How Do You Solve a Problem Like Windows 10?: 4 Ways to Speed Up Your PC

Been frustrated with your computer or tablet ever since you’ve upgraded your operating system (OS) to Windows 10? Are you considering to uninstall it and downgrade to Windows 7 or 8. No need to do so because there are ways to fix it.

If you’re already fed up with problems common to Windows 10—such as freezing computer screen, slow startups, slow reading and loading of files, Windows Update issues, and even the mysterious filling up of storage space—you can tweak your device to speed it up.

Just as there are tips to maximize the use of Windows 10, there are also ways to fix the performance issues of your OS:

Background applications that automatically run as you boot your computer are among the culprits of a slow PC. Some of them are important, and some you rarely use. Getting rid of them will make your PC run smoothly again.

To disable these apps, right click the taskbar at the lower right and select Task Manager. If it launches a compact window without tabs, click “More details” to reveal the hidden tabs that are full of background applications. Go to the Startup tab, right click the software you seldomly use and choose “Disable.”

Windows 10 has a lot of advanced visual effects. With new computers, this may not affect your system’s performance. But with older models, this can cause your PC to be sluggish.

To turn off your Windows 10’s special effects, click the Start button > System > Advanced system settings > Performance > Settings. The Performance Options window will open. Click the Visual Effects tab and choose “Adjust for best performance.”

If you want to customize the special effects, click Custom and deselect the visual effects that you want to disable. After making your desired changes, click OK.

Windows 10 has a built-in feature that can solve your dreaded performance issues.

To launch this feature, type troubleshooting in your search box and choose “Troubleshooting Control Panel.” In the System and Security section, click “System Maintenance.” The “Troubleshoot and help prevent computer problems” screen will appear. At the bottom right, click “Next.”

The troubleshooter will then scan and find the problems that slow down your PC. It will be reported to you before the it terminates all of the issues. If you have administrative rights, the system will push through with the troubleshooting and accomplish its work.

You can free up disk space using the Windows 10’s Disk Cleanup tool that efficiently sweeps out all the files that you don’t need anymore.

To run it, click on the Start button and click on File Explorer. Right click Local Disk C: and select Properties. In the General tab, click Disk Cleanup button, mark all the unneeded and temporary files in your computer, then click OK.

Have other tips and tricks that Windows 10 users can do to speed up their operating system’s performance? Share them in the comments below!

Alex Gomez is a social media professional who dabbles as a freelance tech writer and photographer. This gadget and car enthusiast also plays video games and keeps himself updated on technology news in his spare time.