🖥️ How to Speed Up Your PC (Beginner’s Guide)

cits446
Sep 3
3 min read

Updated: Sep 10

🚀 How to Speed Up Your PC: A Beginner’s Guide

Is your computer crawling when it should be sprinting? Whether you're prepping for a big project or just trying to open your browser without a coffee break in between, this guide will help you breathe new life into your PC—no tech degree required.

Why Speed Matters

A faster PC means:

⏱️ Less waiting, more doing
💼 Smoother multitasking for work and play
🎮 Better gaming and streaming performance
💡 A longer lifespan for your device

Let’s dive into the easiest ways to boost your computer’s performance today.

🧹 1. Clean Up Your Hard Drive

Over time, your PC collects digital clutter—temporary files, old downloads, and system junk.

Try This:

Open the Start menu and search for Disk Cleanup
Select your main drive (usually C:)
Check all boxes except “Downloads”
Click OK to clean

🧼 Bonus Tip: Use tools like CCleaner for deeper cleaning (just be cautious with registry edits).

🚫 2. Disable Unnecessary Startup Programs

Too many apps launching at startup can slow your boot time dramatically.

How-To:

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
Go to the Startup tab
Right-click and disable apps with “High” impact that you don’t need immediately

💡 Example: You probably don’t need Spotify or Zoom launching every time you boot up.

🛡️ 3. Scan for Malware

Malware can hog resources and compromise your security.

Do This:

Run a full scan using Windows Defender or a trusted antivirus
Schedule weekly scans to stay protected

4. Update Your System and Drivers

Outdated software can cause slowdowns and compatibility issues.

Steps:

Go to Settings > Windows Update
Click Check for updates
Also update drivers via Device Manager

Tip: Graphics and chipset drivers often have the biggest performance impact.

5. Shut Down Your PC Regularly

It's not a good idea to leave your PC running 24/7. This will cause background processes to pile up and system file clutter build-up. It will also cause PC hardware to wear out faster. Restart regularly and shut down when not in use.

6. Consider a Hardware Upgrade

If your PC is still sluggish, a small upgrade can make a big difference.

Top Picks:

Upgrade	Benefit
💽 *Solid State Drive (Advanced)	Faster boot and load times
🧠 RAM	Better multitasking and smoother performance

Even beginners can install RAM memory upgrade. *Swapping out a hard drive will be a little more involved. You may want to seek the service of a qualified IT technician to do it for you.

7. Keep Your PC Clean

Dust and debris build-up in your PC can also slow it down. Be sure to read our "Beware of The Dust Bunnies" blog for more information.

Optional: Turn Off Visual Effects

Windows animations look nice but can slow things down.

Quick Fix:

Search for Performance Options
Choose Adjust for best performance

This disables fancy effects to prioritize speed.

Speeding up your PC doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With just a handful of smart adjustments—like cleaning up junk files, disabling unnecessary startup programs, and keeping your system updated—you can breathe new life into your machine.

Whether you're working, gaming, or simply browsing, a responsive computer enhances every moment. It reduces frustration, saves time, and helps you stay focused on what matters most. These small tweaks don’t just improve performance—they contribute to a smoother, more enjoyable digital experience that supports your productivity and peace of mind. It could also contribute towards a longer lasting PC.

So take a few minutes today to optimize your system. You'll be glad you did.