- Perform a Disk Cleanup: Windows 10 and 11 have a built-in Disk Cleanup utility that can help you clean up temporary files, unnecessary system files, and other junk that can slow down your system. To use Disk Cleanup, go to the Start menu, type “Disk Cleanup” in the search bar, and select it from the results. Choose the drive you want to clean (usually the C: drive), and select the types of files you want to delete. Click “OK” and then “Delete Files” to start the cleanup process.
- Run Disk Defragmentation: Disk fragmentation can also impact performance on Windows 10 and 11. You can use the built-in Disk Defragmenter utility to rearrange fragmented data on your hard drive, making it more efficient and faster to access. To run Disk Defragmenter, go to the Start menu, type “Defragment and Optimize Drives” in the search bar, and select it from the results. Choose the drive you want to defrag (usually the C: drive), and click “Optimize” to start the defragmentation process.
- Disable Startup Programs: Many programs automatically start when you boot up your computer, which can significantly impact performance. You can disable unnecessary startup programs on Windows 10 and 11 to speed up your computer. To do this, right-click on the taskbar and select “Task Manager.” In the Task Manager window, go to the “Startup” tab, and disable the programs that you don’t need to start automatically with your computer.
- Remove Malware and Viruses: Malware and viruses can also slow down computer performance on Windows 10 and 11. Make sure to run a reputable antivirus software to scan and remove any malware or viruses from your system. Keep your antivirus software up to date and perform regular scans to keep your computer protected.
- Update Device Drivers: Outdated or incompatible device drivers can cause performance issues on Windows 10 and 11. Make sure to update your device drivers to the latest versions from the manufacturer’s website. You can usually find them in the “Support” or “Downloads” section of the manufacturer’s website.
- Adjust Visual Effects: Windows 10 and 11 have visual effects, such as animations and transparency, that can impact performance. You can adjust these visual effects to optimize performance. Right-click on the Computer icon on your desktop or in the File Explorer, select Properties, click on the “Advanced system settings” link, go to the “Advanced” tab, and click on the “Settings” button under the Performance section. Choose the “Adjust for best performance” option or manually disable specific visual effects that you can live without.
- Update Operating System and Software: Keeping your operating system and software up to date is crucial for performance optimization on Windows 10 and 11. Windows regularly releases updates that can fix performance-related issues. Make sure to install the latest updates from Windows Update and keep your installed software up to date as well.
- Check for Hardware Issues: Sometimes, slow performance on Windows 10 and 11 can be caused by hardware issues such as a failing hard drive, overheating CPU, or insufficient RAM. Run hardware diagnostics to check for any hardware issues and replace or upgrade hardware components if necessary.
- Clean your Computer: Dust and debris buildup can cause your computer to overheat and slow down on Windows 10 and 11. Regularly clean your computer’s internal components, including the CPU fan, power supply, and other hardware, to prevent overheating and improve performance.
- Optimize Power Settings: Windows 10 and 11 have power settings that can affect performance. Make sure your power settings are optimized for performance rather than power saving. To do this, go to the Control Panel, click on “Power Options,” and select the “High Performance” power plan.