Even though Windows 10 is a fast system (particularly on contemporary hardware), performance will degrade over time due to various factors such as bugs and compatibility difficulties, viruses or other forms of malware, hardware issues, and more.
If you find that your equipment is becoming slower, you do not have to switch it right away. Instead, several easy hardware and software modifications could significantly improve the performance of Windows 10.
But, if you want to take a new laptop, then Lenovo is the company for your needs. You might be thinking about which Lenovo model is right for you?
Well, the answer to that question actually lies in whether or not you consider yourself a power user. If so, then we recommend getting one from the Thinkpad series.
This article will guide you through simple tweaks to speed up Windows 10, enhancing and optimizing your computer’s performance regardless of whether it has an outdated or current hardware configuration.
9 Simple Tweaks to speed up windows 10
1) Run A Tune-Up Utility
Sometimes, your computer’s speed problems are entrenched in places you cannot simply reach or discover. Or perhaps you have tried a variety of modifications, but nothing has yielded satisfactory results. In such instances, it is preferable to employ a third-party system optimizer for your Windows 10 computer.
Some of the best third-party system optimizers include Systweak Software, AVG PC TuneUp, Lolo System Mechanic, DefenceByte, and more.
They perform various tasks, like restoring the notoriously troublesome Windows Registry, defragmenting your PC’s hard drive, and clearing disk space by eliminating duplicate and unneeded files.
2) Uninstall Crapware
If you did not create your computer from the ground up, it is likely to come pre-loaded with a slew of useless applications and programs, also known as crapware.
They take up unnecessary disk and memory space, preventing other programs from performing to their maximum capacity. As a result, deleting such applications improves system speed, mainly if you download many programs but never or seldom utilize them.
To uninstall an application, navigate to the Control Panel and select Uninstall a Program to view a list of all installed programs on your computer. Then, click uninstall to eliminate any crapware; thus, speeding up your Windows 10 computer.
3) Limit Startup Processes
Many applications are set to start when the PC boots up. Not only do these applications slow Windows’ startup time, but they also continue to operate in the background and consume resources. If you wish to maximize the potential of your CPU, RAM, and GPU power, you must deactivate these applications.
To open the Task Manager, click the Ctrl+Shift+Esc keys and navigate to the Startup tab. There, you will see a rundown of all applications that are set to start with Windows. Next, Right-click on the application you wish to stop Windows from running and pick Disable from the dropdown.
4) Clean Up Your Disk
With time, your computer accumulates a large amount of meaningless data, which takes up space that applications could use and slows down general read or write functions. As a result, it is critical to use the Disk Cleanup program to remove any unwanted files.
Follow these instructions to run Disk Cleanup on your computer:
- Navigate to Start > File Explorer > This PC
- Pick the Local Disk C on the right side, underneath Devices and Drives, and then right-click and select the very last choice Properties from the dropdown menu
- Navigate to the General tab and tap the Disk Cleanup button under capacity
- After the application has finished scanning your computer for disposable files, choose the kind of files you want to remove and click OK to erase them
5) Add More RAM
Adding the amount of virtual memory (RAM) on your PC could significantly enhance its general performance. For example, Windows 10 needs at least 4GB to work efficiently. However, this does not include resource-intensive apps like video games.
Installing additional RAM is the simplest solution. Your computer has a limited number of RAM’ slots’ into which you could place RAM chips.
To find out what kind of memory your computer has, launch Task Manager (Ctrl + Alt + Del), then select ‘Performance.’ The system will list any memory slots in use and the kind, for example, DDR4.
Installing new RAM chips is a straightforward process. If you DIY, utilize an anti-static wrist band to protect sensitive parts. Conversely, numerous PC repair shops will gladly upgrade your hardware for a modest price.
6) Install An SSD Startup Drive
SSDs (Solid State Drives) utilize Flash memory, similar to those observed in USB sticks. As a result, they provide significantly faster read and writing times than conventional analog hard drives that use magnetic disks.
SSDs are far more expensive per GB than standard hard drives. But if you are ready to pay the extra money, you will realize a significant increase in file access times, boot time, and general system responsiveness.
If you wish to install an SSD manually, ensure you have the right size for your computer (3,5″ for desktop devices and 2.5″ for portable machines). You could transfer data from your existing hard disk to your new SSD using free software like Clonezilla.
7) Change Power Settings
This choice is critical, particularly if you want to know how to make Windows 10 perform quicker. Furthermore, laptop owners should change their power plans to guarantee smooth functioning for years. In reality, most desktop computers have Power Saver options that restrict usage.
To change the power settings, launch the Control Panel and go to Hardware and Sound. To check the available power settings, tap on Power Options.
Utilizing a high-performance scheme will significantly boost performance but at the expense of particular visual elements. It is suggested that you select custom or balanced settings depending on the hardware specifications of your computer.
8) Run Troubleshooters
Windows 10 includes a built-in utility for automatically detecting and resolving issues without the user’s intervention. So, for example, if you have problems with your computer but cannot locate them, you could use the troubleshooting tool to find and resolve them.
Furthermore, if your device is underperforming, there could be various causes, and identifying these faults could be difficult. You could troubleshoot your device by:
- Right-clicking on the Start button and open the Control Panel
- Tap System and Security, and then select the Troubleshoot computer problems option under Security and Maintenance
- On the new tab, look under ‘System and Security’- click on all 3, one-at-a-time, and then follow the on-screen guidelines
9) Turn Off Tips And Notifications
Whereas suggestions are meant to improve your computer’s efficiency and functionality, they can become severe hindrances at times.
For example, because a full system scan could take some time before Windows 10 reveals its findings, it may slow down the speed. Therefore, disabling these automated suggestions is the best approach to make Windows 10 perform quicker.
Navigate to the Start menu and select Settings > System > Notifications & actions. Turn off the ‘Get tips, tricks, and suggestions as you use Windows’ option here.
After understanding and effectively performing these simple tweaks, you will undoubtedly notice a significant improvement in Windows performance and any program or application you wish to run.
As a parting shot, it is recommended that you visit the task manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) before launching an extensive program to ensure that no unnecessary services/apps are active in the background.
If your PC is currently facing a game or application problem, ensure all PC’s resources are committed. The Processes and Details tabs will display the programs/apps that are operating. You could also try Boot Genius if your computer has trouble booting.