Is your computer getting slower by the day? If this is the case, you need to clean up your PC to optimize the system and get it running smoothly again. Keep reading to learn how to speed up your computer and improve performance. Then you get Norton Utilities Ultimate, a specialized cleanup app that makes your computer faster, cleaner, and more reliable.
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Whether you can't open your favorite apps, your device freezes, or you're staring at the spinning wheel of death, nothing can be more frustrating than a slow computer.
And if you've experienced all of the above, we're sure you've also tried the basic troubleshooting: restarting your computerWifi routeror close all your applications.
If that still didn't help, chances are you've been desperately googling "how to speed up your computer" and are willing to try anything to speed up your device.
Well, that search has brought you to the right place. We've listed twelve steps you can take to improve your computer's performance, including:
Whether you have a minute, an afternoon, or a whole day, these steps can help you speed up your computer. Let's solve the problem, okay?
1. Disable automatic program launch
Many programs are configured by default to start when you turn on your computer. Having many apps open at the same time can put a huge strain on your device's processing power. This can make your computer feel slow and clunky. To avoid this, make sure you disable auto-start for any program that you don't want to start automatically.
2. Close unnecessary tabs
While it may be tempting to leave all your Internet tabs open for easy access, having a cluttered Web browser can negatively impact your computer's performance. Leaving a tab open slows down the processes running in the background, which can slow down your computer even when you're not using it. To prevent this, regularly close tabs that you no longer use.
3. Update your operating system
In some cases,updating your operating systemcan help speed up an old computer. These updates often include bug fixes and security fixes that keep your device safe and up to date. It is important to remember that this step may have the opposite effect on some older devices. For example, a new software update may include additional programs and features that may be difficult for an older device to handle. To be sure, check the recommended computer requirements before updating.
4. Delete unnecessary files
Unnecessary programs and files can damage your computer over time. One of the best ways to improve your computer's performance is to go through your files and delete anything you don't need. This not only frees up space on your hard drive but can also improve the speed of your device. If you want to start from scratch, you can do that toowipe your old hard drive clean.
5. Use the cloud
If your hard drive is filling up and your computer is slowing down, consider moving your files toSky. This way you free up space on your hard drive without having to delete anything. This option is also cheaper than upgrading your hard drive, as many cloud storage services offer free options, although usually with a storage limit.
6. Reinstall your operating system
Another way to make your computer faster is to reinstall your operating system. Some operating systems are known to slow down over time. By reinstalling it, you give your computer a fresh start. If you decide to go this route, make sure you dobackup all important filesbecause reinstalling your operating system may delete some or all of your files.
7. Clean the inside of your computer
Clean your computeris another good way to keep it going. If your hardware is kept unclean, it can become vulnerable to overheating and other issues that can affect the speed of your device. You can clean up your computer by following these steps:
- Turn off and disconnect the computer.
- Dust the outside of the computer with a soft cloth.
- If possible, remove the side panels from your computer.
- Use a can of compressed air or a soft cloth to remove dust from fans, vents and filters.
- Replace the side panels or covers.
While completing this process, pay close attention to any fans, vents, or filters as they are likely to collect dust. Cleaning your computer regularly can ensure that it stays cool and well ventilated, making your computer run fast.
8. Install a solid state drive
If you really want to speed up your computer, consider replacing your traditional hard drive with an SSD drive. Due to their design, these types of hard drives are much faster and can even improve speedolder units. If you decide to do this upgrade, make sure you back up all important files to ensure nothing is lost in the process.
9. Increase your RAM
Another factor that can determine the performance of your computer is the amount of RAM (random access memory) it has. RAM helps your computer multitask by temporarily storing important information. For example, if you upgrade from 2 GB of RAM to 8 GB, you can achieve noticeably faster computer speeds.
Free up RAMUninstalling or disabling programs you don't use can also speed up your computer.
10. Use an external hard drive
Like cloud storage, using an external hard drive can make a computer run faster. You can start by moving any large files, such as videos and images, as they often take up a large portion of your computer's storage space. With more free space on your internal hard drive, your computer's performance and speed will likely improve.
11. Restart your computer regularly
If you're like most people, you probably don't restart your computer or shut it down completely unless something is wrong. By hibernating your computer instead, you deprive it of the ability to delete temporary files and other crucial tasks that take place during the boot process of your device. Rebooting your device regularly allows your computer to perform the maintenance tasks it needs to stay fast.
12. Perform consistent safety checks
A slow device is a common symptom of many cybersecurity threats, including computer viruses,adwareand spyware. Not only can they slow down your device, but these types of malware can also violate your privacy and lead toidentity theft. To cover all your bases, you can use familiarantivirus softwareto carry out regular safety checks. This can help identify any issues that are slowing down your device and keeping you and your personal data safe.
When should you replace your computer?
While these suggestions may help improve the speed of some computers, there are some cases where your device may need to be replaced. This mainly occurs with devices that are several years old. Here are some warning signs to look out for if you're wondering if it's time for a new computer:
- Slow performance: If you've tried some or all of these tips without success, your computer has probably reached the end of its life.
- Loud fans: Older computers tend to heat up over time, even when trying to perform simple tasks. If you notice that your fans are spinning louder and more often than usual, it may be time for an upgrade.
- Cannot update: As technology advances, some computers tend to be left in the dust when software updates are released. If your computer doesn't meet the requirements to keep your software up to date, you may want to trade in your device for a new one to ensure you get the best security features.
- Expensive repairs needed: Whether you've spilled water on your computer or cracked the screen, we've all had times when our computer could use some repairs. Instead of dropping the cash to repair your hardware, you may want to buy a new device, especially if it's more than a few years old.
Now that you've got your device up to speed, you can surf, work, and play quickly and easily. Combine common to ensure your computer stays fastcomputer maintenanceand good cyber hygiene habits to stay Cyber Safe online. By prioritizing your personal cybersecurity, you protect not only yourself, but also the performance of your computer.
Frequently asked questions about how to speed up your computer
Even though you now know how to make your computer run faster, you may still have questions about the speed of your computer. Don't worry: we have the answers.
What makes a computer work faster?
A fast computer usually has a high processor speed and a large amount of RAM. The higher these two factors are, the faster your computer will be.
How do I find the speed of my computer?
While many factors contribute to the speed of your computer, you can find out what your computer has under the hood by looking at its processor speed and RAM.
To find this information on a Windows computer, follow these steps:
- Click the Windows button at the bottom left of your screen.
- Select "Control Panel".
- Click on "System and Security".
- Under "System", select "View the amount of RAM and processor speed".
You can also find this information on your Mac device by following these steps:
- Click on the Apple icon at the top left of the screen.
- Select "About This Mac."
Learning more about the processor and the amount of RAM your device has can help you better understand its expected performance.
What is a good speed for a computer?
A computer with a processing speed of 3.5 to 4 GHz is considered a good speed, but those who play games or run creative programs may need higher speeds. For RAM, 8 GB is sufficient for most users.
Will a factory reset speed up my computer?
In short, yes, a factory reset can speed up your computer temporarily, but there's no guarantee it will stay that way for long. In some cases, a computer can revert to its slow state over time.
What makes a computer faster for gaming?
If you want to use your computer forgame, you probably need more computing power than most users. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to speed up your computer for gaming, including:
- Enable your computer's game mode (if applicable)
- Run your game at a lower resolution
- Update your graphics card
- Close other programs
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By following these steps you should notice itsave pingand an improvement to your gaming experience.
