A problem PC users often face, even with a beefy rig, is that the system slows down after a while, reducing performance and efficiency. This issue gets even more prominent with time, and as more programs and files get added to the PC. We have some nifty tips and tricks to help get your PC back at full speed:
1. Remove Unwanted Programs From Startup
One of the first signs of system slowdown is that it takes a long to to boot up. This happens because a lot of programs tend to startup in the background as the PC boots up, and hence the slows the whole process down. Fixing this is pretty simple. Open up the “Run” command window (Windows+R) and type “MSCONFIG”. Click on the “Startup” tab. If you’re using a Windows 10 computer, then the tab will be present in the Task Manager (Alt+Ctrl+Del). Some things you want to leave alone. For example, your Antivirus. Others, such as Adobe Acrobat or Google Toolbar Notifier, you don’t need to startup with your computer.
2. Remove Applications From System Tray
Some of the programs that startup automatically often minimize them to the System Tray. But if you’ve removed them from the Startup itself then you don’t need to worry about this. However, some application minimize to the System Tray even when you close them. The most common among these would be Skype, Adobe Updater/Installer or a Bit Torrent client. Its always advisable to close them, and even disable them from minimizing to tray if you don’t require it.
3. Reduce/Remove System Animations
Windows uses quite a few animations, and those animations can make your PC seem a bit slower. For example, Windows can minimize and maximize windows instantly if you disable the associated animations.
To disable animations, press Windows Key + X or right-click the Start button and select “System.” Click “Advanced System Settings” on the left and click the “Settings” button under Performance. Choose “Adjust for best performance” under Visual Effects to disable all the animations, or select “Custom” and disable the individual animations you don’t want to see. For example, uncheck “Animate windows when minimizing and maximizing” to disable the minimize and maximize animations
4. Adjust Power Settings
While most folks who own a PC or a smartphone are aware of power settings/profiles, few are aware of how these can be tweaked to boost performance. Hidden inside the power settings are some powerful (hehe, get it) options that define how well the resources on your system are utilized. To make changes to these settings head over to the Control Panel and click on Power Options. In there enable, High Performance mode, then click on “Change Plan Setting” and then “Change Advanced Power Settings”.
Alright, now you can tweak all these settings in accordance to your need. An example: In the “Processor Power Management” section, set the minimum and maximum power states as 100% for all cases. This will make sure that you are getting the most juice out of your system at all time. Another example: In the “Wireless Adapter Setting”, set the Power Saver Mode to Maximum Performance. If you’ve been facing inconsistent wireless connectivity, this is often the reason for that, and making this change can fix that issue.
5. Lighten Up Your Web Browser
It’s astounding how a small web browser can hog a lot of system resources, specially the RAM memory. Google Chrome is notorious for doing that, and so are many other browsers. One of the reasons for this is having too many tabs open at the same time, or having too many extensions or plugins added to the browser. While both these issues are dependent on how you use the browser, getting rid of unwanted plugins can give you a smoother browsing experience.
It’s a good idea to use as few browser extensions, or add-ons, as possible — those slow down your web browser and cause it to use more memory. You should also consider enabling click-to-play plug-ins. Preventing Flash and other content from loading will prevent unimportant Flash content from using CPU time.
6. Free Up Space
Like any pubescent teenager, your system also needs its space. Your PC is sure to slow down if your hard disk or SSD is running low on space. Free up some space by uninstalling applications that you no longer require, or deleting files that are no longer needed. The disk cleanup tool in Windows can also come in handy for helping you clean out some junk files.
7. Upgrade To An SSD
Now this will require that you shell out some cash, but the results will surely leave you smiling. The reduced boot times and snappy response in apps and games will definitely be worth the money invested. We recommend SSDs by Sandisk, they are competitively priced, and offer superb products. Trust us, upgrading from an HDD to an SSD is a must in this day an age.
8. Uninstall Bloatware
Many times while installing a software, you end up installing other software included/recommended with it, and is hardly of any use to you. This also happens when you come across fake download links, and you end up installing a potentially unwanted program. So, head over to the Control Panel and click on Programs and Features to see a list of installed applications on your system, and get rid of anything you don’t need.
9. System Reset
Sometimes its best to start over. When all else fails, a System Reset can help boost your PC speed and performance. Windows has now made it really simple to format your system and reset it to its factory settings without needing too much technical know how or a boot disk. Simply click on Start, type ‘Reset’, and click on Reset This PC. In the new window that opens, undet thje Reset This PC option, click on “Get Started”. Choose one of the three options that you wish to. Be sure to make a backup of any important data.
With these few steps, you’ll be able to get your PC to a state that it was in when you started off with it. If you have any queries, or any suggestions do let us know in the comments below.
Posted originally on Pimp My Rig.
