How to Speed Up a Slow Windows PC: 12 Safe Fixes

A slow computer can turn simple tasks into a test of patience. The good news is that most slowdowns have common causes, and Windows already includes the tools you need to fix them. This guide walks you through 12 safe fixes, starting with the quickest and moving to the more involved. You don’t need any technical background, and you won’t need to install extra software.

Before you start: back up your important files

None of the fixes in this guide should delete your personal files, but it’s always wise to have a recent backup before you change settings. Copy important documents, photos and projects to an external drive or a cloud storage service you trust.

Why Windows PCs slow down

Most slowdowns come from a handful of common causes:

• Too many apps starting automatically when you turn on your PC.
• Low storage space, which leaves Windows less room to work.
• Outdated software or drivers that miss performance fixes.
• Apps and browser tabs running in the background and using memory.
• Malware quietly using your processor and disk.
• Older hardware that struggles with today’s apps and websites.

The steps below address each of these. The menu paths are for Windows 11; if you use Windows 10, see the note at the end of this guide.

12 safe fixes, from quick to advanced

1. Restart your PC

It sounds simple, but a restart clears temporary data from memory and closes processes that may have stopped working properly. Select Start › Power › Restart. After the restart, open only the apps you need.

2. Install Windows updates and optional driver updates

Updates often include fixes and performance improvements.

1. Select Start › Settings › Windows Update › Check for updates.
2. If updates are available, select Download & install.
3. For drivers, go to Settings › Windows Update › Advanced options › Optional updates, select any available driver updates, then select Download & install.

Your PC may need to restart to finish installing updates.

3. Turn off unnecessary startup apps

Many apps set themselves to start automatically, which slows down startup and keeps them running in the background.

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Select Startup apps in the left-hand menu.
3. Right-click any app you don’t need at startup and select Disable.

Disabling a startup app doesn’t uninstall it — you can still open it whenever you need it. If you’re not sure what an app does, leave it enabled.

4. Close apps that use a lot of resources

1. Open Task Manager with Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
2. On the Processes tab, look for apps using a lot of CPU, memory or disk.
3. Right-click apps you’re not using and select End task.

Web browsers can use a lot of memory, especially with many tabs or extensions open. Close tabs you don’t need and remove browser extensions you no longer use.

5. Free up disk space

When your drive is almost full, Windows has less space for temporary files and updates.

• Run Storage Sense: go to Settings › System › Storage › Storage Sense and select Run Storage Sense now.
• Remove temporary files: go to Settings › System › Storage › Temporary files, check the types of files you want to remove and select Remove files. Check the list carefully — for example, the Downloads folder may contain files you still want.
• Use Disk Cleanup: select Start, type Disk Cleanup, open it and choose the drive you want to clean.

6. Uninstall apps you don’t use

Unused apps take up storage and some run background tasks.

1. Go to Settings › Apps › Installed apps.
2. Find an app you no longer need, select More options (…) and then Uninstall.

Only remove apps you recognize. If you’re unsure about an app, search for its name first.

7. Scan for malware with Windows Security

Malware can slow your PC by using your processor and disk in the background.

1. Go to Settings › Privacy & security › Windows Security › Virus & threat protection.
2. Select Quick scan.

If the scan finds anything, follow the recommended actions on screen.

8. Stop apps from running in the background

Some apps keep working in the background even when you’re not using them.

1. Go to Settings › Apps › Installed apps.
2. Select More options (…) next to an app, then Advanced options.
3. Under Background app permissions, set Let this app run in the background to Never.

This option isn’t available for every app. Keep background activity on for apps that need it, such as messaging or backup apps.

9. Reduce visual effects

Animations and shadows look nice but use system resources.

1. Select Start, type Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows and open it.
2. On the Visual Effects tab, select Adjust for best performance, then OK.

If text or windows look too plain afterward, you can return to this screen and turn individual effects back on.

10. Check your power mode

Windows balances performance and energy use. If power use isn’t a concern, you can choose a faster setting.

1. Go to Settings › System › Power & battery.
2. In Power mode, select Best performance.

On laptops this drains the battery faster and can make the device run warmer, so use it mainly when plugged in.

11. Optimize your drives

Windows can optimize your drives to keep them running efficiently.

1. Select Start, type Defragment and Optimize Drives and open it.
2. Select your drive and choose Optimize.

Windows usually does this automatically on a schedule, so you may find your drives are already optimized.

12. Consider a hardware upgrade

If your PC is still slow after these steps, its hardware may not keep up with modern apps. Two upgrades often help:

• Switch to an SSD: if your PC still uses a traditional hard disk drive (HDD), moving to a solid-state drive (SSD) can make startup and app loading much faster.
• Add more memory (RAM): to see if memory is the bottleneck, open Task Manager, select Performance › Memory and watch how much is in use during your normal work. If it’s regularly close to full, more RAM may help.

Not every computer can be upgraded — many thin laptops have memory built in. Check your manufacturer’s documentation or ask a qualified technician before buying parts. For an older PC, a new device may be the better investment.

What not to do

• Don’t rely on “PC booster” or registry cleaner tools that promise dramatic speed gains. They rarely make a noticeable difference and can cause problems if they remove something Windows needs.
• Don’t delete files from Windows system folders to save space. Use Storage Sense and Disk Cleanup instead.
• Don’t download drivers from unknown websites. Use Windows Update or your device manufacturer’s official website.

A note for Windows 10 users

Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. Windows 10 PCs still work, but they no longer receive regular security updates, unless they are enrolled in Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, which for home users runs until October 12, 2027. Most of the fixes above also apply to Windows 10, although some menus are named or arranged differently — for example, Windows Update is under Settings › Update & Security. If your PC meets the requirements, upgrading to Windows 11 keeps it protected and up to date.

When to get professional help

Contact a qualified technician or your manufacturer’s support if your PC:

• Makes clicking or grinding noises.
• Shuts down suddenly or overheats.
• Shows repeated error messages or blue screens.
• Stays very slow even after you’ve tried every step above.

FAQ

Will these steps delete my files?

No. These fixes change settings and remove temporary files and apps you choose to uninstall. Still, back up your important files before you start.

How often should I do this?

Restarting regularly and installing updates should be routine. Checking startup apps and storage every few months is usually enough.

Is it safe to disable startup apps?

Yes, for apps you recognize and don’t need immediately. Disabling only stops them from starting automatically — you can still open them later.

Do I need extra software to speed up my PC?

No. The tools used in this guide are built into Windows.

Final thoughts

Most slow Windows PCs can be improved without spending money. Start with a restart, updates and startup apps, then free up space and remove what you don’t use. If your computer still struggles after that, it may be time to look at an upgrade or a new device — our guide How to Choose a Laptop can help. While you tidy up your PC, it’s also a good moment to set up a password manager. For more practical guides, explore our How-to Guides and Troubleshooting sections.

This guide is for general information. Back up your data before making changes, and see our Disclaimer for more details.

Sources: Microsoft Support — Tips to improve PC performance in Windows · Microsoft Support — Windows 10 support has ended on October 14, 2025