Is your Windows PC lagging? Don't buy a new computer yet. Discover 10 actionable tips to speed up Windows 10 and 11, boost performance, and fix slow boot times today.
10 Proven Ways to Speed Up Your Slow Windows PC (2025 Guide)
There is nothing more frustrating than a slow computer. Whether you are waiting for a spreadsheet to open or dealing with lag during a game, a sluggish PC kills productivity.
The good news? You don't necessarily need to buy a new machine. Most Windows performance issues are caused by software bloat, old drivers, or full hard drives.
Here is your step-by-step guide to breathing new life into your Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC.
Restart Your Device
It sounds like a cliché, but restarting your computer is the first step in troubleshooting. Many users keep their PC in "Sleep" mode for weeks. A full restart clears the RAM (temporary memory) and kills background processes that might be stuck, giving you a fresh slate.
Disable Unwanted Startup Programs
One of the most common reasons for a slow PC is too many programs trying to launch as soon as you turn the computer on.
* How to fix it:
* Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
* Click the Startup tab (or "Startup apps").
* Right-click on apps you don't need immediately (like Spotify, Steam, or Skype) and select Disable.
Change Your Power Plan to "High Performance"
Windows often defaults to a "Balanced" power plan to save energy. If you are on a desktop or plugged-in laptop, you want raw speed, not energy savings.
* How to fix it: Go to Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options and select High Performance.
Clean Up Your Disk Space
A full hard drive—especially the C: drive where Windows is installed—can drastically slow down your system. Windows needs free space to move files around temporarily.
* Pro Tip: Use the built-in "Storage Sense" feature. Go to Settings > System > Storage and turn on Storage Sense to automatically delete temporary files and empty the recycle bin.
Update Windows and Drivers
Updates can be annoying, but they are essential for performance and security. Outdated graphics drivers or chipset drivers can cause stuttering and crashes.
* Check for updates: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
Disable Special Effects (For Older PCs)
Windows 10 and 11 look great, but those translucent menus and animations require system resources. If your PC is older, turning these off can make the interface feel much snappier.
* How to fix it: Search for "View advanced system settings," go to the Advanced tab, click Settings under Performance, and select Adjust for best performance.
Scan for Malware and Bloatware
Sometimes, slowness isn't a glitch—it's a virus. Malware mining cryptocurrency in the background can max out your CPU.
* Run a full scan using Windows Security (Defender) or your preferred third-party antivirus to ensure your system is clean.
Add More RAM (Memory)
If you like to keep 50 tabs open in Chrome, you might simply be running out of memory.
* The Check: Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and look at the "Memory" column. If you are consistently above 80% usage, upgrading from 8GB to 16GB of RAM is the most cost-effective hardware upgrade you can make.
Switch to an SSD (Solid State Drive)
If your computer still runs on an old mechanical Hard Disk Drive (HDD), switching to a Solid State Drive (SSD) will change your life. An SSD can make your computer boot up 3-5 times faster and launch apps instantly.
Pause OneDrive Syncing
Microsoft’s OneDrive constantly syncs files between your PC and the cloud. If you have a weak internet connection or a slower processor, this constant background activity can cause lag. You can pause syncing temporarily to see if performance improves.
Conclusion
You don't have to live with a slow computer. By managing your startup apps, cleaning your storage, and keeping your system updated, you can significantly boost your Windows PC's speed. Start with the software tips above, and if your PC is still struggling, consider a hardware upgrade like an SSD.