Windows 10 & 11 Hacks to Instantly Boost Your PC’s Speed

Is your Windows PC running a bit slow? Don’t worry—there are straightforward yet effective tricks you can use to enhance your computer's performance without shelling out for costly upgrades. Whether you're using Windows 10 or 11, these tips will help you optimize your system and keep it running smoothly.

1. Disable Startup Programs

One of the simplest ways to speed up boot time is by turning off unnecessary startup programs. Many applications launch automatically when your PC starts, which can slow things down.

Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), click on the Startup tab and disable programs that have a high impact rating. This way, your system will only load the essential applications at startup.

2. Use Storage Sense

Having low storage can greatly affect performance. Windows 10 and 11 come with Storage Sense, a built-in feature that helps clean up unnecessary files.

Navigate to Settings > System > Storage and enable Storage Sense to automatically remove temporary files, empty the recycle bin, and clear out downloads.

3. Turn Off Visual Effects

While Windows’ visual effects can be visually appealing, they can also slow down older PCs. Disabling these effects can help improve speed:

Right-click on This PC, select Properties, then click on Advanced System Settings > Settings under the Performance section. You can choose to adjust for the best performance or customize which effects you want to keep.

4. Uninstall Bloatware

Pre-installed or unused programs (often referred to as bloatware) can take up valuable resources.

Go to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features to uninstall any unnecessary apps. For stubborn software, consider using third-party tools like Revo Uninstaller.

5. Enable High-Performance Power Plan

By default, Windows uses a balanced power plan, which might limit performance. Switching to a high-performance plan can help prioritize speed.

Head to Control Panel > Power Options and select High Performance.

6. Optimize Your Drives

A fragmented or cluttered hard drive can slow down your PC. For HDDs, run disk defragmentation, and for SSDs, make sure TRIM is enabled.

Search for "Defragment and Optimize Drives," select your drive, and click "Optimize."

7. Disable Background Apps

Windows allows many apps to run in the background, which can consume valuable resources.

Navigate to Settings > Privacy > Background apps and turn off any unnecessary applications.

8. Clear Your Cache and Temporary Files

Over time, temporary files can build up and slow down your system. Use Disk Cleanup to get rid of them:

Search for "Disk Cleanup," select your drive, and check the boxes for items like temporary files and thumbnails.

9. Update Windows and Drivers

Outdated software and drivers can lead to performance issues.

Regularly check for updates through Settings > Update & Security and use Device Manager to update your drivers.

10. Upgrade Virtual Memory (Page File)

If your PC is low on RAM, increasing virtual memory can provide a boost.

Go to System Properties > Advanced > Performance Settings > Advanced > Virtual Memory, adjust the size manually and set it according to your system’s requirements.

By following these tips, you can revitalize your Windows PC. From streamlining your startup apps to optimizing power settings, these simple adjustments will help ensure a faster, smoother computing experience. Get started now and enjoy the improved speed!