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What are some good ways to improve computer performance and stop devices from running slowly over time?

Farhan Ahmed 0 Reputation points
2026-05-16T13:46:29.3766667+00:00

My computer has started running slower over time and sometimes applications take longer to load. What are some good ways to improve performance and keep a device running smoothly?

Windows for home | Other | Performance and system failures
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  1. Bulldog 2,310 Reputation points
    2026-05-16T19:39:22.45+00:00

    Here is the best advice you can get to make your computer run as well as it can:

    1- start with a clean install (where you erase your hard drive and install your software strictly following the developer's instructions);

    2-only use hardware that is supported on the version of Windows you have;

    3- only install software that is supported on the version of Windows you have;

    4- operate your hardware and software in strict conformance to the way the hardware manufacturers and software developers specify - another way of saying this is to avoid 'cleaning' your computer, deleting things you don't think belong there, changing the internal structure of your software, and in general keeping away from crazy advice that's all over the internet in YouTube videos;

    5- make the investment in time to learn how your hardware and software works, so you will understand how to use it correctly and wisely; and

    6- back up your computer every night - that means backing up your personal files (documents, pictures, etc.) and your software with an image backup.

    Doing these things will give you the best performance that your computer is capable of providing, and it will ensure that you never lose your personal files and never have to reinstall Windows ever again.

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  2. Ivan B 114.7K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-05-16T14:28:57.19+00:00

    Hi,

    In this case, keep Windows updated and download drivers from the desktop or laptop manufacturer's website (if it's a pre-built PC), removing third-party devices like GPUs, USBs, and PCIe utilities.

    Avoid installing too many third-party programs.

    Reduce the number of third-party applications running in the background to decrease resource usage.

    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/how-to-execute-a-simple-boot-start-in-windows-da2f9573-6eec-00ad-2f8a-a97a1807f3dd

    The link above shows how to perform a clean boot to reduce third-party applications running in the background.

    A recommended option, if you also use third-party antivirus software, is to keep it updated and clean temporary files. You can use Disk Cleanup (searchable in the search bar) or Microsoft's own optimization/cleaning software, PC Manager (link below):

    https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9pm860492szd?hl=pt-BR&gl=BR

    Be careful with software that can modify Windows, especially files and registry entries. If possible, use the Microsoft Store to download programs or games that are verified in the store. Performing a monthly antivirus scan is a good security option to prevent malicious software, malware, or viruses on your PC.

    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/defender/how-to-start-a-scan-for-viruses-or-malware-in-microsoft-defender

    Initially, if you maintain these options, your PC will likely function normally. I think this can help. If you have any questions, just ask here in the Microsoft Q&A community. Have a good week.

    If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it. If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".

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    Thanks

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  3. AI answer

    2026-05-16T13:46:44.2433333+00:00

    Several built-in options in Windows 10 and Windows 11 can help improve performance and keep a PC running smoothly over time.

    1. Keep Windows and drivers up to date
    • Install the latest Windows updates, which often include fixes and performance improvements.
      1. Select Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.
      2. If updates are available, select Download & install and restart if required.
    • Also check optional updates (often include non-critical driver updates):
      1. Start > Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates.
      2. Select available updates and choose Download & install.
    1. Scan for malware Malware can consume CPU and disk resources and slow the system.
    2. Select Start > Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection.
    3. Select Quick scan and follow any remediation steps.
    4. Free up disk space Low disk space can significantly reduce performance.
    • Use Storage Sense:
      1. Start > Settings > System > Storage.
      2. Turn on Storage Sense.
      3. Select Configure Storage Sense or run it now, then under Free up space now, select Clean now.
    • Remove temporary files manually:
      1. Start > Settings > System > Storage.
      2. Select Temporary files, choose what to remove, then Remove files.
    • Use Disk Cleanup:
      1. Select Start, type Disk Cleanup, and open it.
      2. Choose the drive and clean unnecessary files.
    1. Uninstall unused apps Removing apps that are no longer needed frees storage and reduces background activity.
    2. Start > Settings > Apps.
    3. Select Apps & features.
    4. Select unused apps and choose Uninstall.
    5. Disable startup apps Too many startup apps slow boot and keep resources busy.
    6. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
    7. Select Startup apps.
    8. Right-click unnecessary apps and select Disable.
    9. Turn off unnecessary background apps Background apps can consume CPU, memory, and battery.
    10. Start > Settings > Privacy.
    11. Select Background apps.
    12. Under Choose which apps can run in the background, turn off apps that are not needed.
    13. Adjust visual effects for performance Disabling some visual effects can make the system feel more responsive.
    14. Select Start, type Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows, and open it.
    15. On the Visual Effects tab, select Adjust for best performance.
    16. Set power mode for better performance If power usage is not a concern (for example, on a plugged-in desktop or laptop):
    • Windows 11 (Power mode):
      1. Start > Settings > System > Power & battery.
      2. In Power mode, choose Best performance.
    • Alternate path (High performance plan):
      1. Start > Settings > System > Power & sleep.
      2. Under Related settings, select Additional power settings.
      3. In Power Options, select Show additional plans (if available) and choose High performance.
    1. Optimize drives On hard drives, optimization (defragmentation) can improve performance.
    2. Select Start, type Defragment and Optimize Drives, and open it.
    3. Select the drive and choose Optimize.
    4. Monitor and close heavy processes Regularly checking resource usage helps identify apps that slow the device.
    5. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
    6. On the Processes tab, close apps that are not needed.
    7. Use the Performance and Startup apps tabs to identify components using high CPU, memory, or disk.
    8. Reduce unnecessary notifications Fewer notifications can slightly improve performance and reduce interruptions.
    9. Start > Settings > System > Notifications (or Notifications & actions).
    10. Turn off notifications for apps that are not needed.
    11. Regularly close apps and restart the PC Keeping many apps and browser tabs open can gradually slow the system.
    12. Close apps and tabs that are not in use.
    13. If the device still feels slow, select Start > Power > Restart and then open only the apps needed.
    14. Use Microsoft PC Manager For an all-in-one approach to cleanup and optimization, use the Microsoft PC Manager app to:
    • Clean up storage
    • Manage startup apps
    • Optimize system performance

    References:

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