How to speed up a slow computer – 10 proven tips

A slow computer is frustrating – it takes ages to start, apps open slowly, the system freezes and the browser crawls. Most people assume they need a new computer, but the problem can very often be solved with some optimisation and small upgrades. In this guide you will learn 10 proven ways to speed up a slow computer that you can try today!

1. Delete temporary files (Disk Cleanup)

Windows creates large amounts of temporary files that take up space and slow the system down.

Method A: Disk Cleanup (built-in tool)

1. Press the Windows key + R
2. Type cleanmgr and press Enter
3. Select the C: drive
4. Tick all categories (Temporary files, Downloads, Recycle Bin, Thumbnails)
5. Click OK
6. Then click Clean up system files and repeat

Method B: Storage Sense (Windows 10/11)

1. Settings > System > Storage
2. Click Temporary files
3. Tick everything and click Remove files

Result: This often frees up tens of gigabytes, and the system feels noticeably faster.

2. Disable unnecessary startup programs

Many programs start automatically with Windows, slowing down startup and using resources in the background.

How to disable them:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc (opens Task Manager)
2. Open Startup apps
3. You will see the list of programs that start with Windows
4. Right-click the ones you do not need > Disable

What to disable?

• Spotify, iTunes, Steam (you can open them manually when you need them)
• Adobe updater apps
• Microsoft Teams (if you do not use it every day)
• Sync apps you do not need all the time (Dropbox, OneDrive – only if you do not actively use them)

What NOT to disable?

• Your antivirus (Microsoft Defender, ESET, Bitdefender, etc.)
• Audio and video drivers (Realtek, NVIDIA)
• Touchpad or mouse software

Result: Startup can go from several minutes to under one.

3. Switch to an SSD (the biggest improvement)

If your computer still has an old HDD (hard disk drive), upgrading to an SSD is the BEST investment you can make in speed.

Why is an SSD so much faster?

• HDD: Read speed ~100 MB/s
• SSD: Read speed 500–7,000 MB/s (up to dozens of times faster!)

What you get with an SSD:

• Windows starts in 10–20 seconds (instead of several minutes)
• Apps open instantly
• A generally faster system without stutters
• A quieter computer (an SSD has no moving parts)
• Better resistance to knocks and vibration

The SSD is fitted by an authorised service centre; we can then move your system and data across or do a fresh installation.

4. Add more RAM

If you use several apps at once (Chrome with 20+ tabs, Photoshop, video editing), 8 GB of RAM is often not enough.

How much RAM do you need?

• 8 GB: Web browsing and Office (MINIMUM)
• 16 GB: Several programs and lots of browser tabs (RECOMMENDED)
• 32 GB: Gaming, video editing, Photoshop, software development
• 64 GB or more: Professional video editing, 3D rendering, virtual machines

How to check how much RAM you have

1. Right-click the taskbar > Task Manager
2. Open Performance > Memory
3. You will see how much you have and how much is in use

If usage is often at 80–100%, you need more RAM!

RAM is also fitted by an authorised service centre.

5. Scan for viruses and malware

Viruses, spyware and adware are often the main reason a computer is slow.

Step 1: scan with Microsoft Defender

1. Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Security
2. Virus & threat protection > Scan options
3. Choose Full scan
4. Click Scan now (takes 30–60 min)

Step 2: Malwarebytes (a second opinion)

1. Download the free version from malwarebytes.com
2. Install it and run a Scan
3. Remove any threats it finds

Result: If the computer is infected, removing the malware can speed it up dramatically.

6. Turn off visual effects

Windows has lots of visual effects (animations, transparency) that look nice but slow down older computers.

How to turn them off:

1. Right-click This PC > Properties
2. Advanced system settings
3. Performance > Settings
4. Choose “Adjust for best performance”
5. Or customise: keep only “Show thumbnails instead of icons” and “Smooth edges of screen fonts”
6. Click Apply

Result: A snappier interface and lower RAM use – especially helpful on older computers.

7. Update Windows and drivers

Outdated drivers and an unpatched Windows can slow the system down.

Windows Update:

1. Settings > Windows Update
2. Click Check for updates
3. Install all available updates

Updating drivers:

• Graphics card: NVIDIA App or AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition
• Chipset: The laptop or motherboard manufacturer’s website
• Automatic: Windows Update (avoid “automatic driver updater” programs from unknown sources)

8. Defragment the hard drive (HDD only!)

If you use an old HDD (not an SSD!), defragmenting can speed up file access.

How to defragment:

1. Press Windows + R and type dfrgui
2. Select the C: drive
3. Click Optimize
4. Wait 30–60 minutes

9. Disable search indexing (optional)

Search indexing (Windows Search) constantly scans your files, which can slow down older computers.

How to disable it:

1. Press Windows + R and type services.msc
2. Find Windows Search
3. Right-click > Properties
4. Startup type: Disabled
5. Click Stop and OK

Downside: Searching for files in Explorer will be slower.

10. A clean Windows installation (the last resort)

If nothing else helps, a clean Windows installation can make your computer as fast as when it was new.

When should you consider a clean install?

• Windows was installed more than three years ago
• Lots of unwanted programs you cannot remove
• The system is still slow after all the optimisations
• Frequent crashes and blue screens (BSOD)

Result: A “fresh” computer, like new – the fastest fix for old, cluttered systems.

When should you get professional help?

Consider IT support if:

• You have tried everything above and the computer is still slow
• You want software optimisation without risking your data
• After a disk upgrade you need your data moved or a fresh system installed
• You need help with a clean Windows installation

Conclusion

A slow computer is not a reason to buy a new one! With the right optimisation and small upgrades (SSD, RAM) you can make it almost as fast as when it was new – at a small cost. Start with the free methods (disk cleanup, disabling startup programs, a virus scan), and if that is not enough, consider switching to an SSD – the best investment in speed.

For software optimisation, malware removal or a clean Windows installation, get in touch with Perfect Light in Zagreb. For physically fitting new components, contact an authorised service centre.