5 simple tips to speed up your slow computer

A slow computer is undoubtedly one of the most annoying things, but luckily there are plenty of easy tricks to fix it.

You know it, your PC is already about 5 years old and is starting to show problems. But buying a new computer is just as expensive and complicated. In that case, there are various tips to give your PC or laptop an extra push, at least until there is room for a completely new computer. That’s why in this article 5 universal tips to make your slow (Windows) computer a bit faster again.

Before we get started, we also have 10 more advanced tips for slow PCs on offer!

Slow computer? Check your programs

If a program isn’t running, it can’t steal coveted computing power from the applications you do need.

A computer that is in use for a long time is usually packed with unnecessary programs. While you may no longer be using an old application, it can still cause performance issues. In the background, this program could secretly require a lot of computing power.

First check which programs are currently running:

• Busy CTRL + Alt + Del and click task management (alternative: Press CTRL + Shift + Esc)
• sort the list of programs by, for example, processor or memory consumption
• The outliers consume the most computing power, check with each program what this is (Google is your friend) and whether you still need the application

By extension, you can prevent a slow computer from becoming even slower due to annoying storage programs. Users have control over which applications start by default when the PC starts up.

• Type in the search bar Startup apps in
• Apps such as Skype, Spotify, WhatsApp, Netflix and Facebook do not have to be started automatically, you can just start them manually when necessary
• Move all applications that are not essential for the functioning of your system from

Optimize storage space

The hard drive can also secretly cause a lot of extra slowness. As an extension of that, a bonus tip: buy an SSD, they are very easy to build in most PCs and can provide significant speed gains.

If you have an SSD and your system is still slow, this can be easily remedied in some cases. Computers with overflowing system folders (usually the C drive) no longer work properly. For example, this disk drive provides space for temporary files and Windows updates. So make sure that there is always enough space left on the C drive.

1. Do not store unnecessary files in the system folder
2. Clean up C drive regularly. Windows has an app for that. Tap in the search bar Disk Cleanup and release Windows on the Windows disk
3. CCleaner is a free program that does the same thing, but can work a lot better. Download and install the app from CCleaner’s official website, let the program do the rest

For the single HDD user among us there is another option, namely a disk defragment† Never do this with an SSD† In the long run, a hard drive inherently makes a mess of all stored files. A file can then be stored ‘fragmented’, under which your already slow computer has to work extra hard to find all the puzzle pieces.

• Type in the search bar Defragment and optimize drivesstart the Windows application
• Select the HDDs that have been in use for a while and choose the option Defragment
• Protip: Defragmenting is almost 100% risk-free, but still make regular backups (regardless of whether you’re defragmenting)

Update, update, update

Another handy tip for speeding up a slow computer: make sure everything is up to date. All the time. Okay, if you’re worried about any bugs you can wait a few weeks before installing new drivers or operating systems, but broadly make sure you have an updated system.

Updates do different things. For example, a new version of Windows can introduce a lot of new features. But more importantly for today’s issue, it can optimize processes, remove old features and improve the way a PC performs tasks.

• Driver updates: CCleaner has a free scan function to look for driver updates, although you will have to install the drivers manually afterwards
• Windows updates: Type Looking for updates in the search bar to let Windows automatically find the latest updates

malware

A final check can show whether even more rigorous steps need to be taken: a malware check. With free programs such as Windows Defender and Malwarebytes, a system can be completely scanned for viruses. Of course, other anti-virus programs like McAfee, Bitdefender, and Norton do this too. Scan your entire PC for viruses and let the programs deal with it.

Hardware causes slow computer

Sometimes you can do all the advanced software tricks, but a PC remains slow. In principle, there are still plenty of tricks to apply, but they may be a bit too complicated for today. An alternative is to look closely at the hardware of your PC.

1. You become PC unprecedented hot† Programs like MSI Afterburner and CoreTemp show you quickly and easily if components such as the CPU and GPU are getting too hot. Anything above 70 degrees in normal use is on the hot side. 90+ means severe overheating
2. One of the major causes of excess heat is the little stuff called dust† Are your fans, grilles and components completely surrounded by dust? Give your PC a thorough spring cleaning. This guide is useful for that, because this is not without risks
3. You can also quite easily Install M.2 drive or SSD† There is also enough explanation for this; Installing Windows on a faster drive can provide lightning-fast results
4. Finally, you would increase the amount of RAM, which is quite easy. Check which motherboard you have and which sticks are compatible with it. again there are plenty of guides to make installing RAM easy