There are several ways to optimize and improve your Windows 7 computer for more efficient, faster performance by using special features and settings exclusive to this operating system. Sometimes your computer will experience slow processing and loading times after you install or download some programs, including antivirus software or files from the internet. There are many steps you can take to speed up and improve your computer without having to replace or upgrade your hardware. Keep reading to learn how to optimize your Windows 7 computer.
Step
Step 1. Restart your computer at least once a week
This process will help free up and clean up memory by stopping programs that are constantly running on the taskbar or that are not visible on your operating system.
Step 2. Limit the number of programs you run at the same time
Your computer will run slower if you open and run multiple programs or applications at once. Close programs if you are not using them. Consider adding more memory to your computer if you need to run multiple applications at the same time to perform your tasks.
Step 3. Boost your computer's memory using ReadyBoost which allows you to use storage devices such as USB flash drives or other external hard drives to speed up your computer
- Plug a USB flash drive or external hard drive into a USB port on your computer. The "Autoplay" dialog box will appear on the screen as soon as your computer recognizes the device.
- Select the "Speed up my system" option under "General Options" in the Autoplay dialog box.
- Select the "ReadyBoost" tab when the Properties dialog box appears.
- Click the radio button next to "Dedicate this device to ReadyBoost" if you want to use all the available space on the additional storage device to your computer and use it as memory.
- Click the radio button next to "Use this device" and drag the button to indicate the amount of memory you want to apply to ReadyBoost. This option is useful if you want to free up space on your storage device.
- Click the "Apply" button, then "OK" to save your settings and close the Properties dialog box.
Step 4. Remove programs that you don't use
Some computers have optional manufacturer-installed programs that you may not use, such as a virus scanner. Removing programs will free up memory and speed up your computer.
- Click the "Start" button on the bottom left of the screen, then click "Control Panel" on the right.
- Click the "Uninstall a program" link under the Programs section.
- Click the program you want to remove, then click "Uninstall" to remove the program from your computer.
Step 5. Use the Windows 7 Performance Troubleshooter to find and fix any problems that arise
The troubleshooter will check for certain processes that can be slowing down your computer--such as multiple programs running at once--and fix them for you.
- Click the "Start" button at the bottom left of the computer screen, then click "Control Panel" in the panel on the right.
- Type "troubleshooter" into the search box in the upper-right corner, then click the "Troubleshooting" link when the results appear.
- Click "Check for performance issues" under the System and Security section. Follow the prompts to start the maintenance process when the performance troubleshooter dialog box appears.
Step 6. Run Disk Defragmenter to reorder the fragmented data on your computer
Fragmentation occurs when your computer does not have enough space or resources to store the entire file. When this happens, the components of the file are separated and rearranged to fill in any other gaps caused by the deleted file. Disk Defragmenter will optimize your computer by rearranging fragmented data into places that will speed up Windows 7.
- Click the "Start" button at the bottom left of the computer screen.
- Type "disk defragmenter" into the search box and select it when the search results appear.
- Click the disk you want to defragment when the Disk Defragmenter dialog box appears.
- Click the "Analyze disk" button to determine whether you need to defragment the disk you specified or not.
- Click "Defragment disk" if the percentage of fragmentation on that disk under the "Last Run" column is above 10 percent.
Step 7. Use Disk Cleanup to delete temporary and unnecessary files and to empty the Recycle Bin
This will free up additional memory and speed up your computer.
- Click the "Start" button in the lower-left corner of your screen.
- Type "disk cleanup" into the search box and select it when the search results appear.
- Click the disk drive whose files you want to delete when the "Drives" list appears, then click the "OK" button.
- Place a check mark next to the file types you want to delete on the "Disk Cleanup" tab of the "Disk Cleanup" dialog box, then click the "OK" button.
- Click "delete files" to complete the process.
