Learn how to boost your Windows 10 performance through built-in means.
If you're unsure about the system modifications described below, please create a system restore point beforehand. See here for details: <create a system restore point>
This will help you revert your system to a previous state should you be unhappy with the results.
1. Disable programs that auto-start with Windows
Programs that auto-load with Windows can significantly slow down the startup process. Many software developers let their software auto-launch in the background with Windows to shorten access times.
Here's how to reduce the number of auto-start applications.
Click the Windows logo to bring up the start menu (1) and select the cog wheel to open Windows Settings (2).
Then, select "Apps" (3).
Next, select "Start-up" (4).
Look through the list under "Start up apps" and use the switch to toggle their start-up behavior.
Feel free to switch programs you seldom use to "Off". You can also switch back later.
2. Disable virtual memory
Virtual memory is used when your computer runs out of working memory (RAM). Since it is drive-based, access times are considerably slower compared to internal memory. If your computer has 8 GB or more of internal memory, you can safely disable this feature.
Here's how.
Press [Windows Key] + [Pause] to open Control Panel and select "System protection" (1).
Then, select "Advanced" (2).
Next, click "Settings" (3).
After that, click "Advanced" (4) and then "Change" (5).
Uncheck "Automatically manage paging file size for all drives" (6). Then, select "No paging file" (7) and click "OK".
3. Remove unused programs
The number of installed applications usually grows with regular PC use. Maybe you tried out some and forgot all about them later. Still, the number of installed and unused applications can have a negative impact on system startup performance. Here's how to get rid of them.
Click the Windows logo to bring up the start menu (1) and select the cog wheel to open Windows Settings (2).
Then, click "Apps" (3).
Next, select "Apps & features" (4) to view a list of installed applications.
To uninstall a program, left-click its name (5) and select "Uninstall" (6). Then, follow the instructions.
Alternatively, you may want to use a dedicated uninstaller program like "Ashampoo UnInstaller 7" to remove multiple programs in a row and ensure there are no leftover files.
You can try it out here: <Try the Ashampoo UnInstaller 7 for free>
4. Disable background apps
Programs and apps running in the background still consume resources and slow down your PC. Here's how to disable them.
Click the Windows logo to bring up the start menu (1) and select the cog wheel to open Windows Settings (2).
Then, select "Privacy" (3).
Next, select "Background apps" (4). Use the toggle switch to prevent apps from running in the background, e.g. Spotify, XING or Xbox. Restart your PC for the changes to take effect.
5. Install latest Windows updates
Keeping your Windows up to date not only improves system security but also ensures you're using the latest software fixes and device drivers for maximum performance. Here's how to make sure your Windows 10 system is up to date.
Click the Windows logo to bring up the start menu (1) and select the cog wheel to open Windows Settings (2).
Select "Update & Security" (3).
Next, select "Windows Update" (4) to check your update status (5). If updates are available, you can install them by clicking the button. Click "Check for updates" to search for additional updates afterwards (6).
6. Install latest device drivers
Wrong or outdated drivers are the enemy of a stable system. Often, drivers aren't kept up to date and Windows Update offers no way to keep all of your drivers current. You need an extra program for that.
You may want to try "Ashampoo Driver Updater" which you can get here:<Try the Ashampoo Driver Updater for free>. See here for usage instructions: <How to update you Windows driver with Ashampoo Driver Updater>.
7. Adjust appearance and performance options
Windows 10 comes with various built-in visual effects. This includes animations, shadows and other eye candy we hardly notice anymore. Still, theses effects consume system resources and are non-essential, especially on machines with little memory. Here's how to adjust these settings.
Press [Windows Key] + [Pause] to open Control Panel and select "System protection" (1).
Then, select "Advanced" (3).
Next, click "Settings" (3).
Enable "Adjust for best performance" (4) to free up more system resources.
Click "OK" to confirm your settings (5).
8. Need more optimization options?
If you're looking for a more comfortable way to keep your computer fast and clean permanently, try out "Ashampoo WinOpimitzer 16": <Go to Ashampoo WinOptimizer 16>. You won't regret it!
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