I've experienced this before—gazing at the spinning cursor, asking myself why my computer is moving so sluggishly. If a PC sits unattended for an extended period, it collects junk files and outdated software, both of which hamper performance, to the point of irritation. By the way, making the decision to change settings versus getting a hardware upgrade isn't an easy one, but I have more than a few tricks to give a computer new life without having to replace it. How do you speed up your computer? These are my golden tips:
Part 1.Software Optimizations
When I ask myself, "how can I speed up my computer," software tweaks are always my first stop. They’re quick, free, and can make a noticeable difference without cracking open my PC. Here’s what I do to keep things running smoothly:
Update Your Operating System and Drivers
I’ve learned the hard way that an outdated system can drag performance down. Windows updates and driver patches often fix bugs and boost speed, so I make this a priority.
Step 1: Hit Windows key + I to open Settings.
Step 2: Head to "Update & Security" and click "Check for Updates."
Step 3: Install everything available—especially driver updates for graphics or sound.
After skipping updates for a while, I ran one and couldn’t believe how much snappier my PC felt. It’s like a mini tune-up!
Limit Startup Programs
I used to wonder why my computer took forever to boot—turns out, too many apps were launching with it. Trimming these down is a trick I swear by to speed up my computer.
Step 1: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to bring up Task Manager.
Step 2: Click the "Startup" tab to see what’s loading at boot.
Step 3: Right-click anything unnecessary (like old chat apps) and hit "Disable."
Disabling a couple of culprits—like a music app I rarely use—cut my startup time in half. It’s such an easy win!
Run a Malware Scan
I’ll never forget the time malware turned my PC into a slug. Running a scan is a must if you’re asking, "how can I speed up my computer"—it could be the hidden culprit.
Step 1: Fire up your antivirus—I stick with Windows Defender for simplicity.
Step 2: Choose "Full Scan" under "Virus & Threat Protection."
Step 3: Hit "Scan Now" and remove anything shady it finds.
Once, a scan caught a sneaky adware hogging resources. After zapping it, my apps loaded lightning-fast again—don’t skip this step!
These software fixes are my foundation for a faster PC. They’ve saved me from countless slowdowns, and I bet they’ll work for you too.
Part 2.Hardware Upgrades
When software tweaks aren’t enough to answer "how can I speed up my computer," I turn to hardware upgrades. They’re a bit more involved, but the payoff is huge. Here’s what I’ve tried and loved:
Upgrade Your RAM
I’ve found that adding more RAM is like giving my PC a bigger workbench—it handles multitasking so much better. If you’re juggling apps like I do, this is a must.
Step 1: Check your current RAM—open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and click "Performance."
Step 2: Buy compatible RAM (I went for 16GB to future-proof mine—check your PC’s manual for specs).
Step 3: Install it—power off, unplug, open your PC case, and slot the RAM into an empty spot (static-free hands, please!).
Upgrading from 8GB to 16GB was a game-changer. My PC stopped choking on browser tabs and big files—smooth sailing now!
Install a Solid-State Drive (SSD)
Switching to an SSD is hands-down the best way I’ve found to speed up my computer. The difference in boot times and app loading is unreal.
Step 1: Back up everything—use an external drive or cloud storage.
Step 2: Get an SSD (I picked a 512GB one for speed and space—Samsung or Kingston are solid).
Step 3: Replace your HDD—open your PC, swap drives, then clone your old drive or reinstall Windows (guides online help!).
My old HDD took ages to boot; now, with an SSD, I’m up in seconds. It’s like a brand-new machine—try it!
Consider External SSD
When I couldn’t upgrade internally (thanks, stubborn laptop!), an external SSD became my workaround. It’s a quick fix for boosting key apps.
Step 1: Grab a fast external SSD (I like the Samsung T7 for its speed via USB-C).
Step 2: Plug it into a USB-C port—simple as that.
Step 3: Move big apps or files to it (right-click, "Properties," then "Location" to shift).
I stored video editing software on mine, and load times dropped noticeably. It’s not as sleek as internal, but it gets the job done!
These hardware upgrades have been my secret weapons for tackling slowdowns. They take a little effort, but the speed boost is worth it. Thinking "how can I speed up my computer" with hardware? Start here—you won’t regret it!
Part 3.Maintenance and Settings
Beyond software and hardware, I’ve found that regular maintenance and smart settings tweaks keep my PC running fast. When I wonder, "how can I speed up my computer," these habits save the day. Here’s what I do:
Regularly Restart Your PC
I used to leave my computer on for days, but a simple restart clears out the clutter—memory leaks and background junk vanish. It’s an easy fix I rely on.
Step 1: Save all your open work—don’t lose that important doc!
Step 2: Click Start, then Power, and select "Restart."
Step 3: Wait for it to reboot—takes just a minute or two.
Restarting weekly makes my PC feel fresh—like hitting a reset button. It’s so simple, yet effective!
Check for Resource-Hungry Applications
I’ve caught sneaky apps eating up my PC’s power before—Task Manager is my go-to detective for this. It’s a quick way to speed up my computer when things lag.
Step 1: Open Task Manager with Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
Step 2: Click the "Processes" tab and sort by CPU or Memory (click the column headers).
Step 3: Right-click any non-essential app hogging resources and select "End Task."
Once, a forgotten browser with 20 tabs was the culprit. Shutting it down freed up so much juice—check yours!
Adjust Power Settings
Switching to High Performance mode gives my PC a noticeable kick—perfect when I need max speed. It’s a trick I use when asking, "how can I speed up my computer" for heavy tasks.
Step 1: Open Control Panel (search it in the Start menu).
Step 2: Go to "Hardware and Sound" > "Power Options."
Step 3: Select "High Performance"—if it’s hidden, click "Show additional plans."
This mode made a big difference during video rendering, though my laptop’s battery drained faster. Worth it for the boost!
These maintenance steps and settings tweaks are my everyday allies. They’re simple, fast, and keep my PC humming along. Ready to try them out and speed up your computer? You’ll feel the difference—I promise!
Bonus Tip: Don’t Let Slow Software Hold You Back
After figuring out "how can I speed up my computer" with tweaks and upgrades, I hit a realization—hardware’s only half the battle. Slow, bloated software can drag even the fastest PC back down. I’ve been there, frustrated by laggy apps that undo all my hard work.
That’s when I discovered WPS Office, and honestly, it’s been a lifesaver. It’s lightweight, plugin-free, and virus-free—designed to keep my system zippy and secure. Unlike heavier suites, it doesn’t hog resources, so my PC stays fast. I switched from clunky alternatives, and the difference was night and day.
What really sold me, though, is WPS AI. I’ve used its AI Resume Writing tool to polish my CV in minutes—way faster than fumbling through templates. The Spell Check catches typos I’d miss, and the Research Paper Assistance has saved me hours on projects. I even whipped up slick AI Slides for a presentation once—clients were impressed! Plus, the PDF Analysis feature lets me dig into reports without slowing down my workflow.
I used to dread opening massive office suites—my PC would groan under the weight. With WPS, everything loads instantly, and I get more done without the lag. It’s like it’s built to answer "how can I speed up my computer" on the software side too!
So, once you’ve optimized your PC, don’t let sluggish apps hold you back. Download WPS Office at wps.com and feel the difference—smart, secure, and seriously fast.
FAQs:
What are the easiest ways to make a computer run faster?
I’d say start with the basics that worked for me—clearing temporary files, disabling startup programs, uninstalling unused software, and updating drivers. These take just a few minutes and can seriously speed up your computer. I’ve seen my PC perk up after a quick cleanup—it’s low effort, high reward!
Do background programs slow down my computer?
Oh, absolutely—they’ve tripped me up before! Too many apps running in the background chew through CPU and RAM, making everything sluggish. I use Task Manager to spot and kill unnecessary ones—it’s a quick fix that keeps my system lean and fast.
How often should I restart my computer?
I restart mine at least once a week, and it’s like a breath of fresh air for my PC. It clears out memory and shuts down lingering processes that build up. If I’m asking "how can I speed up my computer," this habit’s always on my list—try it and see!
Can malware slow down my PC?
Yes, and I’ve felt the pain firsthand. Malware can hog system resources and cause annoying lag—I once had adware that turned my PC into a snail. Running a full antivirus scan (I use Windows Defender) fixed it fast. If your PC’s dragging, check for this!
Summary
When I asked myself, "how can I speed up my computer," I found easy fixes like updating software, cutting startup apps, and adding an SSD worked wonders—my PC went from sluggish to snappy fast. Regular restarts and power tweaks keep it running smoothly, but the real secret is pairing it with WPS Office. It’s lightweight, secure, and loaded with AI tools like Resume Writing that boost my productivity without slowing me down. Download it at wps.com and see how a faster PC plus smart software changes everything!
