Windows PCs are powerful, but over time, even the fastest system can start to slow down or develop mysterious glitches. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced user, knowing how to troubleshoot performance issues is crucial. Here are five essential tips, backed by expert advice, to help you diagnose and fix common slowdowns on your Windows computer. Each tip includes actionable steps and highlights the benefits of using Glary Utilities, a comprehensive tool for clean up and repair.
Tip 1: Identify Resource Hogs
Beginners: Check Task Manager
If your PC feels sluggish, the first step is to find out what’s consuming your resources. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. Under the ‘Processes’ tab, look for apps or background processes with high CPU, memory, or disk usage. Right-click any unnecessary application and select ‘End Task’ to free up resources.
Advanced Users: Monitor Performance More Deeply
Use the ‘Performance’ tab in Task Manager or run Resource Monitor (search for ‘Resource Monitor’ in the Start menu) for advanced diagnostics. Watch for processes using consistently high disk or CPU. This can help uncover problematic startups, malware, or misbehaving drivers.
Expert Tip: Glary Utilities features a Startup Manager and Process Manager. Use them to visualize and control which programs launch with Windows and monitor real-time resource usage for more effective troubleshooting.
Tip 2: Clean Up Unnecessary Files and Programs
Beginners: Use Built-in Windows Tools
Run Disk Cleanup by typing ‘Disk Cleanup’ in the Start menu. Select the drive you want to clean, then check file types such as ‘Temporary files’ or ‘Recycle Bin’ and click OK to delete them. Removing old files frees up space and improves speed.
Advanced Users: Deep Clean with Glary Utilities
Glary Utilities goes beyond Disk Cleanup, scanning for temporary files, system logs, browser cache, and more. Its ‘Disk Cleaner’ and ‘Tracks Eraser’ modules remove hidden junk files, enhancing privacy and performance.
Real-World Example: After using Glary Utilities’ ‘Disk Cleaner’ and uninstalling unused applications via its ‘Uninstall Manager’, users often reclaim several gigabytes of space and notice faster boot times.
Tip 3: Repair System Errors and Optimize the Registry
Beginners: Run Windows Troubleshooters
Open Settings, then Update & Security, and select ‘Troubleshoot’. Run troubleshooters for ‘Windows Update’, ‘Internet Connections’, or ‘Program Compatibility’ to automatically fix common issues.
Advanced Users: Fix Registry and System Errors
Over time, registry errors can cause slowdowns or strange behavior. Glary Utilities’ ‘Registry Cleaner’ scans for invalid entries and safely repairs them. Always back up your registry (Glary Utilities prompts you) before making changes for safety.
Expert Tip: Use Glary Utilities’ ‘1-Click Maintenance’ tool to combine disk cleaning, registry repair, shortcut fixing, and more into a single automated process.
Tip 4: Manage Startup Programs
Beginners: Disable Unnecessary Startups
Too many startup apps can dramatically slow down boot times. Open Task Manager, go to the ‘Startup’ tab, and disable programs you don’t need when your PC starts.
Advanced Users: Analyze and Optimize Startups
Glary Utilities offers a more detailed ‘Startup Manager’, showing each app’s impact on boot time and allowing you to easily delay or disable unneeded items.
Real-World Example: Disabling resource-heavy launchers and software updaters at startup can reduce your Windows boot time by 30 seconds or more.
Tip 5: Check for Malware and System Corruption
Beginners: Use Windows Security
Search for ‘Windows Security’ and run a full system scan to ensure your PC is free of malware. Viruses often cause extreme slowdowns and instability.
Advanced Users: Comprehensive Scanning with Glary Utilities
Glary Utilities includes a ‘Malware Remover’ tool, plus integrations to scan for spyware and adware. Use it alongside your main antivirus for thorough protection.
Bonus for Advanced Users: Open a Command Prompt as administrator and run ‘sfc /scannow’ to repair corrupt system files if you suspect deeper issues.
Conclusion: Streamline Maintenance with Glary Utilities
Troubleshooting Windows performance doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By identifying resource hogs, cleaning up junk, repairing errors, managing startups, and checking for malware, you can keep your PC running smoothly. For both beginners and advanced users, Glary Utilities offers a suite of powerful tools that automate and simplify these processes, making PC maintenance both effective and accessible. Regular clean up and repair isn’t just for IT experts—it’s something every Windows user should know and practice.