Every computer, no matter how powerful, will become slow at some point. Your system can lag when switching between windows, become slow to start, or struggle to keep up with simple tasks. The key is knowing how to bring your PC back to life. 

In this guide, I’ll show you how to speed up Windows 10 and 11 using tried-and-true methods I’ve used to boost my computer. 

If you’re ready to improve your PC performance, let’s begin!

How to Speed Up Your Windows 10/11: First Tips to Apply

Tip 1: Use a PC cleaner and optimizer

Using a third-party app, such as a PC cleaner, is one of the quickest ways to improve your PC’s performance. These apps typically offer all the necessary functions in one package and can usually speed up your PC almost automatically. You can choose from several options, including CCleaner, IObit Advanced SystemCare, or Auslogics BoostSpeed.

In this article, we will show you how to speed up your Windows system using Auslogics BoostSpeed, one of the popular choices among users and trusted by many.

Here are some features of BoostSpeed that can help boost the performance of your Windows:

  • Cleans up junk files: BoostSpeed specializes in removing temporary files, cache, and logs to free up disk space.
  • Drive optimization: You can optimize your hard drive, including solid-state drives, using BoostSpeed’s unique algorithm. 
  • Cleans your registry: BoostSpeed cleans out invalid or corrupt registry entries to prevent system glitches and improve stability. 
  • File defragmentation: The program reassembles fragmented files on your drive to help you access your data faster. 
  • Startup Manager: It identifies and disables unnecessary startup apps, which can speed up boot times. 
  • Duplicate File Finder: This tool scans your PC for duplicate files and removes them to save disk space. 

Let’s take one of its features, Deep Disk Cleaner, and see how it deletes unnecessary files from your system, freeing up essential disk space for your Windows to perform more smoothly.

  • First, download Auslogics BoostSpeed from the official website and install it. 
  • After launching the program, click on Tools, hover your mouse on Disk Tools, and select Deep Disk Cleaner
Auslogics BoostSpeed Deep Disk Cleaner
  • If it’s your first time, you’ll see a yellow banner labeled Attention Required. You can click on Scan Now to start analyzing your system. 
Auslogics BoostSpeed Attention Required
  • After the scan, click on Clean up to delete the junk files. 
Click Clean up to delete the junk files With Auslogics BoostSpeed
  • After the scan, you can click View report to check everything BoostSpeed detected and eliminated. 
Auslogics BoostSpeed View report

Before we move forward, have a quick look at this table to compare the main advantages of using third-party apps like BoostSpeed and built-in Windows methods:

Feature/benefit Third-party apps (e.g., BoostSpeed) Built-in Windows methods
Deep file cleanup Yes Yes
Complete performance optimization Yes No
Free to use No (advanced features are usually behind a paywall) Yes (free)
Speed of methods Yes, all-in-one tool No
Friendly user interface Yes No
Automatic updates Yes No
Customer support Yes No

Download Auslogics BoostSpeed
Your one-stop PC maintenance and optimization tool, this program will clean, speed up, repair and tweak your system to ensure maximum speed and efficiency.

Tip 2: Clean up your disk space

If you decided to skip using third-party apps for speeding up your PC and have chosen the way through thorns to the stars, let’s move to step-by-step solutions using built-in Windows methods.

First step: cleaning your disk space by hand.

So obviously, over time, your computer accumulates different types of files and data that take up necessary space on your hard drive, such as temporary files, system cache, temporary internet files, Windows update files, and more. 

But there is a way to remove these files. Follow the steps below: 

  • Type “disk cleanup” in the search bar and click on it to open.
disk cleanup
  • Select the drive you want to clean up and click OK.
  • Once the tool appears, you’ll see a list of temporary and cache files. Check the box beside the ones you want to clear and click on the OK button.
You can also click on Clean up system files to get rid of junk files created by the operating system.
Clean up system files
PRO TIP
You can automate the cleanup process by switching on Storage Sense. Go to Settings > System > Storage.

Then toggle the switch to turn it on.

You can also customize the settings to specify what types of files you want to delete and how often it should run.

Tip 3: Keep Windows up to date

One of the most effective ways to speed up your Windows system is to ensure that it has the latest updates. 

Updates from Microsoft include important security patches and performance improvements that can fix any issues slowing your PC down. 

Here’s how to update Windows: 

  • Go to your Settings window by pressing Windows + I.
  • Scroll down and click on Windows Update
Windows Update
  • Click on Check for updates, wait a bit to see if there are any, and if so, click Download & install to start the process.

Tip 4: Close background applications

Some apps run in the background and weigh your processor down. With a simple settings tweak, you can speed up your computer by disabling these apps and choosing which ones will run in the background.

Follow the below steps: 

Windows 10

  • Launch Settings, click on Privacy, and select Background apps
  • Next, go to the Background apps page and turn on the Let apps run in the background option. 
  • After that, go to Choose which apps can run in the background and turn individual apps on or off.
  • You can quickly turn most applications off by toggling off the Let apps run in the background option.
Let apps run in the background

Windows 11 

  • Go to your Settings window by pressing Windows + I
  • Click on Apps and select Installed apps.
Installed apps
  • Select the apps you don’t want running in the background, click on the three horizontal dots, and select Advanced options
Advanced options
  • Go down to the Background apps permissions and select Never from the drop-down menu.
Background apps permissions

Tip 5: Use fewer browser tabs, if possible

Another way to speed up your Windows computer is to open fewer tabs on browsers, especially if you’re not using a high-end computer.

Your PC loads these programs and every new web page to your RAM. So, once your system’s memory begins to fill up due to many open tabs, you’ll start experiencing lags. 

Keeping a few tabs open should reduce the strain on the RAM and boost your Windows speed. Either way, you can clear your RAM if it’s full. 


Also read: Hard Refresh Your Browser: Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari


Tip 6: Disable startup apps

Some applications are designed to start running immediately after Windows boots to the desktop. When too many applications launch simultaneously during startup, it will likely take a toll on your computer.

Let’s see how to disable startup programs using the Task Manager:

  • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open the Task Manager.
  • Then, click on Startup apps.
  • After that, go through the programs, click on the app you want to deactivate, and select Disable.

Task Manager Disable


Related read: How to Speed Up Windows 10 Startup and Make Your PC Boot Faster?


PRO TIP
Compared to the regular method of using the system configuration, Auslogics BoostSpeed is the easiest method and also saves you time.

Plus, the program has other helpful features to tweak your Windows for better performance.

Tip 7: Update your device drivers

Drivers and third-party applications also receive regular updates that you should install. When software drivers, like graphics cards, remain out of date for too long, you’ll begin to notice performance drops.

Here’s how to update your drivers and apps: 

  • Type “device manager” in the search bar and click on it to open. 
device manager
  • Expand the category of the device you want to update. 
  • Right-click on the device and select Update driver
Device Manager Update driver
  • Then, click on the Search automatically for drivers option in the window that appears. 
Search automatically for drivers

Allow the Device Manager to search for and install new drivers. After the update, restart your computer to implement the changes.

Download Auslogics Driver Updater
Prevent hardware errors and ensure problem-free device operation with this advanced tool that detects outdated drivers and safely gets them updated.

Tip 8: Uninstall unnecessary apps

If we are honest with ourselves, there are some programs on our computers right now we barely use. These could be apps you installed yourself or that came with the PC.

Regardless, these programs take up space and can reduce your Windows speed. Here’s how to remove those apps

  • Go to your search box and type “Installed apps.” Then click on the result that pops up.  
Installed apps
  • Next, search for the applications you don’t use, right-click on them, and select Uninstall
Uninstall unnecessary apps
PRO TIP
This method of deletion leaves leftovers, which can also take up storage space. And, of course, that also decreases your PC’s speed. Auslogics BoostSpeed 's Uninstall Manager, which does a good job of removing all residual files.

Tip 9: Disable Windows tips, tricks, and suggestions

Windows has a nifty feature known as tips, tricks, and suggestions that tracks how you use the computer. The OS then provides suggestions based on the information it’s gathered.

In reality, you’ll barely notice that the feature is there. When it shows up, it hardly provides useful info or shows you something you don’t already know.

So, in the end, you’re likely better off without it. Plus, it’s contributing to the slowdown of your PC. Follow the below steps to disable the feature:

Windows 10

  • Launch the Settings app and click on System
  • Next, click on Notifications & actions
  • Now, uncheck the box beside Get tips, tricks, and suggestions as you use Windows under Notifications.
Get tips, tricks, and suggestions as you use Windows
  • Finally, restart your PC and check its performance.

Windows 11 

  • Open the Settings window and click on System
  • Afterwards, click on Notifications.
Windows 11 notifications
  • Scroll down to the Additional settings section and click on it to expand. 
  • Finally, uncheck the box next to Get tips and suggestions when using Windows
Get tips and suggestions when using Windows

How to Speed Up Your Windows 11/10: Advanced Methods

Don’t let the word “advanced” scare you. The solutions in this section focus on the system changes that can speed up your Windows 10 or 11. But it’s nothing you can’t handle because we’ve made it super easy:

Tip 1: Adjust your power settings

Windows manages your system’s performance to conserve battery power. While this is typical in laptops, desktop computers also have power plans intended to prevent overheating

The Power saver plan reduces performance to prolong battery life. You’ll experience periodic lags and slowdowns if you’re on this plan. 

Changing the plan to Balanced or High performance should speed up your PC.

Remember that you’ll likely be sacrificing a great deal of battery life.

Here’s how to adjust the power plan:

  • Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box, then type “control panel” into the text box and press Enter.
Run control panel
  • After the Control Panel window appears, go to Hardware and Sound.
Hardware and Sound
  • Then, select Power Options.
Power Options
  • Next, you’ll see the Balanced and Power saver plans under Choose or customize a power plan
Choose or customize a power plan
  • If you want to go for the High performance plan, expand the Show additional plans section.
Show additional plans
  • Now, select the plan you want and exit.

Also read: How to Restore Missing Power Plans Options on Windows


Tip 2: Prevent OneDrive from syncing automatically

If you have a lot of files, especially large ones, the constant syncing can consume lots of system resources like RAM, CPU, and network bandwidth.

Furthermore, OneDrive can run in the background and compete with other resources. All these can cause your Windows to slow down.

You can temporarily disable automatic syncing to reduce the pressure it exerts on the system. Here’s what you should do:

Windows 10

  • Go to the notification area on your taskbar and click on OneDrive.
  • Click on More, and select Settings
  • Select Settings in the pop-up window and uncheck Start OneDrive automatically when I sign in to Windows. 
Start OneDrive automatically when I sign in to Windows
  • After that, go to the Account tab and select Unlink this PC and click Unlink account.
Unlink account

When you unlink your account, a pop-up window will appear to enter your email address. Enter the necessary information to complete the process. 

Windows 11 

  • Click on the OneDrive icon once on the system tray.
system tray OneDrive icon
  • Then, click on the gear icon and select Settings.
OneDrive settings
  • Click on Start OneDrive automatically when I sign in to Windows to uncheck it. 
Start OneDrive automatically when I sign in to Windows
If you don’t want to use OneDrive anymore, you can always disable or uninstall the program

Tip 3: Enable OneDrive’s Files On-Demand feature

Let’s face it, OneDrive is pretty useful despite its resource-guzzling nature. The good thing is that you can reduce the toll it takes on your PC without giving it up entirely.

For example, the Files On-Demand feature allows you to save specific files locally and store others on OneDrive.

This way, you can reduce the syncing process to the barest minimum and upload important files you want to back up and share across devices. 

Follow these steps:

  • Go to the notification area on your taskbar and right-click on OneDrive.
  • Click on Settings in the menu.
OneDrive Settings
  • Click on Sync and backup and select Advanced settings. Then, click on Free up disk space under Files On-Demand
Files On-Demand Free up disk space
  • You’ll get a prompt after clicking on Free up disk space. Read the information there and select Continue
Free up disk space
  • If you want to save a folder on your computer but not on OneDrive, right-click it and select the Always keep on this device option. The file or folder will show a green checkmark to indicate it’s always available locally.
Always keep on this device

Download Auslogics BoostSpeed
Your one-stop PC maintenance and optimization tool, this program will clean, speed up, repair and tweak your system to ensure maximum speed and efficiency.

Tip 4: Disable game mode

The game mode was developed to allocate system resources to games. Essentially, your computer automatically detects that you are running a game and shuts every other application in the background, giving the game more priority.

The steps are the same for both Windows 10 and 11 users.

As great as this feature sounds for gamers, it doesn’t always work. You can experience FPS issues and game stutters instead of improving things. 

Here’s how to disable the feature: 

  • Launch the Settings program using the Windows + I shortcut.
  • Click on Gaming once you see the first page of Settings.
Settings>Gaming
  • Select Game Mode in the left pane of the Gaming interface.
  • Go to the Game Mode page and toggle off the switch under Game Mode.

Game Mode


Also read: How to Optimize Your PC for High-Performance Gaming


Tip 5: Enable automated Windows maintenance

Windows carries out routine maintenance on your computer every day in the background.
This process can keep your PC running optimally for as long as possible.

Some users turn off this feature without knowing it. Also, if you haven’t plugged in your computer during the automatic maintenance, there’s a chance that the process hasn’t been run in a while.

Let’s find out how to enable this feature:

  • Launch Control Panel. 
  • After the program opens, click on the System and Security link. Make sure the View by option is set to Category.
View by category
  • Next, click on Security and Maintenance.
Security and Maintenance
  • Expand the Maintenance section under Review recent messages and resolve problems.
  • Click on Change maintenance settings.
Change maintenance settings
  • Now, under Automatic Maintenance, choose when you’d like Windows to run the daily checks.
  • Mark the checkbox next to Allow scheduled maintenance to wake up my computer at the scheduled time.
  • Click on the OK button.
Allow scheduled maintenance to wake up my computer at the scheduled time

Even though Windows automated maintenance can help with software updates, system diagnostics, and other basic tasks, it can’t fix deeper issues like fragmented registry entries, hidden performance problems, or software conflicts. 

Advanced tools like Auslogics BoostSpeed can properly fix all these issues and get your PC back in shape.

Tip 6: Defragment your hard drive

One of the ways to speed up your Windows is defragging your computer. You can use Windows’ Defragment and Optimize Drives option to defrag your system. 

However, using a third-party tool like Auslogics BoostSpeed goes beyond the basic defragmentation and offers more comprehensive drive optimization for your SSD or HDD. 

Here’s how you can use this tool to optimize your drive and speed up your system

  • Launch BoostSpeed. 
  • Click on All Tools and select Disk Defrag
Auslogics BoostSpeed Disk Defrag

Now, if you’re using a hard drive, just click on Defrag to start the process. However, if you’re using an SSD, click on SSD Support and make sure all the sections are enabled. You can start the scan after that.

You can click on Program settings for more detailed settings, like which files to optimize on your solid-state drive.

Auslogics BoostSpeed Program settings
  • Wait for the process to complete.

It’s crucial to keep your SSD optimized at all times. Luckily, BoostSpeed has a feature to make this possible. Inside the Disk Defrag window, you’ll see SSD Optimization. All you have to do is click on it and enable the feature.

Download Auslogics BoostSpeed
Your one-stop PC maintenance and optimization tool, this program will clean, speed up, repair and tweak your system to ensure maximum speed and efficiency.

Tip 7: Get rid of bloatware and malware

Most times, manufacturers ship computers with apps that virtually serve no purpose. They usually run in the background, collect diagnostic data, and consume a chunk of system resources.

You can use your Settings app to remove them. However, some apps are stubborn, so you may have to take other measures like using third-party tools like Win11Debloat or Windows10Debloater.

PRO TIP
Regarding malware running on your PC, you can use Auslogics Anti-Malware to resolve the issue quickly.

The tool is configured to find and remove every type of malware, such as adware, spyware, and viruses.

In addition, its virus definitions are regularly updated, which means you can trust it to catch harmful programs anytime.

Tip 8: Adjust your Windows appearance

Windows has visual effects, like 3D animations and shadow effects, that make it pop. While these bells and whistles enhance the operating system’s aesthetic appeal, they can affect your PC’s performance.

You might want to consider the trade-off between better performance and aesthetics if your computer doesn’t have enough firepower to stay efficient while handling 3D effects.

Thankfully, Microsoft offers a way to cut down on the operating system’s visual appearance to reduce the burden on your CPU.

Follow this process:

  • Search for “View advanced system settings” and click on the top result. 
View advanced system settings
  • Click on Settings under Performance in the Advanced section.  
Advanced>Performance
  • Select the Adjust for best performance option and click the OK button.
Adjust for best performance
  • You can also choose the visual effects you want to disable and those you’d love to keep.

Restart your computer after making these changes and check if the problem has been resolved.

How to Speed Up Your PC: Tips for Pros

This section will appeal to users comfortable with more technical adjustments. However, if you’re not, don’t worry. We’ve made the steps easy to follow and provided everything you need to know:

Tip 1: Disable search indexing

The next tip to speed up your Windows computer involves turning off search indexing.

What is search indexing?
Search indexing is a process where Windows creates a database of all the files, documents, emails, and other data on your PC. This helps the system to retrieve information more quickly when you search for something.

Even though search indexing makes things run smoothly, the process can reduce your PC speed. Search indexing is done in the background, and it’s almost a continuous process that consumes system resources.

The initial indexing process puts more strain on your computer. That’s because the OS has to go through all your files and their properties. It also has to index the text within text files to pick up keywords from the document’s content. 

After that, it only indexes newly added files.

That said, if you regularly work with lots of files, indexing can take its toll on your PC.

So, turn off search indexing and check if your system’s performance improves. Follow these steps:

  • Open Search and type “services.” Then, click on it to open.
Search>services
  • Scroll down to the Windows Search service and double-click it. Or right-click and select Properties
Windows Search
  • Next, click on the Stop button in the Properties dialog window and select Disabled in the Startup type drop-down menu.
Windows Search Stop

Now, click on the OK button, restart your PC, and check if performance has improved.

This is a no-brainer, but turning off search indexing will slow your searches because your PC will have to scan the entire drive every time you search for a file. 

On the brighter side, this can prolong your SSD’s lifespan because indexing generates small write operations, which could wear out the drive over time.

If you don’t search for files often, turning off search indexing shouldn’t be a big issue.

Tip 2: Optimize your virtual memory

Your computer uses RAM to temporarily store files and programs that the CPU needs to work on. However, when it gets full, Windows uses part of your hard drive or solid-state drive as extra memory. This is called virtual memory or a page file.

Normally, Windows manages the page file automatically by adjusting it according to its needs. However, you can also manage the virtual memory yourself. Here’s how to do it: 

  • Type “View advanced system settings” in the search bar and click on it to open. 
View advanced system settings
  • Click on Settings under Performance once you see the System Properties dialog window.
System Properties
  • After the Performance Options window pops up, switch to the Advanced tab.
  • Go to the Virtual memory section and click on the Change button.
Virtual memory
  • Now, make sure the box beside Automatically manage paging file size for all drives is checked.
  • Click on the OK button.
Automatically manage paging file size for all drives
How you choose to manage the page file affects your system’s performance.

So, if you’re using custom settings, allow Windows to automatically control the file and check if that will solve the performance issue. It will help you improve your PC performance.

Tip 3: Repair system files

You can speed up your Windows 11 and 10 by fixing issues with system files

Windows relies on specific system files to run optimally. While these files are highly protected, they can still be affected by malware and third-party applications. In addition, you could tamper with them by mistake, causing your operating system to malfunction. 

There are instances where system slowdowns and frustrating lags result from missing or corrupted system files.

The good thing is that you can replace these affected files using the System File Checker (SFC). Follow the methods below: 

  • Go to the search bar and type “CMD,” then right-click Command Prompt in the results and select Run as administrator. Click on Yes in the pop-up.
Command Prompt Run as admin
  • Type this DISM command and press Enter: 

    DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
  • After the DISM tool completes its process, which might take a while, type “sfc /scannow,” and tap the Enter keyboard button.
sfc /scannow

The SFC will now go through your computer, searching for corrupted and missing system files. It will scan your PC’s protected folders and replace the affected files.

This command instructs the Windows Update (WU) client to download the replacement files. You need an internet connection and a functioning WU client to make this work. 

If the client fails to download the files, you can use a bootable USB. In that case, you’ll be entering the following command instead:

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:X:\RepairSource\Windows /LimitAccess

Now, make sure you have connected the bootable media or DVD before entering the command. Then, change the X:\RepairSource\Windows part of the command to the DVD’s or USB flash drive’s path.

Tip 4: Consider upgrading RAM

If you’re a heavy user or play resource-intensive PC games, having a RAM upgrade can improve PC performance. If your system is struggling to even open multiple apps or browser tabs, this could be a sign that you need more RAM. 

For most users, upgrading from 4GB to 8GB or 16GB is okay. However, for video editors, gamers, or if you’re running other resource-hungry software, you might benefit from going up to 32GB or higher. 


We have a detailed guide on this topic. You can check it here: When and How to Upgrade Your RAM on Windows 10/11


Download Auslogics BoostSpeed
Your one-stop PC maintenance and optimization tool, this program will clean, speed up, repair and tweak your system to ensure maximum speed and efficiency.

How to Speed Up Your Computer: Explained

If you’re ready to speed up your Windows 10 or 11, start by implementing these tips today and see how much smoother your system can run.

You don’t have to spend money on expensive upgrades or go through complicated processes. Just make a few adjustments and use reliable third-party tools I’ve covered in this article, and you’re good to go!

If this article has been helpful, let us know in the comments and don’t hesitate to share it or reach out with any questions.

FAQ

Why is my PC so slow all the time?
If your computer is consistently slow, it could be that there are too many programs running in the background.

Furthermore, your drive may be nearly full or the system is outdated. Sometimes, malware or bloatware can cause PC slowdowns.

As you can see, there are many reasons why your PC could be slowing down. Check out the solutions on this page to fix the problem.

How can I make my CPU faster?
Start by disabling startup programs and stop unnecessary background programs. Check out the details on this page. You should have all the information you need to boost your PC speed.
What can I add to my PC to make it faster?
Well, it depends on what you want and your current situation. Are you a gamer or a heavy user like a video editor? Upgrading your graphics card can help. You could also consider replacing your hard drive with an SSD.

On the other hand, if you’re a general user, consider installing Auslogics BoostSpeed to optimize your system and increase its efficiency. It has all the necessary tools to keep your PC running smoothly for years to come.

What is the best way to clean up junk files and free up space?
Have you considered third-party utilities like CCleaner or Auslogics BoostSpeed? These programs do a great job at identifying and removing temp files, system caches, old update files, and more. 

It’s the best way to clean your junk files. If you want a detailed answer, check out this guide: [Easy Guide] How to Get More Storage on Your Windows 10/11 PC.

Does uninstalling apps improve computer speed?
Yes, especially if the programs run background processes or consume system resources like CPU and RAM. Many apps, including the ones you don’t usually use, can take up memory and even set themselves to start up when you boot your computer. So, deleting them can free up space and reduce the load on your system.