A slow PC is a real annoyance. Unfortunately, it’s rather inevitable that your computer will slow down at some point. One option is to upgrade your PC so it will run faster, but this can be costly and complicated. Instead, we’ve come up with a list of straightforward and budget-friendly ways for you to improve the performance of your computer:
● Remove Useless Software
Computers usually come preloaded with various applications that you don’t use or need, but that takes up many system resources. So an easy way to speed up your PC is to uninstall this unnecessary software.
● Restrict the Programs at Startup
When your PC boots up, it will often automatically start running specific programs. To increase your startup speed, you can tell your computer what programs it should and shouldn’t run when you power your computer.
● Utilize Defragmentation and Disk Cleanup
Defragmentation is a process where the data stored on your PC’s hard drive are reorganized so that related pieces of data are put together and lined up continuously. Disk fragmentation happens when a file is broken up into pieces to fit on the computer’s disk. As a result, files become spread out over several locations, and it takes longer for them to be read and written. Therefore to speed up your computer, you should run the defragmentation program.
Disk Cleanup is a program that detects the applications and files on your computer that you haven’t used in a while or that are unnecessary. These files can then be deleted, freeing up drive space for the programs you do use.
● Examine Your Web Browser
The browser you use can affect the speed at which web pages, videos, and images load. If you’re using a particular web browser and you notice that there is a lag time, you should try using a different browser to see if loading times are better.
Another thing that can slow down your web browsing is your cache. Your cache contains the information you pick up when you visit various websites. This can include things like cookies and ads. This stuff can accumulate quickly, especially if you spend a lot of time online. So if you haven’t emptied your cache in a while, this can slow down the speed at which your web pages load.
● Look for Spyware and Viruses
Unfortunately, viruses are a prevalent threat, and it’s almost impossible not to pick one up while browsing the web. Fortunately, Windows Defender software makes finding malware easy. Additionally, several third-party programs are effective at detecting and removing spyware and viruses. However, some of these programs are better than others, and some can take up a lot of space, causing issues with speed. Therefore, you’ll want to find a program that efficiently takes care of malware but that doesn’t take up too much space.
● Increase Your Computer’s RAM
An effective way to speed up your PC is to increase its RAM memory. Unfortunately, this only works for desktop computers. It’s impossible to add more RAM to a convertible or detachable laptop, although it can be done to some business and gaming laptops.
Adding RAM to your desktop computer requires knowing about the interior of a desktop tower. If you’re not comfortable with this, it’s best to take your desktop to a professional shop.
● Think about Using a Startup SSD
A startup solid-state drive (SSD) helps take the pressure off your PC’s processor when it powers up. If you run a lot of applications simultaneously or use photo and video editing software, a startup SSD can help make these programs run faster and more smoothly.
Conclusion
If you have a slow PC, a few minor adjustments can help it run more efficiently. Start by examining the programs you have and uninstalling any that you don’t use or that are unnecessary for your computer’s operation. You will also want to look into which programs open when you boot up your PC and run the disk cleanup and defragmentation programs. Next, look at your web browser and then examine your computer for spyware and viruses. Finally, consider increasing your computer’s RAM and/or adding a startup SSD.
