Best Ways to Speed Up Your Computer

Gabriela Haynes
2 years ago

If you’ve been noticing your computer slowing down lately, there are some effective steps you can take to speed it up again. Before you spend money on a new computer or expensive repairs, try out the following tips and tricks to get it running like new again. We will tell you more about them.

Table of contents:

Why Is My Computer So Slow?

One of the most common questions computer users ask is, “Why is my computer so slow?” There are many potential reasons why your computer might be running slowly. It could be due to an aging hard drive, too much junk data stored on the system, software conflict, or malware infections. 

  • Aging hard drive. As a hard drive ages over time, it loses its ability to store and retrieve information as quickly as it once did. This leads to slower read/write speeds which increases the overall system performance lag.
  • Too much junk data. Over time, computers can accumulate large amounts of temporary files, cookies, and other junk data that take up valuable space on the hard drive, leading to decreased performance. 
  • Software conflict. Software applications can conflict with each other, especially if they are running in the background. When this happens, it can cause your computer to grind to a halt as it tries to process too many instructions at once.
  • Malware infections. Malware and viruses can also wreak havoc on your system by taking up valuable resources and slowing down performance. It’s important to have updated antivirus protection installed on your computer to help protect against these malicious programs. 

If you’re experiencing slowdowns on your computer, one of the best ways to troubleshoot is to run a full system scan for any kind of malware or virus infections. Moreover, you should delete any unnecessary files from your hard drive and make sure all software applications are up-to-date. By taking these simple steps, you can significantly improve your system performance and get back to enjoying your computer. 

Defrag Your Hard Drive

The next step in defragging your hard drive is to decide which type of defragmentation you’d like to use. There are two main approaches: 

  • Manual defragmenting. This approach involves manually opening the disk defragmenter, selecting the disk or partition that you would like to optimize, and running it. The process can take from several minutes to over an hour, depending on how large the drive is and how much fragmentation has occurred on it. It’s best practice to run manual defragmentations regularly (once every couple months) as part of your regular maintenance routine.
  • Automatic defragmentation. This form of defragmentation runs automatically in the background when scheduled by the user. This is the preferred method for most users since it allows you to set and forget, ensuring that your hard drive remains optimized even if you don’t think about it. To enable automatic defragmentation, open the disk defragmenter, select the disk or partition that you would like to optimize, and choose the “Schedule” option. From there, you can configure when and how often you want automatic optimization to occur. 

Once you’ve chosen your desired type of defragmentation, all that’s left is to let it run until completion. Depending on which approach you chose (manual or automatic), this process should take anywhere from several minutes to an hour or more.

Remove Viruses, Malware, Spyware and Adware

Removing viruses, malware, spyware, and adware can be a daunting task at first. However, with the right tools and knowledge, anyone can easily rid their computer of these malicious pieces of software. Here are some tips to help you do just that: 

  • Use an antivirus program. The most important step in removing viruses and other malicious software is to use an updated antivirus program. Antivirus programs use signature-based detection systems to identify known threats, as well as heuristics-based detection systems to identify unknown threats. Make sure you keep your antivirus program up-to-date so it can protect you from the latest threats. 
  • Update operating system and application software. Operating system and application updates are often released to patch known security vulnerabilities. It is important to keep your operating system and software up-to-date so that you can protect yourself from newly discovered threats. 
  • Install a firewall. Firewalls block malicious programs from accessing the Internet or connecting to other computers on the network, thus protecting your computer from becoming compromised. If possible, it is best to install a hardware firewall as they provide more protection than software solutions. 
  • Regularly scan for viruses. Make sure you run regular scans with your antivirus program to check for any malicious programs that may have managed to sneak past your defenses. This will help ensure that any new threats are identified before they cause too much damage. 
  • Be careful with emails and downloads. Even if you have an up-to-date antivirus program, it is still important to be wary of any emails or downloads that may come from suspicious sources. Emails can contain malicious attachments or links that lead to malicious websites so it is always best to avoid opening them unless you are absolutely sure they are safe. Similarly, be careful when downloading files from the Internet as many of them may contain malicious programs. 

Follow these tips and your computer should remain free of viruses, malware, spyware, and adware.

Fix Windows System Errors

When it comes to Windows system errors, the most effective way to fix them is through troubleshooting. Troubleshooting involves identifying the source of the problem and then taking steps to resolve it. In most cases, this can be done without any special tools or software and just requires a bit of patience and logic. 

  • First, you should identify what type of error message you are receiving from your computer. This will help narrow down the possible causes for it. Once you have identified the type of error message, scan your system for any viruses or malware that could potentially be causing it. A good antivirus program can help detect malicious programs which may be responsible for creating system errors on your computer. 
  • It’s also important to check for any damaged or corrupted system files that may be causing the errors. You can do this by running a System File Checker (SFC) scan which will search your computer’s hard drive for any missing or damaged system files and replace them with verified copies. 
  • If the error persists after scanning for viruses and repairing your system files, it may be due to a hardware issue. In this case, you should contact an IT professional who can help diagnose and repair the problem. If necessary, they may also suggest replacing certain components of your computer if they are failing or malfunctioning. 

By following these steps and troubleshooting systematically, you can determine the source of Windows system errors and take steps to fix them. This can help keep your computer running smoothly and avoid any further issues. 

Clean, Replace or Upgrade Your Hardware

If you want to upgrade your hardware, there are several options. 

  • You can replace components, such as the motherboard, processor, memory, and hard drive with new parts. Alternatively, you can purchase a completely new system that meets your needs. In either scenario, it is important to ensure that the components are compatible with each other to avoid compatibility issues. 
  • You should also take into consideration budget when upgrading or replacing your hardware. Compare prices of different models and read reviews of those models before making a decision. It’s also important to consider any discounts available for students or disabled people if applicable. 
  • It is important to research how to properly install new hardware and software before attempting an upgrade on your own. Many websites offer detailed instructions and tips for DIY upgrades but if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, there are professionals who can help. They can also provide advice on the best components to purchase and how to properly install them. 
  • Finally, to keep your system running smoothly, it is important to regularly update any drivers or software installed on your system. This ensures that all of your hardware is compatible with each other and will perform optimally. It is also important to regularly check for security updates to protect your system from malicious software. Keeping up with regular maintenance will ensure that your computer runs at its best and keeps you safe from potential threats. 

In conclusion

There are many ways to speed up your computer but the most important thing is to stay on top of maintenance and regularly clean out any unnecessary data. Going through a few steps each week can help you keep your computer running at its best. Moreover, investing in RAM or an SSD upgrade can also significantly improve computer performance.