How to speed up Windows for better performance

Windows often suffers from performance bottlenecks due to heavy startup items, outdated software, and resource-intensive background services. Proper configuration and optimization can free system resources, reduce overhead, and help applications run more smoothly. Understanding how to tweak essential system settings is the first step to achieving noticeable improvements in speed.

Identifying the root causes of sluggish behavior is crucial. Common culprits include fragmented drives, unnecessary visual effects, and unneeded services. Tools like Task Manager, Device Manager, and the built-in Performance Monitor help in diagnosing hardware or software issues that slow down normal operations.

Even minor adjustments can bring significant improvements, especially when combined with hardware upgrades such as SSDs or additional RAM. A structured approach to optimizing Windows ensures that every resource is used efficiently. Technical understanding of system components and services helps maintain consistent performance gains over time.

1. Disable startup programs by opening Task Manager, selecting the Startup tab, and toggling off unnecessary items.

   Many third-party applications insert themselves into startup; disabling these can greatly reduce boot times.

2. Uninstall unwanted applications from Control Panel → Programs and Features to reclaim disk space and remove background processes.
3. Adjust visual effects by navigating to System → Advanced system settings → Performance settings → Visual Effects and selecting “Adjust for best performance.”
4. Run Disk Cleanup by searching “Disk Cleanup” in the Start Menu, selecting a drive, and removing temporary files and other unused data.

   Related: System Cleanup in Windows

5. Ensure device drivers are updated through Device Manager by right-clicking each device and selecting “Update driver”.
6. Clear temporary files using the built-in Storage Sense feature under Settings → System → Storage → Storage Sense.
7. Check for malware using a reliable security software or the built-in Windows Defender for any unwanted programs slowing performance.
8. Apply all recommended Windows updates under Settings → Update & Security to patch known issues and improve compatibility.

1. Open an elevated Command Prompt by right-clicking Start and selecting “Command Prompt (Admin)”.

   Always back up critical data before making changes in the Command Prompt.

2. Clean up system files with the Deployment Image Servicing and Management tool.

   # dism --online --cleanup-image --scanhealth
   Deployment Image Servicing and Management tool
   Version: 10.0.19041.844
   Image Version: 10.0.19041.844
   [===== 25.0% =====]
   No component store corruption detected.
   The operation completed successfully.

3. Check for disk errors.

   # chkdsk C: --scan
   The type of the file system is NTFS.
   Stage 1: Examining basic file system structure ...
   [===== 10.0% =====]
   Windows has scanned the file system and found no problems.
   No further action is required.

4. Remove unwanted Windows features.

   # dism --online --disable-feature --featurename=Printing-Foundation-Features --quiet
   Deployment Image Servicing and Management tool
   Version: 10.0.19041.844
   Image Version: 10.0.19041.844
   [===== 100.0% =====]
   The operation completed successfully.