7 Easy Ways to Speed Up Your Slow Computer (Windows 10 & 11 Guide)

Is your computer acting sluggish?Speed Up Your Slow Computer There is nothing more frustrating than a freezing PC when you are trying to work or play games.

You might be thinking about buying a new computer or upgrading your RAM, but wait! Before you spend any money, you should know that most speed issues are caused by software clutter, not hardware limits.

At BHTechHub, we have compiled a list of 7 proven methods to Speed Up Your Slow Computer Windows 10 or 11 laptop or PC instantly.

1. Disable Unwanted Startup Apps

One of the most common reasons for a slow computer is too many programs running in the background as soon as you turn it on.

How to fix it:

1. Right-click on the Taskbar and select Task Manager.
2. Click on the Startup tab.
3. Look for apps with “High” impact that you don’t need immediately (like Skype, Spotify, or Steam).
4. Right-click them and select Disable.

> Note: Do not disable drivers or antivirus software.

2. Update Your Windows and Drivers

Microsoft frequently releases updates to fix bugs that might be slowing down your system.

• Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click Check for updates.
• Ensure your Graphics Drivers (NVIDIA/AMD) are also up to date for better gaming performance.

3. Change Power Settings to “High Performance”

By default, Windows uses a “Balanced” plan to save energy. However, this can limit your CPU’s speed.

How to change it:

1. Open Control Panel and go to Power Options.
2. Click on “Show additional plans”.
3. Select High Performance.

4. Clean Up Your Hard Disk

If your C: Drive is red (full), your computer will struggle to run smoothly.

• Type “Disk Cleanup” in the Windows search bar.
• Select your C: Drive and click OK.
• Check “Temporary Internet Files” and “Thumbnails” and click Clean up system files.

5. Disable Special Effects (For Older PCs)

Windows 10 and 11 look great because of shadows and animations, but these effects use system resources.

To turn them off:

1. Search for “View advanced system settings”.
2. Click the Settings button under the Performance section.
3. Select “Adjust for best performance”.
4. Click Apply. Your Windows might look a bit simple, but it will be much faster.

6. Scan for Malware and Viruses

Sometimes, a virus running in the background is eating up all your RAM. Use Windows Defender or any trusted antivirus to run a “Full Scan” of your system.

7. Upgrade Your Hardware (Last Resort)

If you have tried everything above and your PC is still slow, it might be time for a hardware upgrade.

• SSD vs. HDD: If you are still using an old HDD, switching to an SSD (Solid State Drive) is the single best upgrade you can make. It can make your computer 10x faster.
• RAM: Ensure you have at least 8GB of RAM for modern tasks.

Conclusion

You don’t always need a new computer to enjoy a fast experience. By keeping your Windows clean, disabling unwanted apps, and performing regular maintenance, you can make your old PC run like new.

Which of these tips worked for you? Let us know in the comments below!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Does clearing temporary files speed up the computer? A: Yes, deleting temporary files frees up space on your hard drive, which helps the operating system run more smoothly.

Q: Is 4GB RAM enough for Windows 11? A: While Windows 11 can run on 4GB, we highly recommend at least 8GB of RAM for a lag-free experience.