrade for a fee.
9. Consider using an SSD
The difference between SSDs (Solid State Drives) and traditional mechanical hard drives is that they use Flash memory. This allows for much faster writing and booting time than drives that use magnetized disks. SSD is more expensive than the regular hard drive, but investing in one will significantly improve boot time, file transfers, and system responsiveness.
If you want to install an SSD yourself, ensure that you purchase the correct size for your machine (2.5″ for portable devices, 3,5″ for desktop machines). There is free software such as Clonezilla that you can use to transfer data from your current hard disk to the SSD.
10. Use System Maintenance
Windows 10 has built-in features that perform routine system maintenance tasks such as defragmentation, maintaining updates, and checking for malware.
If you have noticed issues with system performance, run system maintenance manually to rectify minor or major errors.
If applied, these 10 tips on how to speed up Windows 10 can significantly improve your PC experience. Say goodbye to random system crashes and slow loading times!
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