7 Tips to Speed Up Windows

Tips to speed up Windows 10

Over time, you may notice that your computer slows down. This is perfectly natural, especially with intensive use, and it is normal to wonder how to speed up your Windows start-up.

More and more files build up on your device, your system gets updated, and your hardware may no longer be able to handle it all. In this article, you will learn how to speed up all versions of Windows — even without upgrading your hardware. Before we dive in, let us look at why Windows can feel sluggish in the first place.

Why Is Windows 10 So Slow to Boot?

To answer this question, we should first ask: what is the average start-up time for Windows 10? The average boot time of a Windows PC is roughly one minute, but Windows 10 should boot in seconds if not too many processes launch at start-up. Most Windows PCs manage it in about 30 seconds.

Anything much longer than one minute — say 3–4 minutes — is too slow. Many users continue to report sluggish boot times in Windows 10. Common causes include:

  • A corrupted Windows Update file
  • Too many start-up programmes and applications
  • An outdated Windows operating system
  • Using an older hard disk instead of a faster SSD
  • Malware
  • Too many programmes running in the background
  • Windows updates running during business hours

How to Speed Up Windows 10

Our tips focus on how you can increase the speed of your system without sacrificing features, looks, or services. We have kept the methods below accessible and easy to follow.

1. Carry Out Regular Reboots

The longer you leave your computer on, the slower it can become. As your hardware runs constantly, temporary files accumulate and various components can overheat.

Although Windows 10 hibernates the screen by default, many users leave their computers on for days or even weeks. During this time, applications continue to run in the background, consuming memory and causing noticeable slowdowns.

To prevent this, simply shut down your computer when you have finished your work.

Click on the Start menu in the taskbar, then on the Power button, and select Shut down. After a few moments, switch the computer back on with the power button.

2. Keep Your System Up to Date

It is important to keep your operating system up to date. New updates bring new features, better optimisation, and often security patches as well. You might be surprised how many things can go wrong if you do not activate Windows 10 properly.

You can update Windows 10 via the Settings app under Update & Security.

3. Deactivate Unnecessary Start-up Applications

Every time your system boots, several applications launch automatically. While some — like antivirus software — are essential, many are not.

Some applications, especially free ones, quietly add themselves to the start-up list. This not only slows down boot time but can also cause significant performance losses as they continue running in the background.

Here is how to disable unwanted start-up apps:

  1. Open the Task Manager by right-clicking your taskbar and selecting Task Manager, or by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
  2. If the Task Manager opens in compact view, click More details at the bottom left.
  3. Switch to the Start-up tab to see all applications that launch at boot.
  4. Check the Start-up impact column to identify which applications slow things down most.
  5. Select an app you do not need and click Disable. (Avoid disabling anything with “Microsoft Corporation” in the Publisher column.)
  6. Repeat for all unnecessary start-up applications, then restart your computer.

4. Run the Disk Cleanup Utility

Windows 10 includes a built-in Disk Cleanup tool that can free up space by removing files you no longer need.

  1. Search for Disk Cleanup in the taskbar and open the tool.
  2. Select the drive you want to clean (start with the one where Windows is installed).
  3. Let the utility scan your device, then tick the categories you wish to remove.
  4. Click OK to delete the selected files.

Reboot your system after the process completes for the best results.

5. Uninstall Applications You No Longer Use

Your computer may contain applications you no longer need or never even knew were there. Some manufacturers ship PCs with pre-installed “bloatware,” and free software sometimes installs hidden extras.

Head into Settings > Apps and uninstall anything you no longer use. You will notice a difference, especially if you use a range of Windows 10 tools that will increase your productivity and want them to run without interference.

6. Clear the Windows Cache

Caching is a technique by which applications temporarily store data in your computer’s main memory (RAM) for fast retrieval. Over time, this cached data can build up and slow things down.

To clear the cache in Windows 10:

  1. Click the Start menu and open Settings.
  2. Go to System > Storage.
  3. Click Temporary files and wait for the scan to complete.
  4. Select the items you wish to remove and click Remove files.

7. Use a PC Optimiser

PC optimisers are still very much alive. Modern optimisers can fix errors, remove unnecessary files, and fine-tune Windows settings to boost performance.

These actions speed up your device and can even resolve various errors that have been nagging you.

Need More Help?

We hope this guide has helped you speed up your Windows device. If you are looking for a genuine Windows licence, be sure to browse our shop for competitive prices and instant delivery.

If you need further assistance, our customer service team is happy to help — just drop us a message or give us a call.

Best regards,
The Licendi Team