Check Task Manager for high-resource apps and end unnecessary tasks. 2. Disable unused startup programs to improve boot time. 3. Run Disk Cleanup and enable Storage Sense to remove temporary and junk files. 4. Upgrade from HDD to SSD for significant performance improvement. 5. Adjust system settings for best performance by disabling visual effects. 6. Scan for malware using Windows Security and tools like Malwarebytes. 7. Keep Windows and drivers updated for optimal performance. 8. Limit background apps and uninstall unused software. 9. Reset or reinstall Windows as a last resort to restore speed. Following these steps can significantly speed up a slow Windows 10 PC without requiring costly hardware upgrades.

A slow Windows 10 computer can be frustrating, but the good news is that most performance issues can be improved with a few practical steps. You don’t always need new hardware—often, it's about cleaning up software clutter and optimizing settings. Here’s how to speed up your slow Windows 10 PC.

1. Check for Resource-Hogging Apps in Task Manager

The first thing to do is see what’s eating up your CPU, RAM, or disk.

• Press Ctrl Shift Esc to open Task Manager.
• Click More details if needed.
• Go to the Processes tab.
• Sort by CPU, Memory, and Disk to spot high-usage apps.

What to do:

• End tasks that are using excessive resources and aren’t essential.
• Look for unfamiliar processes—search them online to see if they’re safe or malware.
• Disable unnecessary startup apps (see next section).

2. Disable Startup Programs

Too many apps launching at startup can make boot times painfully slow.

• Open Task Manager > Startup tab.
• Right-click any program you don’t need at startup and select Disable.

Common ones to disable:

• Adobe Reader Updater
• iTunes Helper
• Skype, Zoom, or other communication tools (unless you use them daily)
• Printer or peripheral software

You don’t have to disable everything—just the ones you rarely use.

3. Run a Disk Cleanup and Clear Temporary Files

Windows accumulates temporary files, cache, and old updates that waste space and slow things down.

• Type Disk Cleanup in the Start menu and run it.
• Select your main drive (usually C:).
• Check boxes like:
  • Temporary files
  • Downloaded program files
  • Recycle Bin
  • Windows Update Cleanup
  • Delivery Optimization Files
• Click OK > Delete Files.

For deeper cleaning, use Storage Sense:

• Go to Settings > System > Storage.
• Turn on Storage Sense to automatically clean junk files.

4. Upgrade to an SSD (If You’re Still on HDD)

This is the single biggest hardware upgrade you can make.

• If your PC still uses a traditional hard disk drive (HDD), upgrading to a solid-state drive (SSD) will dramatically improve boot time, app loading, and overall responsiveness.
• Even budget SSDs are much faster than HDDs.

Note: If you’re not comfortable replacing the drive yourself, many repair shops can do it affordably and often clone your old drive so you don’t lose data.

5. Adjust for Best Performance (Visual Effects)

Windows 10’s animations and visual effects look nice but can slow down older machines.

• Press Win S, type performance, and select Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows.
• Choose Adjust for best performance, or manually uncheck effects like:
  • Animations in windows
  • Fade or slide effects
  • Shadows under windows
• Click Apply.

This makes the system feel snappier, especially on low-end hardware.

6. Scan for Malware and Viruses

Malware often runs hidden processes that consume resources.

• Run a full scan using Windows Security (built-in):
  • Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Full scan.
• Consider a second opinion with a trusted tool like Malwarebytes (free version works fine).

7. Keep Windows and Drivers Updated

Outdated drivers or system bugs can cause slowdowns.

• Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and install any pending updates.
• For drivers, especially graphics and chipset:
  • Visit your PC or motherboard manufacturer’s website.
  • Download and install the latest drivers.

8. Trim Background Apps and Services

Some apps run in the background even when you’re not using them.

• Go to Settings > Privacy > Background apps.
• Turn off background access for apps you don’t need (e.g., Candy Crush, weather apps, etc.).

Also consider:

• Uninstalling unused programs via Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
• Turning off Cortana or search indexing if not used.

9. Reset or Reinstall Windows (Last Resort)

If your PC is still slow after trying everything, a clean slate might help.

• Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Reset this PC.
• Choose Remove everything for a full wipe (back up your files first).
• This reinstalls Windows and removes bloat, malware, and configuration issues.

It takes time, but it often brings back that “l(fā)ike new” speed.

Speeding up a slow Windows 10 computer usually comes down to reducing clutter, managing startup, and upgrading hardware where possible. Most fixes are free and take less than an hour. The biggest gains often come from disabling startup apps, cleaning junk files, and switching to an SSD if you haven’t already.

Basically, keep it clean, keep it updated, and don’t let it run too many things at once.

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