A slow-running computer can be frustrating, especially since speed is synonymous with efficiency in the digital age. If your Windows 10 is running slow and causing you to have an overwhelming backlog of tasks, there are ways to combat this issue and reinstate your productivity. Keep reading to find out how to make Windows 10 load faster.
Don’t feel defeated if your Windows 10 is running slow. In this guide, we will teach you how to speed up Windows 10 by providing you with the easiest tips and tricks to get you back on track. Learn about the best troubleshooting methods, what could be slowing down Windows 10, and what to do if none of these ideas help.
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What Is Windows 10?
Windows 10 is an operating system for personal computers (PCs) produced by Microsoft, a major software company. It was released in 2015 and has been popular ever since. Additionally, different versions of Windows 10 have been released to serve different target markets, including Windows 10 Home, Windows 10 Pro, Windows 10 Enterprise, and Windows 10 Education.
The majority of PC users run their machines on Windows 10, the most basic operating system (OS) of the Windows 10 versions. The distinct difference between this version and previous versions is that Microsoft would release entirely different versions of an operating system each time they updated something. With the current version, performance issues are addressed by continuously rolling out software updates as they become available.
Why Is My Windows 10 Running Slow? 5 Possible Reasons
You can expect occasional performance issues or a slow boot time with any browser window you use regularly. That said, there are several reasons why the Windows 10 startup time on your PC may be slow. The list of options below highlight some common challenges that can affect the boot process of your computer.
- Startup programs. There is the option to have programs launch upon starting up your computer, however, this could be slowing down the system. The more programs you have booting up at the same time, the slower your machine will be.
- Background programs. Programs that run in the background, such as antivirus programs, can cause your Windows 10 to run slowly. When programs actively run in the background, it creates competition for processing power.
- Device drivers. Your device drivers enable programs to run efficiently. Outdated drivers can drastically slow down your computer’s efficiency due to incompatibility with the latest software updates. Always keep an eye out for info about updates for Windows 10 to keep your device running smoothly.
- Viruses or malware. According to Statista, Windows is the operating system most commonly affected by malware. Malware of any sort corrupts drivers and software, making them inefficient, and slowing down your PC. One way to avoid viruses is to allow automatic updates to make sure you have the most up-to-date software.
- Memory. Your computer may be in need of more space. Your hard drive could be full due to downloaded programs, or perhaps you have too much happening on your desktop. Adequate disk space is crucial if you want a fast booting process. You can always go through and delete junk files or unnecessary temporary files to free up space.
How to Speed Up Windows 10: 10 Tips
Now that you have an idea of what could be affecting the load time of your Windows 10 operating system, it is time to fix that slow startup process. Some basic options may require you to use the control panel app on your PC, which you can locate using the search box. Below is a list of the best options to help you speed up your computer.
Reduce the Number of Startup Programs
Reducing the number of programs that launch at startup will reduce your boot time greatly. It may be convenient to have this startup setting, but unnecessary startup programs are counterproductive. Launching programs at the time you actually need them may be faster. Use the search box to locate the startup apps setting and manage your applications from there.
Reduce the Number of Antivirus Programs
Reducing the amount of antivirus software your computer has will increase the speed of your PC. Antivirus software tends to run in the background. Having multiple programs actively running means that necessary operational memory space is taken up, which can inhibit faster boot times. To know the status of your PC’s security, type ‘Windows security’ in the search box.
Schedule Antivirus Scans
Scheduling when your anti-malware software runs a scan is helpful in managing the speed of your computer. An antivirus tool that is constantly running in the background can be just as disruptive as the virus it is designed to deal with. Schedule when the antivirus program scans your machine for malicious software, preferably at a time when you are not actively using the computer.
Increase Your Memory
You can increase your computer’s memory so that it executes tasks faster. A comparison between SSDs vs HDDs shows that traditional harddisks are less efficient. This could be a good opportunity to invest in an SSD to replace an older harddisk. You can determine how much computer memory you need beforehand so that you get an adequate size for your purposes.
Remove Unused Programs
Unused programs only fill up your harddisk space and cause some blatant issues. Use the startup tab to take stock of the list of programs that your computer has. Using the control panel, remove unwanted programs alongside any unnecessary files to the recycle bin. This might help solve your issues with speed.
Additionally, back up your data on a larger external drive or a USB drive. Compare cloud services and resources such as Google Cloud or Amazon Web Services, to determine the best option for the types of files you need to back up.
Run Fewer Programs
Run fewer programs by opening only the programs you are actively using at any one time. Programs have an impact on performance as they require drive space for both storage and operations. The more programs you have running, the less space they have to operate, which affects the speed of your PC.
Update Software
Using updated software is essential in improving the speed at which your computer runs. Having the most up-to-date version of Windows will make it more efficient. It is advisable to allow your PC to run automatic software updates. Staying on top of optional updates for Windows 10 should also include virus and threat protection updates, as the two go hand-in-hand.
Update Drivers
Update the drivers on your computer so that your software and programs run efficiently. Driver updates also enable you to run applications more efficiently. Old drivers tend to reduce the load times of programs drastically. Check for updates frequently and any other additional updates that may be useful.
Disk Cleanup
Disk cleanup is another way to improve the performance of Windows. Extra memory space can be freed up by decluttering unnecessary files. Types of files, such as temporary Internet files that keep track of your previous session online, take up storage space on your harddisk. To free up more disk space on your computer, type disk cleanup in your computer’s search bar.
Restart
Software and driver updates cannot take effect if your PC is not restarted. This can slow down your PC. You can select how you want to manage these updates by selecting an option on the shutdown settings on the virtual power button on your machine.
How to Make Windows 10 Load Faster If None of This Works
If you’ve tried the above tips with no success and are wondering what other performance options you have, a sure-fire way to fix your slow Windows 10 is to do a fresh install of Windows OS. Ensure that it is a clean install by removing any previous versions, as they could interfere with the operation of the new installation. You will want to make sure you have the most up-to-date version of Windows.
Ensure you remember to back up all your important information and program files on a USB flash drive or external hard drive, so that you can load it back once you are done. Advanced system settings can also help you troubleshoot further. You can learn about these under your settings tab.
How to Make Windows 10 Load Faster FAQ
Windows 10 starts up slowly because there are too many programs running simultaneously, or there are too many startup applications. Minimize the number of active background programs your computer is running, as well as the number of programs you are actively using.
Boot up times can take as little as 20 seconds to five minutes. It depends on the speed and storage your computer has. A computer with a traditional harddisk would boot slower than one with an SSD disk. If you have a Core i7 CPU with an SSD disk, you would expect it to boot faster than a Core i3 CPU with a traditional harddisk.
When your harddisk fills up, it will slow down your computer unexpectedly. This is because there is inadequate space for the computer to transact between tasks. It will also require more power to perform any tasks. You can use the search box to find the power settings in your computer and set your power options.
Getting an SSD will improve the performance of your machine. An SSD will not only cut down the boot up time of your PC, but you will find that other programs you use will open and shut down faster. Saving documents, browsing the Internet, and even gaming can benefit from the better speeds that an SSD provides. Traditional hard disks may become obsolete in a few short years.
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