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Improve PC Performance on Windows 10 [Must-Try Tips]
Speed up booting time & declutter the drivers to boost your PC
8 min. read
Updated onMay 15, 2024
updated onMay 15, 2024
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Windows 10 and a multitude of third-party apps includesystem optimization tools. Those tools enable you to improve your PC performance on Windows 10 and fix system errors that might undermine the OS.
So to give your PC a boost, you should make the most of these tools. While this sounds simple, you still need a detailed guide to walk you through the process of optimizing your system.
Why is my Windows 10 so slow and laggy?
Many factors can make your Windows 10 slow and laggy over time. Listed below are some of the principal reasons:
How can I improve PC performance on Windows 10?
1. Check the RAM usage and close the background processes
RAM is perhaps the most crucial system resource. This is the amount of temporary storage a PC has for software.
All software needs at least a little RAM, and many open programs and background processes will overstretch system resources. For example, new Windows games are generally the most resource-hungry software.
So, to improve your PC performance for Windows 10 gaming, you need to reduce your PC RAM usage.
Don’t forget that disabling browser extensions, apps, and plug-ins will also save some RAM.
2. Run the System File Checker
The System File Checker is a somewhat overlooked maintenance tool that can fix corrupt system files. So, the SFC scan should be your go-to option to speed up Windows 10 with one command.
3. Use a third-party software
One of the best ways to improve performance in Windows 10 is to use a reliablethird-party optimization tool.
While some optimizations could be done manually, they require a certain degree of skill and experience to pull off. Otherwise, you might end up damaging your PC instead of repairing it.
Remember that the best Windows 10 optimizer software comes with PC cleaning features, speed boosters, and integrated performance monitors.
On top of that, many of these tools allow you to create backups of your registries before fixing them, ensuring that no damage is done to your PC.
You can also use these utilities to manage your disks. They typically include disk defragmentation tools and disk backup and restore options.
4. Remove the Startup items
You can save RAM and speed up the Windows 10 startup by removing startup software. Those are programs that open automatically during the Windows startup.
5. Update the drives with third-party software
Antiquateddriverscan slow down desktops and laptops, and some hardware devices might not work correctly without the most updated drivers.
True,Windows Updateautomatically updates essential drivers, but that doesn’t guarantee it will update all of them. As such, you can check and update drivers with the Device Manager in Windows.
However, there are variousthird-party driver updating programsthat identify and update outdated drivers automatically.
6. Speed up the Windows 10 Boot
1. In the Windows search box typeControl Paneland hitEnter.
- Click onSystem.
3. Now selectPower & sleepand click onAdditional power settings.
4. ClickChoose what the power buttons doon the left of the tab.
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The System Settings tab includes aTurn on fast startupoption. If that option is grayed out, selectChange settings that are currently unavailable.
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Click theTurn on fast startupcheckbox to select that option.
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Press theSave Changesbutton to apply the new setting.
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Press theWindowskey +Rkeyboard shortcut and entermsconfigto accessSystem Configuration.
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Click theBoottab to open the settings.
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Select theNo GUI bootoption to remove the Windows welcome screen.
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PressApplyand then clickOKto save the settings.
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Restart Windows to apply the new MSconfig settings.
If Windows 10 takes a while to boot up fully, you can speed it up to improve PC performance. You can boost the startup with the Turn on fast startup option and theMSConfigtool included in Windows.
7. Adjust the Performance options
Windows 10 also has a Performance Options window from which you can adjust the platform’s visual effects.
The snazzy effects might add a little extra gloss to Windows, but it also need extra system resources.
If yourdesktop or laptop has more limited RAM, you might switch some effects off to speed it up.
8. Check for low disk space
That is how to clean up your computer to run faster Windows 10. Almost every PCoptimization utilitycomes with a harddiskcleaner, and Windows also has its ownDisk Clean-uptool to delete junk files with.
HDD cleaners are essential tools, as overly full harddiskscan slow things down. In addition, virtual memory combines RAM and hard disk space, so a full harddiskrestricts the amount of virtual memory.
In addition, erasing junk files will give you more space for software and your own documents, photos, MP3s, videos, etc.
The solution above shows you how you can check for low HDD space and erase junk files with CCleaner, which has better options than theDiskClean-uptool.
9. Run the System Maintenance Troubleshooter
The System Maintenance troubleshooter is another handy tool that can boost PC performance. This deletes unused shortcuts and files and fulfills other maintenance duties.
For example, running the tool can fix the troubleshooting history that’s taking up disk space.
10. Speed up context menus
This is a basic registry tweak. Adjusting the MenuShowDelay string can minimize the delay before a context menu opens. By default, that string has a 400-millisecond delay.
Those are a few best ways to improve your PC performance on Windows 10.
There’s no essential requirement for extra third-party software, but freeware programs such as Outbyte Driver Updater and CCleaner have better options for updating drivers and deleting junk files.
However, Windows 10 already has the more essential maintenance tools and options you’ll need.
If you need a list of thebest Windows utilities to tune up your PC, check our detailed guide for the top options.
If you have any more tips or questions about the subject, please share them in the comments section below.
Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
Matthew is a freelancer who has produced a variety of articles on various topics related to technology. His main focus is the Windows OS and all the things surrounding it.
He is passionate about the tech world, always staying up-to-date with the latest and greatest. With an analytical view, he likes problem-solving, focusing on errors and their causes.
In his free time, he likes to read and write about history and tries to always develop new skills.
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Matthew Adams
Windows Hardware Expert
He is passionate about everything surrounding Microsoft’s OS, focusing on troubleshooting guides & tips for everyday problems.
