Make Windows 10 Faster: 8 Proven Performance Tweaks

With regular use, Windows 10 can gradually feel slower and less responsive. Startup apps, background processes, temporary files, and unnecessary software accumulate over time, which can slow boot times and degrade overall performance. However, with the right settings and regular maintenance, you can reduce boot time, free up system resources, and keep your PC running smoothly for years.

This guide we focuses on optimize Windows 10 using built-in tools and settings instead of registry tweaks or third-party PC cleaner software. Whether you’re using an older desktop or a budget laptop, these practical tips can help make Windows 10 faster without affecting system stability.

Clean Up Temporary Files

As you use Windows 10, temporary files, Windows Update leftovers, cached data, and other unnecessary files gradually accumulate on your PC. Removing these files frees up storage space and can improve overall system performance.

• Press Windows + I to open Settings.
• Go to System > Storage.
• Click Temporary files.

• Select the files you want to remove, then click Remove files.

• Turn on Storage Sense to automatically delete temporary files and keep your PC clutter-free.

In addition, delete files you no longer need, such as old downloads, large videos, and duplicate files.

For the best performance, try to keep at least 15–20% of your system drive free. Once storage space is cleared, restart your PC and check whether Windows feels more responsive.

Uninstall Apps You No Longer Use

Over time, your PC can accumulate apps that you no longer use. In addition to taking up valuable storage space, some applications install background services or scheduled tasks that can slow down startup and reduce overall system performance. Removing unnecessary software helps free up resources and keeps Windows 10 running more efficiently.

1. Open Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
2. Review the list of installed applications.
3. Select an app you no longer need and click Uninstall.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to remove it.
5. Restart your PC if prompted.

Pay particular attention to trial software, old utilities, browser toolbars, and applications that you no longer need.

Tip: Avoid uninstalling apps you’re unfamiliar with, especially hardware drivers or software provided by your PC manufacturer. If you’re unsure, search the app name before removing it.

Turn Off Apps That Start with Windows

Many applications are configured to start automatically every time Windows boots. While this can be convenient for apps you use daily, too many startup programs increase boot time and continue using system resources in the background.

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Click the Startup tab. If you don’t see it, click More details first.
3. Review the list of startup programs and their Startup impact.
4. Select the apps you don’t need to launch automatically, then click Disable.

Important: Leave security software and hardware-related utilities, such as graphics, audio, and touchpad drivers, enabled.

Adjust Windows Visual Effects

Windows 10 includes animations, shadows, transparency effects, and other visual enhancements that improve the operating system’s appearance. On older or low-end PCs, disabling some of these effects can free up system resources and make Windows feel more responsive.

1. Press Windows + R, type sysdm.cpl, and press Enter.
2. Open the Advanced tab and click Settings under Performance.
3. Select Adjust for best performance to disable all visual effects. Or, choose Custom to keep the effects you prefer while disabling the rest.
4. Click Apply, then OK.
5. Restart your PC if prompted.

Tip: If you want a balance between appearance and performance, keep Smooth edges of screen fonts enabled to maintain clear, readable text.

Select the High Performance Power Plan

Windows 10 includes different power plans that balance performance and energy usage. If your PC is using the Balanced or Power Saver plan, switching to High performance can improve responsiveness, especially on desktops and laptops plugged into a power source.

1. Press Windows + R, type control, and press Enter.
2. Go to Hardware and Sound > Power Options.
3. Select High performance. If you don’t see it, click Show additional plans.

Note: The High performance power plan may increase power consumption. Laptop users can switch back to Balanced when running on battery power.

Keep Windows and Device Drivers Updated

Installing the latest Windows updates and device drivers can improve system performance, stability, and compatibility. Updates often include bug fixes, security patches, and optimizations that help your PC run more efficiently.

Update Windows 10

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Update & Security > Windows Update.
3. Click Check for updates.
4. Download and install any available updates.
5. Restart your PC if prompted.

Update Device Drivers

Keeping important drivers up to date can improve hardware performance and fix compatibility issues.

1. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
2. Expand the category for the device you want to update, such as Display adapters, Network adapters, or Disk drives.
3. Right-click the device and select Update driver.
4. Choose Search automatically for drivers and follow the on-screen instructions.

Keeping Windows and your drivers up to date can help resolve performance issues and ensure your hardware operates as efficiently as possible.

Scan and Repair System Files

Corrupted or missing Windows system files can affect performance and cause your PC to become unstable over time. Windows includes built-in tools that can scan for damaged files and repair them automatically.

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Type the following command and press Enter: sfc /scannow
3. Wait for the scan to complete and restart your PC if Windows repairs any files.

If SFC reports that it couldn’t repair some files, run the following command, then run SFC again:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Tip: These commands repair Windows system files without affecting your personal files or installed applications.

Upgrade to an SSD or Add More RAM

If Windows 10 still feels slow after optimizing your system, your hardware may be limiting its performance. Upgrading your storage or memory can make a noticeable difference, especially on older PCs.

• Replace an HDD with an SSD: If your computer still uses a traditional hard disk drive, upgrading to a solid-state drive (SSD) is one of the biggest performance improvements you can make. Windows boots faster, applications load more quickly, and file transfers are significantly faster.
• Add more RAM: If your PC slows down while multitasking, upgrading from 4 GB to 8 GB or from 8 GB to 16 GB of RAM can improve responsiveness and reduce stuttering when multiple programs are open.

Before purchasing new hardware, check your PC or motherboard specifications to confirm the supported SSD type and maximum RAM capacity.

Frequently Asked Questions