Windows computers can slow down over time due to everyday use, cluttered files, outdated software, or underlying repair issues. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned user, knowing how to diagnose and address performance problems is key to keeping your system running smoothly. Below are 15 actionable troubleshooting tips, complete with step-by-step instructions and practical examples. Where applicable, Glary Utilities is recommended as a trusted, all-in-one cleanup and repair solution.
Beginner Tips
1. Restart Your Computer Regularly
Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve sluggishness. When your system reboots, it clears temporary files and resets background processes.
How to do it:
– Click the Start button
– Select Power
– Choose Restart
2. Run Disk Cleanup
Windows has a built-in Disk Cleanup tool to remove temporary files, system cache, and other unnecessary data.
How to do it:
– Open the Start menu and search for “Disk Cleanup”
– Select the drive you want to clean
– Check file types to delete (like Temporary files, Recycle Bin)
– Click OK, then Delete Files
3. Uninstall Unused Programs
Too many installed programs can bog down your system.
How to do it:
– Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps
– Browse the list, select an app you don’t use
– Click Uninstall
4. Disable Startup Programs
Some apps launch at startup, consuming resources.
How to do it:
– Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
– Go to the Startup tab
– Right-click on unnecessary programs and choose Disable
Tip: Glary Utilities offers a Startup Manager tool that lets you review and manage startup items more easily.
5. Keep Windows Updated
Updates often contain performance improvements and security fixes.
How to do it:
– Go to Settings > Windows Update
– Click Check for updates
6. Check for Malware
Malware can significantly slow down your PC. Use Windows Defender or another trusted antivirus to scan your system.
How to do it:
– Open Windows Security from the system tray
– Click Virus & threat protection
– Choose Quick scan or Full scan
7. Empty the Recycle Bin
Files in the Recycle Bin still take up space.
How to do it:
– Right-click the Recycle Bin icon
– Select Empty Recycle Bin
Intermediate Tips
8. Use Storage Sense
Windows Storage Sense can automatically clear out junk files.
How to do it:
– Go to Settings > System > Storage
– Turn on Storage Sense
– Configure how often and what types of files to clean
9. Repair Windows System Files
Corrupted system files can cause all sorts of issues.
How to do it:
– Open Command Prompt as Administrator
– Type sfc /scannow and press Enter
– Wait for the scan to finish and follow prompts
10. Defragment and Optimize Drives
Regularly optimizing your drives can improve access speed (especially for HDDs).
How to do it:
– Search for “Defragment and Optimize Drives”
– Choose the drive
– Click Optimize
Tip: Glary Utilities provides a Disk Defrag tool with advanced optimization options.
11. Analyze Resource Usage
Find out which programs are using the most resources.
How to do it:
– Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc)
– View the Processes tab
– Sort by CPU, Memory, or Disk to identify resource hogs
Advanced Tips
12. Tweak Virtual Memory Settings
Adjusting virtual memory (paging file) can help if your PC is low on RAM.
How to do it:
– Right-click This PC > Properties
– Click Advanced system settings
– Under Performance, click Settings
– Go to the Advanced tab > Virtual memory > Change
– Set a custom size (generally 1.5 to 3 times your RAM size)
13. Update Device Drivers
Outdated drivers can cause slowdowns.
How to do it:
– Right-click the Start button > Device Manager
– Expand a device, right-click, and choose Update driver
Tip: Glary Utilities offers a driver updater to simplify this process.
14. Clean and Repair Registry
A bloated or corrupted Windows Registry can impact performance.
How to do it:
– Use a trusted tool like Glary Utilities’ Registry Cleaner
– Open Glary Utilities, select Registry Repair
– Click Scan for Issues, then Repair
Caution: Always back up the registry or create a restore point before making changes.
15. Perform a Clean Boot
A clean boot can help diagnose software conflicts.
How to do it:
– Type msconfig in the Start menu
– Go to the Services tab
– Check “Hide all Microsoft services”
– Click Disable all
– Go to the Startup tab > Open Task Manager
– Disable all startup items
– Restart your computer
If the problem is resolved, enable items one-by-one to find the culprit.
Why Use Glary Utilities for Clean Up & Repair?
Glary Utilities combines all the above cleanup and repair tools into a single, user-friendly interface. It can automate regular maintenance, detect hidden issues, and optimize your PC for peak performance.
Key features include:
– One-click maintenance
– Registry cleaner and repair
– Disk cleanup and defragmentation
– Duplicate file finder
– Advanced startup manager
– Driver update utility
Conclusion
Whether you’re new to Windows or an advanced user, these performance troubleshooting steps can help you quickly identify and fix most system slowdowns. For the most efficient maintenance, consider using Glary Utilities to unify and automate your clean-up and repair routines. Regularly applying these tips will ensure your Windows PC stays fast, reliable, and trouble-free.