If you notice your computer is running slow, check the system tray if there are applications or programs that are running on the background that you do not need which consumes your computer resources.

1. On the lower-right corner of your desktop, click the arrow pointing upwards to show the system tray.

   

2. Right-click the selected program that you do not need running, and then choose Quit, Close, or Exit.

   

Programs tend to run automatically on startup. You can prevent them from running automatically by disabling it on the startup programs to save your computer memory and resources.

1. Open Task Manager:
   1. On your keyboard, press the Windows + R keys.
   2. In the Open field, type taskmgr, then press ENTER. The Task Manager window should appear.

      

2. Click the Startup tab, and then select the program that you do not need running.

   

3. Click Disable.

Making sure that your programs and software are up-to-date is a good practice in security. Additionally, These updates not only fix bugs but also bring new features, and ensure your computer is secure.

Windows 10

1. On the main screen of your computer, press the Windows key.
2. Click Settings.

   

3. On the next page, click Update and Security.

   

4. On the left side of the window, click Windows Update.
5. Click Check for updates.

   

Windows 8.1

1. On your keyboard, press the Windows + R keys.
2. In the Open field, type control, then press ENTER.

   

3. On the Control Panel, click System and Security.

   

4. On the next page, click Windows Update.

   

5. Click Check for Updates.

   

Delete files that you are not using to save disk space that is in your Recycle Bin.

1. Find the Recycle Bin icon on the desktop.
2. Right-click (or press and hold), and then select Empty Recycle Bin.

   

Running Disk Cleanup, at least once a month is an excellent maintenance task and frequency. It helps your computer speed up and improve its performance by removing unnecessary files, including temporary files.

1. On your keyboard, press the Windows + R keys.
2. In the Open field, type cleanmgr, then press ENTER. The Disk Cleanup window should appear.
3. Select the drive that you want to clean up, and then click OK.
4. In the Disk Cleanup dialog box in the Description section, select Clean up system files.
5. Select the drive that you want to clean up, and then click OK.
6. On the Disk Cleanup tab, check the boxes for the file types that you want to delete, and then click OK.

   

7. In the message that appears, click Delete files.

Files on your hard drive become fragmented over time and your computer will be looking at multiple places for the pieces which could make your computer run slower. Basically “defragmenting” means putting those files back together so your system can run more efficiently.

1. On your keyboard, press the Windows + R keys.
2. In the Open field, type dfrgui, then press ENTER. The Disk Optimization window should appear.
3. Select your hard drive, and then click Analyze.
4. Once done, click Optimize.

   

Removing programs that you are not using anymore can help speed up your computer since those programs might still include background processes, auto start entries, system services, and other this that could slow down your computer. It will also save disk space as well.

1. On your keyboard, press the Windows + R keys.
2. In the Open field, type appwiz.cpl, then press ENTER. The Programs and Features window should appear.

   

3. Select the program that you are not using anymore, and then click Uninstall.

   

Some malware can cause computers to slowdown which reduces the overall performance and could even potentially harm the computer. You could check if your computer is infected by malware of any others threats by having a good antivirus software installed in your computer to protect it against this various kinds of threats.

Check our Free Anti-Malware Tools to get protection from malware and web threats. For more information, refer to this Knowledge Base article:

Free anti-malware tools for Home Users

Windows animations helps applications look sleeker and refined which contribute to overall user experience although this also uses additional computer resources which slows down your computer. However, disabling this one could also save little processing power and keeps thing simple.

1. On your keyboard, press the Windows + X keys. The Quick Link menu should appear.
2. Choose System from the list. The Settings window should appear.

   

3. In the Search field, type Performance, and then select Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows.

   

4. Under the Visual Effects tab, choose Adjust for best performance.

   

5. Click Apply, and then click OK.