Is your Windows 10 PC running slower than usual? Many users face sluggish performance, but the good news is that you can often fix these issues with simple, practical steps. This guide walks you through 15 easy troubleshooting strategies for cleaning up and repairing your Windows 10 system, even if you’re a complete beginner.
Why Is My PC Slow?
Common reasons include too many background programs, outdated drivers, full storage, and system errors. Addressing these one by one can make a big difference.
1. Restart Your Computer
If your PC feels slow or unresponsive, try restarting it. This clears temporary files and shuts down background processes that may be hogging resources.
How to do it: Click the Start menu, select the Power icon, and choose Restart.
2. Close Unnecessary Programs
Running too many programs at once can slow down your system. Check which applications are open and close those you’re not using.
How to do it: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. Right-click on any program you don’t need and select End task.
3. Disable Startup Programs
Programs that start with Windows can increase boot time and use resources unnecessarily.
How to do it: Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), go to the Startup tab, review the list, right-click unwanted programs, and select Disable.
4. Run Windows Update
Keeping Windows updated ensures you have the latest performance improvements and bug fixes.
How to do it: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click Check for updates.
5. Clean Up Temporary Files
Temporary files build up over time and can take up valuable space.
How to do it: Press Windows key + R, type %temp%, and press Enter. Delete all files in the folder.
For a simpler, more thorough clean-up, use Glary Utilities. Its 1-Click Maintenance feature can automatically remove junk files and optimize your system.
6. Use Disk Cleanup
Disk Cleanup helps remove system files and free up space on your hard drive.
How to do it: In the Windows search box, type Disk Cleanup and select it. Choose the drive you want to clean, select the file types to delete, and click OK.
7. Uninstall Unneeded Programs
Old or unused programs take up space and may run background processes.
How to do it: Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features, click on programs you don’t need, and select Uninstall.
With Glary Utilities, the Software Uninstaller tool lets you quickly review and remove multiple unwanted programs.
8. Scan for Malware
Viruses and malware can slow down your PC and cause errors.
How to do it: Use Windows Security (Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection) to run a scan.
Glary Utilities also includes a Malware Remover feature for added protection.
9. Check for Hard Drive Errors
Corrupted files or drive errors can cause performance issues.
How to do it: Right-click your hard drive in File Explorer, select Properties > Tools > Check, and follow the prompts.
10. Defragment Your Hard Drive
For traditional hard drives (not SSDs), defragmentation can improve file access speed.
How to do it: Type Defragment and Optimize Drives in the Windows search box, open the tool, select your drive, and click Optimize.
Glary Utilities provides a Disk Defrag tool that’s fast and easy for beginners.
11. Free Up Space on Your Hard Drive
A nearly full drive can slow down your PC.
How to do it: Delete old files, move photos and videos to an external drive, or use cloud storage.
Glary Utilities’ Disk Space Analyzer helps you identify large files quickly.
12. Adjust Visual Effects for Performance
Fancy graphics can use up system resources.
How to do it: Type Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows in the search box, open the settings, and choose Adjust for best performance.
13. Update Device Drivers
Outdated drivers can cause compatibility and speed issues.
How to do it: Right-click the Start button, choose Device Manager, right-click devices, and select Update driver.
Glary Utilities’ Driver Updater makes this process even easier.
14. Check for Windows Errors
Use Windows’ built-in troubleshooting tools to find and fix common issues.
How to do it: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot, select a troubleshooter, and follow the instructions.
15. Use Glary Utilities for All-In-One Maintenance
If you want a simple, beginner-friendly tool that covers nearly all these steps, Glary Utilities is highly recommended. Its 1-Click Maintenance scans for junk files, registry issues, startup program overloads, and more—all in a single click. The interface is straightforward and safe for beginners, with clear instructions for each feature.
Summary
You don’t have to be a computer expert to improve your Windows 10 performance. Restarting your PC, cleaning up files, disabling unnecessary startup programs, and keeping your system updated go a long way. Tools like Glary Utilities make these steps even easier, combining many important functions into one user-friendly application. By following these strategies, you can keep your Windows 10 PC running smoothly and efficiently.