Take 5 minutes to speed up your PC
Turn off fancy effects and unused programs
When your computer slows to a crawl, it’s frustrating, and you want to fix it as fast as possible. Occasionally, your internet is actually to blame.
If your computer is on its last legs, there’s not a ton you can do aside from buying a new one. Not sure where to start?
Now, let’s breathe new life into your PC.
1. The IT pro secret
It’s not a huge secret, but it is the first step an IT person takes when a PC is finicky. Why? More often than not, it just works. Shutting down your computer clears your RAM out and shuts down all the extra programs and processes running in the background. Give it a shot.
2. Change it up
Windows 10’s power saver mode saves your battery. The downside is it slows down your computer’s performance. By staying in low power mode, you’re slowing down your computer’s operating speed. It’s easy enough to change:
Open Settings > System.
Select Power & sleep from the lefthand menu.
On the right side, choose Additional power settings.
A new dialogue box will appear. Choose High performance.
Select Change plan settings for even more control over when your computer goes to sleep or the display shuts down.
3. Disable startup applications
Admit it. You click “yes” on notifications to get them to go away. You may have inadvertently allowed specific programs to start automatically. Those programs slow your computer down from the minute you turn it on.
If you aren’t using them, shut them down. Minimizing how many programs run when you turn your computer on will make it run more efficiently.
There are a few ways to do this, but here’s an easy shortcut:
Type Task Manager into the Windows search box.
Choose the Startup tab. Here you’ll see all the programs that automatically start when you turn your computer on.
Right-click on the programs you don’t need and choose Disable. Done!
4. Ditch the fancy stuff
Windows has a few special effects up its proverbial sleeve. They look nice, sure, but they will cost you some speed. This is especially true if you’re using an older PC.
To disable all shadows, animations, and visual effects:
Type sysdm.cpl into the Windows search box and press enter.
The System Properties dialog box will appear. Choose the Advanced tab.
Under Performance, choose Settings.
You can choose to enable or disable any of these animations and effects. If you’re unsure which to choose, select Adjust for best performance at the top of the screen. h Click OK.
5. Dump the junk
Many of us have applications we installed, used once, then completely forgot they are there. These programs still occupy hard drive space and may even have temporary files and folders installed.
They could even be running in the background, sucking out memory and resources from your PC, which is why it’s been so sluggish lately. Track these programs down and uninstall them. To uninstall from the Start menu:
Click the Start button and look for the app or program. Press and hold (or right-click) the app and select Uninstall.
To uninstall from Settings: Click the Start button > Settings. Choose Apps > Apps & features,
then select the app you want to delete.
Click Uninstall.
Learn about all the latest technology on the Kim Komando Show, the nation’s largest weekend radio talk show. Kim takes calls and dispenses advice on today’s digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks. For her daily tips, free newsletters and more, visit her website at Komando.com.
The views and opinions expressed in this column are the author’s and do not necessarily reflect those of USA TODAY.