If your Windows computer continues to experience errors, the error could be caused by specific software or a general problem with the computer. Performing regular system maintenance can prevent the computer from responding. In addition, computer crashes can be resolved by freeing up processor resources and performing a massive system check. This article will guide you to increase the speed of your computer so that your applications run more smoothly, both in the short and long term.
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Method 1 of 3: Running Massive Diagnostics and Reinstalling Apps
Step 1. Defragment the drive by going to Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Defragmenter
Defragmentation is the act of rearranging data, and will make it easier for the computer to find the files it finds. Thus, after defragmenting, the computer will run more smoothly.
- Computer-run processes put data scattered on the drive. The more scattered data, the slower the computer to access it. The defragmentation action will solve this problem. Defragmentation itself can take from 10 minutes to several hours, depending on the size of the drive.
- Read this guide for more information on Disk Defragmenter.
Step 2. Format your drive, then reinstall the operating system
Sometimes, reinstalling software can speed up its performance, and the operating system is no exception. When you format the drive, the files on it will be deleted. Therefore, the drive will be ready to install Windows using the default installation CD/DVD.
- Make sure you back up your data first. When formatting a drive, all data on it will be erased.
- On Windows 8 and above computers, you can use the Refresh function to perform an installation without the built-in CD/DVD. In addition, with the refresh function, your data will remain intact.
- To learn more about the reinstallation process, read the following guide (Windows 7) or this guide (Windows XP).
Step 3. Use an older version of the operating system
If your computer's specifications are "medium" to run the latest operating system, downgrading the operating system may be able to improve computer performance. The following article shows an example of an operating system versioning "downgrade" process.
Method 2 of 3: Using First Aid to Speed Up Computer
Step 1. Update the app you are using
Make sure you are running an updated operating system and applications. Generally, the newer the version of an app, the better it will perform.
- Check for and install Windows updates by clicking Windows Update > Check for Updates > Install Updates.
- Most apps can automatically notify you of updates. However, you can also look for app updates online, or through a third-party update checker program.
Step 2. Close unused apps
A build-up of programs running in the background drains your computer's memory and slows down its performance. To see the currently running programs, check the icons in the applications panel, or open the Task Manager.
Step 3. Restrict applications that open automatically when the computer is turned on
Open the startup configuration by finding and running the program "msconfig.exe". In that program, click the "Startup" tab to select what programs will run when the computer starts up.
You can also download the "Autoruns" app from Microsoft. This application has more or less the same functionality as "msconfig", but offers some advanced settings for applications that open automatically when Windows starts
Step 4. Disable visual effects
Windows has 20 visual effects that may slow your computer down, such as shadow effects and effects when opening and closing menus. You can enable and disable each of these effects individually, or let Windows choose the appropriate settings for your computer. It is recommended that you choose the second option.
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Adjust the visual effects settings in Control Panel>Performance Information and Tools>Adjust Visual Effects.
Step 5. Delete unused apps
To remove an application, open the Control Panel, then select "Add/Remove Programs". Select the app you want to remove, then click "Change/Remove".
For more information, read the following guide
Step 6. Delete files that you no longer use
Windows' built-in "Disk Cleanup" can find files you don't need and then delete them to save free space on your drive and improve computer performance.
- Open Disk Cleanup via Settings > Control Panel > Administrative Tools.
- Don't forget to empty the Recycle Bin regularly. Files you delete will stay in the Recycle Bin until you empty them. As a result, computer performance can slow down.
Method 3 of 3: Perform Periodic Maintenance
Step 1. Restart the computer periodically
When the computer restarts, the computer memory is cleared, and applications running in the background are closed. Therefore, it is recommended that you restart your computer at least once a week.
Step 2. Run a virus scanner regularly, using either the built-in antivirus (Windows Defender) or a third-party application
Virus scanner can detect and fix Windows performance issues.
Step 3. Clean the registry on the computer
Since registry editing requires you to edit important system files, this step is only recommended for advanced users. Open the Registry Editor (regedit), and make a copy of the registry before starting to edit it. From the Registry Editor, you can remove useless old and startup applications, as well as edit user profile settings with administrator privileges. To edit the registry, read the following guide.
Although there are many third-party applications to clean the registry, you are still recommended to edit the registry manually to improve system performance
Step 4. Disassemble the computer, then clean the inside
The accumulated dust can slow down computer performance. To clean the computer, you must unscrew the screws on the edge of the computer and use compressed air to clean it. Since computer components are fragile objects, be careful when cleaning them.
- For more information, read the following guide.
- Make sure you clean the dust build-up on the heat sink or other fan.
Tips
- Run the Desktop Cleanup Wizard. In new versions of Windows, this application can clean up unused shortcuts from the desktop, and can improve computer performance.
- Remove software via Control Panel, instead of removing its shortcut.
- Use the Task Scheduler or Maintenance Schedule Wizard to schedule drive defragmentation, file cleaning, and other computer maintenance actions.
Warning
- Be careful when handling hardware on a computer. The hardware inside a computer is a sensitive object.
- Watch out for viruses when you download files. Scan the ZIP folder before extracting it, as well as any EXE files or other suspicious files.
