If your Windows 10 computer is running slower than usual, you’re not alone. Over time, most PCs accumulate extra files, unnecessary programs, and background processes that can drag down performance. The good news? With the right steps, you can dramatically speed up your machine and keep it running smoothly. This guide covers the top 10 ways to repair and optimize Windows 10 performance, with clear instructions for beginners and tips for advanced users.
Why is My Windows 10 PC Slow?
Before diving into solutions, it’s helpful to understand what causes Windows 10 to slow down:
– Too many startup programs
– Fragmented or nearly full hard drive
– Outdated drivers or software
– Accumulation of temporary files
– Malware or unnecessary background processes
Below, you’ll find tips to address these issues and boost your PC’s speed.
1. Remove Unnecessary Startup Programs
Beginner Steps:
Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc).
Go to the “Startup” tab.
Review the list of programs. Right-click any you don’t need at startup and select “Disable.”
Example: If you see software like Skype or Spotify starting with Windows, disable them unless you use them daily.
Advanced Tip:
Use Glary Utilities’ Startup Manager to view and manage all startup entries, including those not visible in Task Manager. This tool allows you to quickly disable or delay less important startup items, streamlining your boot process.
2. Clean Up Junk Files and Temporary Data
Beginner Steps:
Type “Disk Cleanup” in the Windows search box and launch it.
Select your main drive (usually C:), then check the boxes for “Temporary files,” “Recycle Bin,” and “System files.”
Click “OK” to remove these files.
Advanced Tip:
Glary Utilities offers a more thorough “Disk Cleaner” that finds and removes hidden temp files left behind by browsers, Windows updates, and third-party apps. Run it weekly for best results.
3. Uninstall Programs You Don’t Use
Beginner Steps:
Open Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
Scroll through the list, click on programs you no longer use, and select “Uninstall.”
Example: Remove games, old printers, or pre-installed apps you never use.
Advanced Tip:
Glary Utilities’ Uninstall Manager helps you remove stubborn or hidden programs, including leftover files and registry entries that Windows built-in uninstaller might miss.
4. Update Your Windows and Drivers
Beginner Steps:
Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
Click “Check for updates” and install any available updates.
Open “Device Manager” to check for hardware driver updates, especially for graphics and network cards.
Advanced Tip:
Use Glary Utilities’ “Driver Manager” (if available) to scan for outdated drivers and update them safely.
5. Defragment and Optimize Your Hard Drive
Beginner Steps:
Type “Defragment and Optimize Drives” in the search box and launch it.
Select your hard drive and click “Optimize.”
Note: This is especially useful for traditional HDDs, not SSDs.
Advanced Tip:
Schedule automatic defragmentation weekly through Windows or Glary Utilities’ 1-Click Maintenance for ongoing optimization.
6. Check for Malware and Adware
Beginner Steps:
Run Windows Defender (Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection) and perform a full scan.
Advanced Tip:
Glary Utilities includes a “Malware Remover” to catch threats missed by Windows Defender and can be used alongside other anti-malware tools for extra safety.
7. Adjust Visual Effects for Better Performance
Beginner Steps:
Right-click “This PC” > Properties > Advanced system settings.
Under “Performance,” click “Settings.”
Select “Adjust for best performance” or manually untick effects you don’t need.
Advanced Tip:
Customize which visual effects to keep for a balance between appearance and speed, such as leaving “Smooth edges of screen fonts” enabled.
8. Free Up Disk Space
Beginner Steps:
Move old photos, videos, or documents to an external drive or cloud storage.
Advanced Tip:
Glary Utilities’ “Duplicate Files Finder” locates and removes duplicate files, saving valuable disk space.
9. Scan and Fix System Errors
Beginner Steps:
Open Command Prompt as Administrator and type sfc /scannow to scan and repair corrupt Windows files.
Advanced Tip:
Glary Utilities’ “Registry Repair” tool finds and fixes registry errors that can slow down boot times and application launches.
10. Restart Your Computer Regularly
Beginner Steps:
Restart your PC at least once a week to clear out memory and close stuck processes.
Advanced Tip:
Set up an automatic restart schedule in Windows Task Scheduler for unattended maintenance.
Why Use Glary Utilities for Windows Optimization?
Glary Utilities is an all-in-one system maintenance and optimization suite that makes these tasks easy, even for beginners. Its one-click maintenance feature identifies and fixes the most common issues, from cleaning temporary files to managing startup programs and repairing registry errors. Advanced users benefit from customizable modules and in-depth system analysis.
In Summary
Optimizing Windows 10 performance doesn’t require technical expertise or expensive tools. Regular maintenance—cleaning up files, updating software, managing startups, and scanning for malware—can keep your PC running like new. Glary Utilities streamlines these tasks, offering both simplicity for beginners and advanced features for power users. Make optimization a part of your routine to enjoy a faster, more reliable Windows 10 experience.