In today’s digital age, having a fast and responsive Windows computer is essential for productivity and efficiency. Whether you’re using a laptop or a desktop, there are steps you can take to optimize your system’s performance. In this article, we will explore how to speed up your Windows computer, including various methods to speed up your Windows performance, enabling it to work faster and be more responsive. Additionally, we have a surprise for you at the end—a secret ingredient that guarantees improved speed. So, let’s dive in and unlock the full potential of your Windows computer.
Assessing Your Computer’s Performance
Before we begin, let’s first evaluate your computer’s current performance. This will help us measure the improvements achieved after implementing the steps. We’ll start by measuring the load time of your Windows computer. By comparing application opening time and background tasks, we can gauge the effectiveness of the optimization process.
Load Time Assessment
To determine the load time, we will use a timer. Start your computer and record the time it takes to fully load. For instance, our test computer took approximately 36 seconds to load.
Application Opening Time Assessment
Next, let’s measure the time it takes to open a specific application, such as Adobe Photoshop. Start the timer and simultaneously launch Photoshop. In our test, it took 26 seconds for Photoshop to open.
Background Task Assessment
To assess the number of background tasks running on your computer, open the Task Manager by pressing Ctrl+Shift+Escape. In the Performance tab, you’ll find the total count of processes currently running. Ideally, this number should be around 100. Our test computer showed 221 background processes. Remember, these tasks can significantly impact your computer’s performance.
Optimizing Windows Performance
Now, let’s explore the five steps to improve your Windows computer’s performance.
Step 1: Removing Unnecessary Windows Processes
Windows comes with several default apps that run in the background, consuming valuable system resources. By eliminating these unnecessary processes, you can enhance your computer’s speed. To achieve this, we will utilize the Deep Load Windowscript—a program designed to remove unwanted background tasks. Follow these instructions:
- Click the link below this video to access the Deep Load Windowscript page.
- Copy the provided code.
- Right-click on your Windows icon and select “Windows PowerShell (Admin).”
- A PowerShell window will appear. Paste the code into the window by pressing Ctrl+V.
- Press Enter to execute the script.
- A window titled “Windows Deep Load Tool” will open.
- Click on “Tweaks.”
- Select your device type (laptop or desktop).
- The unnecessary settings and programs will be automatically selected.
- Click “Run Tweaks” to disable the default Windows background tasks.
- Click “OK” to confirm the changes.
Congratulations! You have now disabled unnecessary Windows background tasks. The tool also creates a restore point, which serves as a backup to revert changes if needed.
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Step 2: Disabling Frequent Windows Updates
Frequent Windows updates can sometimes slow down your computer. In this step, we will disable non-essential updates and allow only important security updates. Follow these instructions:
- Return to the tool we used earlier.
- Click on “Updates.”
- Choose the recommended option, which installs only security updates.
- Click “OK” to apply the new Windows update settings.
By disabling frequent updates, you ensure that your computer receives only critical security updates, avoiding unnecessary system load.
Step 3: Disabling Startup Apps
Many apps have the habit of automatically launching when you start your computer. These apps continue to run in the background, consuming system resources. By disabling startup apps, you can optimize your computer’s performance. Here’s how:
- Open the Task Manager by pressing Ctrl+Shift+Escape.
- Click on the “Startup” tab.
- Identify the apps listed as startup apps.
- Right-click on an app and select “Disable.”
- Repeat this process for all unnecessary apps.
Disabling startup apps prevents them from running automatically when you start your computer, freeing up resources for more important tasks.
Step 4: Removing Unused Apps
Over time, you may have accumulated several apps that you no longer use. These unnecessary apps can impact your computer’s performance. To remove them, follow these steps:
- Click on the Windows icon.
- Select “Settings.”
- Click on “Apps.”
- A list of installed apps will appear.
- Select the app you want to remove.
- Click “Uninstall.”
- Confirm the uninstallation.
Repeat these steps for all the unused apps you wish to remove. This process ensures that your computer only retains apps that are essential for your needs.
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Step 5: Removing Temporary Files
The accumulation of temporary files can consume significant storage space and hinder your computer’s performance. Let’s remove these unnecessary files. Here’s how:
- Open the Windows File Manager.
- Right-click on the Windows Drive.
- Click on “Properties.”
- In the “General” tab, click “Disk Cleanup.”
- Select “Cleanup system files.”
- Choose the files you want to delete. If you have files you need in specific folders, deselect those options.
- Click “OK” and then “Delete Files.”
The time required for this process depends on your drive’s speed. By removing temporary files, you reclaim valuable storage space and optimize your computer’s performance.
Assessing Performance Improvements
After completing the optimization steps, it’s crucial to evaluate the performance improvements achieved. Let’s revisit the load time, application opening time, and background task count to see the impact.
Load Time Comparison
Shut down your computer and start the timer simultaneously when restarting. Compare this time to the initial load time assessment. In our test, Windows loaded in 25 seconds—11 seconds faster than before.
Application Opening Time Comparison
Launch Photoshop while simultaneously starting the timer. Compare this time to the previous measurement. In our test, Photoshop opened in 19 seconds, seven seconds faster than before.
Background Task Count Comparison
Open the Task Manager and navigate to the Performance tab. Observe the reduced number of running tasks compared to the initial assessment. In our test, the background tasks decreased from 221 to 124, signifying significant improvements.
How to Restore Your Computer and Upgrade HDD to SSD for Better Performance
If you’re experiencing issues with your computer, such as being unable to open certain programs or encountering random error messages, there’s a solution to undo the changes and restore your system. By utilizing a restore point, which is a snapshot of important files like system files and the Windows registry, you can bring your computer back to its previous working state. Here’s a step-by-step guide to restoring your computer:
- Press the Win key on your keyboard and start typing “restore point” to open the restore point option.
- Click on “System Restore” to access the system restore window.
- Select the latest restore point from the list provided. If you can’t find the latest one, click the checkbox to show more restore points.
- After choosing the restore point, click “Next” and then “Finish.”
- Your computer will restart, and the restoration process will be initiated, bringing your computer back to its previous working condition.
If your computer is functioning well and you’re not experiencing any issues, you can proceed with upgrading your HDD to an SSD for improved performance. An SSD, or solid-state drive, offers significantly faster read and write speeds compared to a traditional hard disk drive (HDD). This upgrade can enhance various aspects of your computer’s performance, including faster Windows loading, quicker app launches, and quicker file transfers.
To determine whether your computer has an HDD or an SSD, follow these steps:
- Press the Ctrl + Shift + Escape keys to open the Task Manager.
- Click on the “Performance” tab.
- Check the storage type under the performance tab to identify if you have an HDD or an SSD.
If you already have an SSD, you can skip the upgrade process. However, if you have an HDD and wish to proceed with the upgrade, here’s what you need to do:
- Acquire an SSD with sufficient storage capacity based on your needs. Determine the size of your current hard drive by opening the Task Manager, selecting the C drive, and noting its capacity.
- Purchase an SSD and the necessary connector cable for transferring the data.
- Connect the SSD to your computer using the cable.
- Download and install software called Macrium Reflect 8, which facilitates the copying of files and Windows OS to the new SSD.
- Launch the Macrium Reflect software, select the Windows OS drive, and choose the SSD as the destination drive for the data.
- Initiate the cloning process, which will copy all the files and Windows OS to the SSD. This process may take some time.
- Safely disconnect the SSD and the connector cable once the cloning is complete.
- Open the back panel of your computer and replace the HDD with the newly prepared SSD.
- Reattach the back panel and secure it in place.
- Follow specific instructions for your laptop model to complete the SSD installation.
After successfully adding the SSD, you’ll notice a significant improvement in your computer’s performance. For instance, the Windows loading time can be significantly reduced, resulting in faster overall system responsiveness.
By following these steps, you can restore your computer to its previous working state and upgrade your HDD to an SSD for enhanced performance. These actions will help you optimize your Windows computer for better speed and efficiency. Remember to consult specific instructions or video tutorials for your laptop model when performing hardware upgrades.