2. Disable unnecessary startup programs from running

Similar to disabling apps from starting up disabling unnecessary programs from running in the background will improve your computer’s performance as well.

Steps

1. Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete simultaneously.
2. Select Task Manager.
3. Select More Details in the bottom left.

4. Click on the tab Startup.

5. Select any program that is unnecessary.
   • If you are unsure which ones might be un-necessary here is a simple guide on some of the most common ones. Link coming soon.
6. Select Disable in the bottom right.

7. After you have finished restart your computer.
8. If you are having any issues after restarting re-enable the programs one at a time to see which one is the necessary one that got disabled.

3. Uninstall un-necessary programs or programs you no longer use

Many programs can fill up your hard drive space, clutter your computer and overall slow down your performance quite a bit. Uninstalling old programs you don’t use or new ones you didn’t know you had can increase your performance greatly.

Steps

1. Press Windows Icon + R.
2. In the run command box type Appwiz.cpl and select OK.

3. Uninstall any program that you know of that is un-necessary.
   • I personally like to sort the programs by date and looking at the newest files, generally the newer files can be less important.

4. Do not un-install a program if you are not sure.
   • For a list of example programs that you should or should not un-install go here Link coming soon.
5. After you uninstall all the un-necessary programs restart the computer.

4. Optimize your files

Your computer has many files that run in the background, web browsers and Windows will store temporary files for many purposes. Your browser can save files and pictures to make frequently visited websites load faster. Now days internet speeds have increased and browsers don’t need to save these files like they used to. Sometimes these files even have viruses so its recommended to clean out your browsing data, cookies and cached images.

Steps

1. For this I recommend installing a separate program that can do these steps automatically with one click, I personally use CCleaner, you can download it here and select the free download.
2. During the install decline the browser install option. This is also an example of a important preventative step listed below on tip number 9.

3. Once Installed choose custom clean and then run cleaner. I recommend opening this program and running the cleaner once a month. (Warning this will log you out of any websites you are logged in to)

4. If you do not want to install a program you can do these steps manually but the process is not as easy. To manually do some of these steps go to your web browsers one at a time.
5. In the settings menu clear your browsing data, cookies and cached images and files.
6. Make sure to choose all time not just the last hour if the option is there.

5. Update windows to the latest version

Many times updating windows can actually improve your computer’s performance. Updates fix bugs that cause performance issues and the also remove older antiquated processes in your computer’s software.

Steps

1. Open up the start menu.
2. Select Settings.
3. Select Updates & Security.
4. Select Check For Updates.
5. Once updates are finished or ready restart your computer.
6. Repeat from step one to see if there is any new updates.

6. Disable system visual effects

Windows has many appearance settings and they can slow your computer down. Many of these settings if disabled you would never notice the difference. One example of this is drop shadows for icons on your desktop.

Steps

1. Press Windows Icon + R.
2. In the run command box type Sysdm.cpl and select OK.

3. Select Advanced tab.

4. Under performance select settings.

5. Choose adjust for best performance.
6. You can keep it this way but Windows will not look as good, I recommend re-selecting Show thumbnails instead of icons and Smooth edges of screen fonts.

7. Select OK.

7. Perform a Malware scan

Malware can be hidden on your computer and you may not know it, performing a simple malware scan can remove many viruses, adware or malware related files which can boost your computer’s performance and get rid of some of those pesky ads.

Steps

1. Install a malware scanner program, I recommend Malwarebytes, its free and is very effective at removing malware related files and viruses on your computer you can download it here.
2. Once installed choose scan computer now.
3. Once its finished restart your computer.
4. If desired your can now uninstall Malwarebytes since its antivirus feature is not necessary.

8. Uninstall browser extensions

Browser extensions can slow down your browser and make it seem like your entire computer is running slow.  Browser extensions can also be the culprit behind many ads on websites and virus related popups.

Steps

If using Google Chrome

1. Open up Chrome.
2. On the top right you will see multiple icons to the left of the three dots menu.
3. Select the puzzle piece icon to see your extensions.
4. Click on the three dots next to each one and choose remove from chrome.
5. If you are unsure what the extension is then you should remove it, Google chrome operates perfectly fine without any extensions.  Only keep extensions you know and put there.

9. Preventative steps

Preventative steps can maintain your computer’s performance into the future.

Steps

1. Only install programs you know are good or need.
2. When installing any program always choose custom install.
   • Check for hidden checkboxes in installers, many times these checkboxes or options add additional un-necessary programs.
3. Don’t install programs from popups or ads.
4. If a website requires you to install a extension or a task that is trying to force you to install extra things, then go away from that website.
5. You can periodically use CCleaner to clear your browsing data, I recommend this once a month.
6. Keep an eye on who is on your computer, many times parents will find their kids installed games and extra programs that can tremendously slow a computer down.