Has your Windows computer started feeling sluggish and slow over time?

Well, that’s the issue almost every Windows user faces and even struggles with. The speed and performance fall drastically compared to when the device was newly bought.

Due to accumulated junk files, too many pending background processes or applications, outdated drivers, or hardware issues, there can be tons of reasons why your Windows PC’s performance may fall after a given period of time. It doesn’t mean that you’re using the PC in the wrong way or that it’s time to replace it. There are various steps and effective solutions that you can perform on their device and can speed up their PC performance.

In this guide, we will show you the most effective, actionable steps that you can perform on any Windows device to improve its speed and performance—and make it work like a brand new device with the latest processor.

#7. Disk Cleanup

Your PC automatically stores the cache and unnecessary files whenever you perform anything on it. Including unnecessary temporary files, downloaded program files, and thumbnails, which take up valuable space on the hard drive, slows down the performance and is not even needed.

Hence, cleaning up the disk space on a regular basis can literally help improve the speed and performance of your system.

The best way to clean up the disk space on your PC is as follows:

1. Press the Windows and R keys together on your keyboard. This will launch the Windows run command.
2. There, type “cleanmgr” in the search bar and click on the “OK” option.
3. Following that, you will be asked to select your disk drive. (If you’re using multiple drives, then perform the procedure with all drives.)
4. As the disk cleanup window appears on the screen, check all the boxes appearing in the list.
5. At last, click on the OK option. This will remove all the cache and temporary files from your PC and will improve the PC’s performance.

#6. Run “%Temp%” Command

While the disk cleanup helps in removing the temporary files, recycle bin content, and downloaded program files, running the %Temp% command will help in deleting the leftover files after a program deletion, temporary storage, and other unnecessary files that might be taking up a lot of space on your PC.

1. Simply open the Windows Run Command and type “%temp%” in the search bar, followed by a click on the OK option.
2. Thereon, you will be able to see a list of all the leftover junk files that are stored in your PC and are occupying space.
3. Now, to delete all such files in one go, press the “Ctrl + A” keys together, and then hit the “Shift + Delete” keys together. This will permanently delete the files from your PC without moving them to the recycle bin.

#5. Close Background Application & Pending Processes

Background active applications and pending processes often consume CPU, RAM, and network bandwidth, which results in sluggish behavior and performance of the PC as time passes.

Hence, it’s important to close the background active applications and pending processes on a regular interval basis.

1. Press the Ctrl + Alt + Del keys together, and then select the Task Manager option.
2. Now, click on the Processes tab, and then the CPU or Memory option to sort the pending processes.
3. Thereon, select the process that you want to end and then click on the end task option available at the top-right corner.

This procedure will help in clearing RAM space and processing power, ultimately allowing the hardware to function properly without causing any lag.

#4. Turn Off Startup Applications

If you’re noticing that your computer is slowest or lags the most as soon as you turn it on, it means that there are various applications that are automatically starting with y our computer. Hence, disabling them to only start when you manually open them can significantly improve your computer’s startup time and overall performance.

To do so, follow the steps outlined below:

1. Navigate to the Windows Settings, choose Apps, and then Startup.
2. Scroll down to the list, and toggle off any application that you don’t want to run automatically as you turn on the PC.
3. Restart your PC and ensure that the applications marked as off don’t launch automatically.

#3. Install New Windows Update

You can’t miss this point if you want your PC to run smoothly for a long time without facing any technical issues. Updating the PC’s Windows to the latest available version will help in improving security, fixing bugs, and enhancing the overall PC performance. Additionally, new updates will also ensure that you have access to the latest features and functions that further optimize the PC’s performance.

Here are the steps that you can follow to install a new Windows update on your PC;

1. Navigate to the Windows Settings and select the Update & Security, then Windows Update.
2. Click on the Check for Updates option to see the available updates for your device.
3. Following that, if the updates are available, then the downloading process will begin automatically.
4. Once the downloading process ends, click on the Install option, and then restart your PC.

#2. Uninstall Unnecessary Programs

Having excessive storage space doesn’t mean that you can download any application or program available over the internet. Even if the storage is not full, having such unnecessary applications installed on your computer can slow down its performance and consume resources.

Hence, if you have installed any program or application on your PC that you don’t use it, then it’s time to say goodbye to it. Here are the steps that you can follow to delete such applications:

1. Go to the Settings, then select Apps, followed by Apps & Features.
2. Thereon, a list of all the installed applications on your PC will appear on the screen.
3. Take a look at the list, and identify the apps that you don’t use anymore.
4. To delete such an application, simply click on it and then select the Uninstall option.

Just that simple! You have now successfully uninstalled the unnecessary application from your PC. Now, restart your PC, and enjoy the seamless performance with your Windows PC.

#1. Time to Give a Real SHUT-DOWN To Your PC

With every shutdown of the PC by pressing the Alt + F4 keys together, you may think that you have successfully and smoothly shut down your PC. But that’s not how it’s to be done properly.

Even if it might be shut down through that procedure, your PC will not be fully powered off, and some applications or programs must be forced to work even under more pressure.

To check the time since your PC has not been properly shut down, follow the steps outlined below:

1. Navigate to the Task Manager and select the Performance tab.
2. Therefore, choose the CPU, and scroll down a little bit.
3. Here, you will be able to see the exact counting time from how many days your PC hasn’t been shut down properly.

Now, implement the following steps to give your PC a complete rest after it’s in shut-down mode:

1. Navigate to the Control Panel Settings, and select the System & Security option.
2. Thereon, click on the “Change What the Power Buttons do” option.
3. Thereon, click on the “Change settings are currently unavailable.”
4. As you do so, the shutdown settings options will become adjustable and clickable.
5. Thereon, uncheck the “Turn on Fast Startup” option.
6. At last, click on the Save Changes option.

Thereon, shut down your PC normally, like you used to do. This time, don’t turn it on immediately, and let it remain shut down for at least 15-30 minutes. It will eventually recover as you shut it down for a night.

This procedure will make your PC perform a full shutdown and will automatically fix any performance issues that you might be facing with the device.

Your Way to Enjoy a Seamless Experience With Windows 11/10

Windows 11/10 based computers dominate the global desktop market because of their advanced features, reliability, and user-friendly interface – making it ideal for both personal and professional use. However, as time passes, users start facing a lot of issues, especially related to the performance and speed of the computer. Following the procedures mentioned above, you can ensure that your Windows 11/10 PC runs smoothly and efficiently, allowing you to enjoy a seamless experience without any interruptions.

Make sure to regularly clear the junk and temporary files to free up space and optimize its performance.