Is your Windows 10 computer running slow? Many users notice lag, slow startup, and delayed responses over time. The good news is that speeding up Windows 10 is easier than you think.
In this guide, you’ll learn proven methods to speed up Windows 10, from disabling unnecessary programs to optimizing system settings, cleaning temporary files, and upgrading hardware.
Why Windows 10 Becomes Slow
Before learning how to speed up Windows 10, it’s helpful to understand why it slows down.
Common Causes
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Too many startup programs
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Outdated drivers or Windows updates
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Fragmented hard drive or storage issues
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Malware or viruses
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Visual effects and animations
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Insufficient RAM or CPU overload
Understanding the cause helps you target the right fixes.
How to Speed Up Windows 10: Basic Steps
Start with simple steps that usually solve most performance issues.
1. Restart Your Computer
Restarting clears temporary files and memory leaks, often improving speed immediately.
2. Keep Windows Updated
Go to Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update → Check for Updates.
Updates fix bugs, optimize performance, and improve security.
3. Scan for Malware
Use Windows Defender or trusted antivirus software to scan your PC.
Malware often causes system slowdowns.
How to Speed Up Windows 10 by Managing Startup Programs
Startup programs run automatically when Windows starts, slowing boot time.
Steps to Disable Startup Programs
- Go to Startup tab
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Identify programs you don’t need immediately
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Right-click → Disable
This reduces boot time and frees up memory.
How to Speed Up Windows 10 by Cleaning Temporary Files
Temporary files, cache, and junk data slow down your PC.
Steps to Clean Files
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Press Windows + R, type
cleanmgr→ Enter -
Select drive (usually C:)
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Check Temporary files, Recycle Bin, System files
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Click OK → Delete Files
This frees storage and improves performance.
How to Speed Up Windows 10 by Adjusting Visual Effects
Windows 10 animations and effects look good but consume resources.
Steps
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Press Windows + R, type
sysdm.cpl→ Enter -
Go to Advanced → Performance Settings
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Select Adjust for best performance
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Apply changes
This disables unnecessary animations and speeds up response.
How to Speed Up Windows 10 by Optimizing Hard Drive
1. Defragment HDD (Not SSD)
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Open Defragment and Optimize Drives
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Select HDD → Optimize
2. Enable Storage Sense
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Go to Settings → System → Storage
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Turn on Storage Sense
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Automatically removes temporary files and keeps storage optimized
How to Speed Up Windows 10 by Updating Drivers
Outdated drivers can cause lag and crashes.
Steps
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Press Windows + X → Device Manager
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Expand categories (Display adapters, Network adapters, etc.)
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Right-click → Update driver
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Choose Search automatically
Updated drivers improve performance and stability.
How to Speed Up Windows 10 Using Power Settings
Windows 10 has power plans that affect performance.
Steps
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Go to Control Panel → Power Options
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Select High Performance
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Apply changes
This boosts speed at the expense of slightly higher energy usage.
How to Speed Up Windows 10 by Disabling Background Apps
Background apps consume CPU and memory.
Steps
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Go to Settings → Privacy → Background apps
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Turn off apps you don’t use
This reduces CPU load and speeds up your system.
How to Speed Up Windows 10 by Removing Bloatware
Preinstalled software can slow your computer.
Steps
- Identify unused or unnecessary apps
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Select → Uninstall
Freeing resources improves overall speed.
How to Speed Up Windows 10 by Increasing Virtual Memory
Virtual memory acts as additional RAM using storage space.
Steps
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Press Windows + R, type
sysdm.cpl→ Enter -
Set Custom size based on recommended values
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Apply changes and restart
This is useful if your PC has low RAM.
How to Speed Up Windows 10 by Disabling Search Indexing
Search indexing helps find files quickly but slows some PCs.
Steps
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Press Windows + S → Services
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Find Windows Search
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Right-click → Properties → Startup type → Disabled
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Apply changes
This improves speed on older computers.
How to Speed Up Windows 10 by Resetting or Reinstalling
If your PC is extremely slow, a fresh start helps.
Steps
- Select Reset this PC → Keep my files
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Follow prompts
This removes unnecessary apps and settings causing slowness.
Hardware Upgrades to Speed Up Windows 10
Sometimes software tweaks aren’t enough.
Recommended Upgrades
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Add more RAM for multitasking
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Upgrade to SSD for faster boot and app loading
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Upgrade graphics card for games and creative apps
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Use modern CPU for better performance
Hardware upgrades can dramatically improve speed.
Tips to Keep Windows 10 Fast Over Time
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Avoid installing unnecessary software
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Regularly clean temporary files
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Keep antivirus active but optimized
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Keep Windows and drivers updated
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Monitor startup programs regularly
Consistent maintenance prevents slowdown.
FAQs About How to Speed Up Windows 10
Does disabling visual effects really speed up Windows 10?
Yes, it reduces CPU and RAM usage, improving responsiveness.
Will adding more RAM make Windows 10 faster?
Yes, more RAM allows better multitasking and reduces reliance on virtual memory.
Can malware cause Windows 10 to slow down?
Absolutely. Scanning and removing malware often restores speed.
How often should I clean temporary files?
Monthly cleaning helps maintain speed for most users.
Does SSD upgrade improve Windows 10 speed?
Yes, SSDs drastically reduce boot time and app load time compared to HDDs.
Conclusion
Sluggish Windows 10 performance can be frustrating, but it’s often easy to fix. By following the steps in this guide, you can speed up Windows 10 effectively.
Start with software tweaks like disabling startup programs, cleaning files, and adjusting visual effects. If needed, update drivers, optimize hardware, or consider upgrades like RAM and SSD. Consistent maintenance ensures your Windows 10 PC stays fast and responsive.
