Windows PCs can slow down over time, but you don’t always need extra software to keep your system running smoothly. Microsoft has equipped Windows with various built-in features designed to help optimize performance and keep your computer in top shape. This guide explores these built-in Windows tools through step-by-step instructions suitable for both beginners and advanced users. You’ll also discover when it might be beneficial to use an all-in-one tool like Glary Utilities for deeper optimization.
Beginner-Friendly Performance Optimization Tips
What Simple Built-in Features Can Boost Windows Speed?
1. Disk Cleanup Utility
Disk Cleanup is an easy-to-use tool that deletes temporary files, system cache, and other unnecessary items. Here’s how to use it:
Step 1: Press the Windows key and type Disk Cleanup. Select the app from the results.
Step 2: Choose the drive you want to clean (usually C:) and click OK.
Step 3: The utility will scan for files you can safely delete. Review the list (like Temporary files, Thumbnails, Recycle Bin), check the boxes for items to remove, and click OK.
Step 4: Click Delete Files to confirm.
This process can free up space and may slightly improve performance, especially if your primary drive is almost full.
2. Uninstall Unnecessary Programs
Unneeded programs can use system resources. Here’s how to remove them:
Step 1: Open Settings (Windows key + I).
Step 2: Go to Apps > Installed apps (Windows 11) or Apps & features (Windows 10).
Step 3: Browse the list, click on programs you no longer use, and select Uninstall.
3. Disable Startup Programs
Too many startup programs can slow Windows boot time. To trim the list:
Step 1: Right-click the taskbar and select Task Manager.
Step 2: Click the Startup tab.
Step 3: Review the enabled items. Right-click unnecessary entries and select Disable.
Practical Example: If you see programs like Skype, Spotify, or Adobe Reader starting automatically but you rarely use them, disable them here for a faster startup.
How Can Novices Check for Windows Updates?
Keeping Windows updated ensures you get the latest performance improvements and bug fixes:
Step 1: Go to Settings > Windows Update.
Step 2: Click Check for updates. Install any available updates and restart if prompted.
Intermediate and Advanced Windows Performance Optimization
What Advanced Built-in Tools Can Power Users Try?
1. Storage Sense for Automated Maintenance
Storage Sense automatically manages temporary files, old downloads, and Recycle Bin contents. To configure it:
Step 1: Go to Settings > System > Storage.
Step 2: Toggle on Storage Sense.
Step 3: Click Configure Storage Sense or run it now to automate or manually initiate cleanups.
2. Optimize Drives (Defragmentation)
For users with traditional hard drives (not SSDs), disk defragmentation improves file access speed:
Step 1: Press the Windows key, type Defragment and Optimize Drives, and select it.
Step 2: Select a hard drive and click Optimize.
Note: SSDs do not need traditional defragmentation but Windows will still optimize them safely.
3. Performance Troubleshooter
Windows includes a built-in troubleshooter to automatically detect and resolve common performance issues:
Step 1: Open Control Panel (type Control Panel in search).
Step 2: Search for Troubleshooting and open it.
Step 3: Click System and Security > Troubleshoot common computer problems > System Maintenance.
Follow on-screen instructions to let Windows identify and fix issues.
Can Disabling Visual Effects Help with Performance?
Yes! Windows visual effects can use extra CPU and memory:
Step 1: Press the Windows key, type sysdm.cpl, and press Enter.
Step 2: Go to the Advanced tab, then click Settings under Performance.
Step 3: Select Adjust for best performance to disable all effects, or choose Custom and uncheck only the effects you don’t want.
When Should You Use Glary Utilities Instead?
While Windows’s built-in tools are robust, they are sometimes scattered and lack advanced features like registry cleaning, deep privacy protection, and one-click optimization. Glary Utilities brings all these features into a single, easy-to-use interface. It can:
– Clean junk files, registry errors, and privacy traces in one sweep
– Manage startup items more comprehensively
– Repair system errors and optimize memory
– Offer advanced tools like file shredders and duplicate file finders
For users looking for a complete, one-stop solution beyond the basics, Glary Utilities is an excellent complement to Windows’s offerings. Its One-Click Maintenance feature is especially helpful for routine optimization without the need to navigate multiple menus.
Summary: Which Approach Is Best for You?
Beginners can safely use built-in features like Disk Cleanup, uninstall apps, and manage startup programs for noticeable improvements. Intermediate and advanced users benefit from Storage Sense, defragmentation, and advanced performance settings. When you need deeper optimization, automation, or a simplified workflow, Glary Utilities is a smart choice to bring everything together.
By combining these strategies—starting with Windows’s built-in optimization tools and supplementing with Glary Utilities when needed—you can keep your PC running efficiently, regardless of your skill level.