9 Ways to Get Your PC Running Like New Again

It’s natural for a PC to slow down over time, but it doesn’t have to stay that way. From running Disk Cleanup and tweaking your power plan to getting rid of unnecessary apps and files, here are some things you can do to get your Windows PC running like new again.

Over time, junk files such as old system files, temporary files, and cached data accumulate on your computer. These files not only take up valuable hard drive space, but can also affect your computer’s performance.

Running Windows’ built-in Disk Cleanup tool can help you get rid of these files and improve your computer’s performance by increasing storage speed and efficiency. By using this tool regularly – ideally every few months – you can maintain smooth performance and prevent clutter from slowing down your system.

2 Limit the number of startup applications

When you install new software on your computer, some programs may be automatically added to the startup list. While apps like antivirus software or cloud storage services need to run at startup, too many startup apps can slow down your system.

This is because every running app uses valuable resources like RAM and CPU power, resulting in longer startup times and reduced overall performance.

To fix this, open the Task Manager by pressing the button Ctrl + Shift + Escand then go to Launcher application table

Here you will see a list of programs to start when you start your computer. Check the list and disable any non-essential apps by right-clicking on them and selecting Prohibit. After that, your computer should start up faster, just like when you first got it.

3 Uninstall unwanted apps, programs and extensions

Another thing you can do to get your computer running like new is to uninstall any programs you no longer use. This includes bloatware that was pre-installed by the manufacturer. These unnecessary programs not only consume valuable storage space, but can also negatively affect performance by running in the background and using system resources.

To get rid of these apps, you can use the Control Panel or the Settings app. After uninstalling, be sure to delete any files or registry entries left behind by the software. You can also use third-party tools like CCleaner to ensure a thorough cleanup.

In addition to apps and programs, browser extensions can also affect your computer’s performance. This is especially true if they are outdated or poorly optimized. It’s a good idea to check your browser extensions and remove any that are unnecessary or causing problems.

4 Enable “Best Performance” power plan.

By default, Windows uses the “Balanced” power plan, which aims to achieve a balance between performance and power consumption. This setting is ideal for everyday tasks, but may limit your computer’s full potential for more demanding activities. If you experience lag or reduced responsiveness during tasks such as gaming or multimedia editing, switching to the “Best Performance” power plan may help.

To do this, open Settings > System > Power & Battery and click the drop-down menu next to it Power mode choose Best performance. While it may slightly increase power consumption, especially on laptops, this mode can make your computer very responsive.

5 Run a malware scan

Even if you’re careful, malicious software like viruses, spyware, and adware can still get into your system over time. These malicious programs often run silently in the background, consuming system resources and causing performance issues that may not be immediately apparent.

To prevent this, it’s essential to run regular malware scans using Windows Security or a trusted third-party antivirus software. Furthermore, it is best to set up weekly checks to catch potential threats early. I also recommend trying other security options in Windows to keep your computer running at its best.

6 Install pending system and driver updates

Updates, whether operating system or driver updates, are essential to keep your computer running and secure. Windows updates often include important fixes, new features, and fixes for known issues. All of these can help your computer run more efficiently.

Similarly, driver updates ensure that your hardware – such as graphics, sound and network components – work smoothly with the latest software, increasing speed and stability.

By regularly updating your system and drivers, you can ensure that your PC runs as good as new – or even better – thanks to the improved features and optimizations that come with each update.

7 Defragment the hard drive

When using a computer, files are stored in scattered fragments on the hard drive, creating a condition known as fragmentation.

When this happens, your hard drive has to work harder to retrieve data from different locations, which slows down job performance. This problem is more common with traditional hard drives and can make your computer feel sluggish compared to how it felt when it was new.

Defragmentation reorganizes fragmented files by arranging them into contiguous blocks on the hard disk. This process reduces the time it takes your hard drive to find files. Defragmentation can improve overall performance and load faster. The good news is that defragmenting your hard drive in Windows is quite simple using the built-in “Optimize Drives” tool.

8 Reinstall Windows

No matter how many software optimization tricks you try, they won’t be as effective as reinstalling Windows. This is a surefire way to give your computer a fresh start and make it run like new again.

Performing a clean install of Windows completely wipes the slate clean, fixing these issues and restoring your PC to its original speed and stability. Although reinstalling Windows requires backing up files and reinstalling applications, the benefits make the effort worthwhile.

9 Add more RAM

One of the last but essential steps to improving your computer’s performance is adding more RAM. As you may already know, RAM is essential to your computer’s ability to multitask. The more RAM your computer has, the more data it can process at once. If you want faster loading times and smoother multitasking, consider increasing your RAM to at least 16GB.

Before upgrading, it is essential to check your computer’s specifications to determine the maximum amount of RAM your system supports. Most modern computers allow RAM to be easily upgraded and the process is relatively quick.

Keeping your computer running doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes a simple check for updates and uninstalling apps you don’t use can breathe new life into your computer. Other times, you may have to resort to completely wiping Windows and staring. Either way, using the steps above should help you get your computer up and running smoothly again.