This tutorial will show you some ways to optimize the performance of your Windows computer, especially if it is running very slowly. We all know how frustrating it can be for a computer to take what seems like an eternity to perform a seemingly simple task. A slow computer can cost you time and even money over the long run. For many computers, there is a cure, and I don’t mean a flashy new computer. If you have a slow computer, a few hours to spare, and a basic understanding of Windows and a web browser, then this tutorial is for you.
First things first, some notes and disclaimers:
- The order in which I discuss the following optimizations, maintenance operations, etc. in this tutorial is not required. It is simply the order that I recommend.
- All steps in this tutorial are optional.
- I try to indicate when a particular optimization is a little more advanced, and leave it to you to decide whether you want to venture down that path.
- I will sometimes use the term “mechanical hard drive” (as opposed to an SSD, or solid state drive). If you don’t know what a solid state drive is, you probably don’t have one.
- These optimizations are intended for Windows XP up through Windows 7, though some of them will work with older versions of Windows.
- If you run into any technical issues during this tutorial (you really shouldn’t), Google is your best friend for troubleshooting them. I simply cannot cover every possible issue you may encounter on your particular computer.
- It is highly recommended that you perform a thorough backup of all important files before beginning this tutorial.
- If you follow this tutorial incorrectly, I am not liable for any damages.
Let’s get started!
Add more memory
First things first, some notes and disclaimers:
- The order in which I discuss the following optimizations, maintenance operations, etc. in this tutorial is not required. It is simply the order that I recommend.
- All steps in this tutorial are optional.
- I try to indicate when a particular optimization is a little more advanced, and leave it to you to decide whether you want to venture down that path.
- I will sometimes use the term “mechanical hard drive” (as opposed to an SSD, or solid state drive). If you don’t know what a solid state drive is, you probably don’t have one.
- These optimizations are intended for Windows XP up through Windows 7, though some of them will work with older versions of Windows.
- If you run into any technical issues during this tutorial (you really shouldn’t), Google is your best friend for troubleshooting them. I simply cannot cover every possible issue you may encounter on your particular computer.
- It is highly recommended that you perform a thorough backup of all important files before beginning this tutorial.
- If you follow this tutorial incorrectly, I am not liable for any damages.
Let’s get started!
Step 1: Remove Malware, Spyware, and Adware
Malware, spyware, and adware can slow down your computer tremendously. Though there are many free utilities out there that can scan your computer and remove these nasty critters, I personally recommend Microsoft Security Essentials because it is a free antivirus, malware scanner, keylogger scanner, and much more.
Download it here: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security-essentials-download
Now install it, and run the Quick or Full Scan (recommended). Quarantine or remove any issues it finds.
For advanced users: I also recommend installing Malwarebytes Anti-Malware. It helps you take fighting malware to the next level.
You can download it here: http://www.malwarebytes.org/products/malwarebytes_free/
Download it here: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/security-essentials-download
Now install it, and run the Quick or Full Scan (recommended). Quarantine or remove any issues it finds.
For advanced users: I also recommend installing Malwarebytes Anti-Malware. It helps you take fighting malware to the next level.
You can download it here: http://www.malwarebytes.org/products/malwarebytes_free/
Step 2: Run Error Checking
From time to time, it is a good idea to check your mechanical hard drive(s) for errors; that is damaged files that can slow down drive access speeds.
To access the error checking utility, open up My Computer, right-click a drive icon, and select "Properties" and then “Tools". Now press “Check now” in the “Error-checking” section. The utility will then scan the drive. This process can take several minutes to complete.
I recommend running the error check periodically (every few months) on any mechanical drives that are in use regularly.
To access the error checking utility, open up My Computer, right-click a drive icon, and select "Properties" and then “Tools". Now press “Check now” in the “Error-checking” section. The utility will then scan the drive. This process can take several minutes to complete.
I recommend running the error check periodically (every few months) on any mechanical drives that are in use regularly.
MORE TIPS
Delete programs you never use
Many PC manufacturers pack new computers with programs you didn't order and might not want. These often include trial editions and limited-edition versions of programs that software companies hope you'll try, find useful, and then pay to upgrade to full versions or newer versions. If you decide you don't want them, keeping the software on your computer might slow it down by using precious memory, disk space, and processing power.
It's a good idea to uninstall all the programs you don't plan to use. This should include both manufacturer-installed software and software you installed yourself but don't want any more—especially utility programs designed to help manage and tune your computer's hardware and software. Utility programs such as virus scanners, disk cleaners, and backup tools often run automatically at startup, quietly chugging along in the background where you can't see them. Many people have no idea they're even running.
Even if your PC is older, it might contain manufacturer-installed programs that you never noticed or have since forgotten about. It's never too late to remove these and get rid of the clutter and wasted system resources. Maybe you thought you might use the software someday, but never did. Uninstall it and see if your PC runs faster.
Limit how many programs run at startup
Many programs are designed to start automatically when Windows starts. Software manufacturers often set their programs to open in the background, where you can't see them running, so they'll open right away when you click their icons. That's helpful for programs you use a lot, but for programs you rarely or never use, this wastes precious memory and slows down the time it takes Windows to finish starting up.
Decide for yourself if you want a program to run at startup.
But how can you tell what programs run automatically at startup? Sometimes this is obvious, because the program adds an icon to the notification area on the taskbar, where you can see it running. Look there to see if there are any programs running that you don’t want to start automatically. Point to each icon to see the program name. Be sure to click the Show hidden icons button so you don't miss any icons.
Even after you check the notification area, you might still miss some programs that run automatically at startup. AutoRuns for Windows, a free tool that you can download from the Microsoft website, shows you all of the programs and processes that run when you start Windows. You can stop a program from running automatically when Windows starts by opening the AutoRuns for Windows program, and then by clearing the check box next to the name of the program you want to stop. AutoRuns for Windows is designed for advanced users.
Defragment your hard disk
Fragmentation makes your hard disk do extra work that can slow down your computer. Disk Defragmenter rearranges fragmented data so your hard disk can work more efficiently. Disk Defragmenter runs on a schedule, but you can also defragment your hard disk manually.
Clean up your hard disk
Unnecessary files on your hard disk take up disk space and can slow down your computer. Disk Cleanup removes temporary files, empties the Recycle Bin, and removes a variety of system files and other items that you no longer need.
Run fewer programs at the same time
Sometimes changing your computing behavior can have a big impact on your PC's performance. If you're the type of computer user who likes to keep eight programs and a dozen browser windows open at once—all while sending instant messages to your friends—don't be surprised if your PC bogs down. Keeping a lot of e‑mail messages open can also use up memory.
If you find your PC slowing down, ask yourself if you really need to keep all your programs and windows open at once. Find a better way to remind yourself to reply to e‑mail messages rather than keeping all of them open.
Make sure you're only running one antivirus program. Running more than one antivirus program can also slow down your computer. Fortunately, if you're running more than one antivirus program, Action Center notifies you and can help you fix the problem.
Turn off visual effects
If Windows is running slowly, you can speed it up by disabling some of its visual effects. It comes down to appearance versus performance. Would you rather have Windows run faster or look prettier? If your PC is fast enough, you don't have to make this tradeoff, but if your computer is just barely powerful enough for Windows 7, it can be useful to scale back on the visual bells and whistles.
You can choose which visual effects to turn off, one by one, or you can let Windows choose for you. There are 20 visual effects you can control, such as the transparent glass look, the way menus open or close, and whether shadows are displayed.
To adjust all visual effects for best performance:
- Open Performance Information and Tools by clicking the Start button , and then clicking Control Panel. In the search box, type Performance Information and Tools, and then, in the list of results, click Performance Information and Tools.
- Click Adjust visual effects . If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
- Click the Visual Effects tab, click Adjust for best performance, and then click OK. (For a less drastic option, select Let Windows choose what’s best for my computer.)
Restart regularly
This tip is simple. Restart your PC at least once a week, especially if you use it a lot. Restarting a PC is a good way to clear out its memory and ensure that any errant processes and services that started running get shut down.
Restarting closes all the software running on your PC—not only the programs you see running on the taskbar, but also dozens of services that might have been started by various programs and never stopped. Restarting can fix mysterious performance problems when the exact cause is hard to pinpoint.
If you keep so many programs, e‑mail messages, and websites open that you think restarting is a hassle, that's probably a sign you should restart your PC. The more things you have open and the longer you keep them running, the greater the chances your PC will bog down and eventually run low on memory.
Add more memory
This isn't a guide to buying hardware that will speed up your computer. But no discussion of how to make Windows run faster would be complete without mentioning that you should consider adding more random access memory (RAM) to your PC.
If a computer running Windows 7 seems too slow, it's usually because the PC doesn't have enough RAM. The best way to speed it up is to add more.
Windows 7 can run on a PC with 1 gigabyte (GB) of RAM, but it runs better with 2 GB. For optimal performance, boost that to 3 GB or more.
Another option is to boost the amount of memory by using Windows ReadyBoost. This feature allows you to use the storage space on some removable media devices, such as USB flash drives, to speed up your computer. It’s easier to plug a flash drive into a USB port than to open your PC case and plug memory modules into its motherboard.
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