Increase Your PC Performance: 10 Tricks That Worked For Me!
Slow PC, laggy apps, and the fans are spinning like a jet engine for no reason? If your computer feels older than it actually is, you’re not alone. Most performance issues don’t show up overnight. They creep in! One startup app here, a background service there, a couple of years of updates, and suddenly, even opening a browser feels like work. But the good news is you don’t need a new PC. You don’t even need advanced technical skills. You just need to clean up how your system works. I have tried many things, but these 10 tricks actually helped me out. So let’s break down the things I did, and you can also do to improve PC performance without overthinking it.
Why Your PC Performance Drops Over Time
Your PC did not “decide” to slow down. Over time, when you multitask or install regular updates, the hardware faces difficulties running software. The RAM stars are collapsing, raising the processor’s temperature to 100 degrees on certain occasions. That’s why even a decent laptop can feel unusable after a few years.
I tried many things that could bring my system back on track. I searched for solutions and found effective improvement through official Microsoft documentation, which noticeably improved my PC performance. Here are 10 of those tricks, which are enough to debug your system issues.
1. Disable Startup Programs You Don’t Need
The major headache most PC owners can relate to is auto-launching apps. The moment you start your PC, dozens of apps launch automatically, degrading system performance! And the sad part is that most of them are unnecessary, and you barely use them when you are working. And what makes it more traumatizing for both you and your system is their memory consumption and boot time.
What you should do
- Open Task Manager
- Go to the Startup tab
- Disable apps you don’t need at boot (chat apps, launchers, updaters)
Why does it help PC performance?
Fewer startup programs mean faster boot times and more free RAM the moment Windows loads. Now you can easily perform official tasks on your system without a single lag.
2. Uninstall Software You No Longer Use
Let’s confess! We all have those apps that we installed one time, used twice or thrice, and kept as it for years. Old software takes up space and runs background services at the same time. Often, they check for updates or add startup tasks without asking. So it is better to remove them from your system and save it from unnecessary clutter.
What you should do
- Go to Settings → Apps.
- Sort by size or install date
- Remove anything you don’t actively use
Why it helps
Freeing storage improves system responsiveness, reduces background activity, and lowers disk strain. On HDD-based systems, this alone can noticeably improve PC performance. As a result, you see no clutter and jet engine-like cooler noise. Just a smooth-running PC!
3. Upgrade From HDD to SSD! If You Haven’t Already
This is the biggest PC performance upgrade you can make. If your PC still runs on a traditional hard drive (HDD), you’re bottlenecking the entire system. The age of HHD is long gone! With modern softwares that is stacked with advanced features, disk-based drive systems can barely run with any specification. It’s high time you switched to an SSD drive system and gave your PC a memory boost.
What changes with an SSD
- Boot times drop from minutes to seconds.
- Apps open instantly
- File searches feel immediate.
- System updates install faster.
Why it matters
To state the fact, SSDs do not make your system faster! But it is capable of offloading pressure on your RAM. Actually, HDDs store data in a spinning disk, and pins need to adjust accordingly to render files. This process, as a unit, takes a lot of time!
4. Keep Windows and Drivers Updated (But Do It Right)
Updates get a bad reputation. But outdated systems cause more performance problems than updates ever will. That said, timing matters.
What you should do
- Install major Windows updates.
- Keep graphics, chipset, and storage drivers current.
- Avoid beta or optional updates unless needed.
Why it helps
Updates fix memory leaks, improve hardware compatibility, and optimize how Windows uses your system resources. Many PC performance issues come from outdated drivers fighting newer software. Stay updated, but stay stable.
5. Reduce Visual Effects and Animations
Windows loves eye candy. Your PC? Not so much! So if you are not into hardcore animation, consider compromising on unnecessary animations, shadows, and transparency. Nice to look at, expensive to run.
What you should do
- Search “Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows.”
- Choose Adjust for best performance.
- Or manually disable animations and effects.
Why does It Help PC Performance?
You reduce GPU and CPU workload, which improves responsiveness, especially on older or integrated graphics systems. Your PC should feel fast, not flashy.
6. Clean Up Your Storage Properly
Low storage space doesn’t just affect files; it affects how Windows operates internally.
What you should do
- Run Disk Cleanup
- Delete temporary files
- Remove old Windows update files.
- Clear browser caches
Why it helps
Windows needs free space for virtual memory, updates, and background tasks. When storage gets tight, everything slows down. Aim for at least 15–20% free space on your main drive.
7. Check for Malware and Background Threats
Even “light” malware can quietly destroy PC performance. Sometimes when you download a few software, games, and tools from third-party directories, you welcome unwanted, harmful systems into your PC. These malware don’t just memory-hectic but also jeopardize the safety of your operating system.
What you should do
- Run Windows Security full scan.
- Use a trusted secondary scanner if needed.
- Remove suspicious browser extension.
Why it helps
Malware often consumes CPU memory and network resources silently. When you remove them from your PC, your processors stop overheating and offer optimal performance. So no more lag when operating heavy software on your PC.
8. Manage Background Apps and Services
Some apps don’t need to run all the time. They just choose to! And that is where complications force in. Some background apps consume up to 2 GB of your existing RAM. You won’t notice much when browsing, but it can affect you when you game or code software on your system.
What you should do
- Go to Settings → Privacy → Background apps
- Disable apps that don’t need constant access
- Review running processes occasionally
Why Does It Help PC Performance?
Background apps patiently drain memory and CPU resources. Putting an end to those services can instantly boost your PC performance. Result? Smooth gaming and coding, or any other activity you prefer your PC for.
9. Upgrade RAM
If your PC struggles when multitasking, RAM might be the issue. A RAM is responsible for hosting a software’s data and programs for a temporary period of time while the processor is using it. So your system should be backed by a sufficient amount of RAM to run major software.
Signs you need more RAM
- The browser slows down with many tabs.
- Apps freeze when switching
. - Disk usage spikes randomly
Why RAM matters
The more RAM available to your PC, the more stable your system will be. For modern Windows systems, I recommend 8GB as the minimum, and 16GB is ideal for smooth PC performance. RAM upgrades are often cheaper than frustration.
10. Restart More Often Than You Think
Yes, this sounds basic. No, it’s not a joke. A few weeks back, when my system was lagging just after hours of starting up, I found this trick online. Restarting your PC often resolves program failures and background apps that consume your RAM space.
Why restarting works
- Clears memory leaks
- Stops runaway background processes
- Resets system resources
When to restart
- After heavy usage
- After updates
- When performance dips for no clear reason
If your PC stays on for weeks, you’re asking for trouble.
Extra Tips That Actually Help
- Keep browsers lean because too many extensions kill PC performance
- Avoid “PC booster” software. They actually do more harm than good.
- Monitor Task Manager once in a while
- Keep your desktop clean
These small habits can practically improve your system’s response time. Even can resolve core systems issues like overheating, memory failure, and more.
How Long Do These Changes Take to Show Results?
Truth be told! I personally got good results from these tricks. And some improvements are instant. Such as startup cleanup, SSD upgrades, and malware removal, really show results immediately. Other upgrades like RAM upgrades or long-term storage cleanup, compound over time.
There are still several factors that can degrade your PC’s performance. Now, if you are stuck with technologies that are over 20 Years old, nothing is going to be very fruitful. Even for advanced browsing, you need a Pentacore processor.
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Need a New PC (Yet)
Before you spend money on new hardware, fix what you already own. Most slow PCs aren’t broken; they’re neglected. By applying these 10 tips, you give your system breathing room, stability, and speed. More importantly, you regain control over how your PC behaves. And honestly? That’s the real upgrade.
FAQs People Actually Ask About PC Performance
No. Clearing the cache removes temporary files like images and scripts, not your saved passwords. Passwords are stored separately unless you manually select “Passwords” while clearing data.
No. Some software and sometimes Windows create Temporary files. So removing them after a while won’t delete your personal files. But make sure you are not deleting something important.
No, as long as you disable non-essential apps like chat tools, launchers, or media players. Avoid disabling system services or security software, and your PC will run safely and faster.
Yes, unless you clone your existing drive or back up your files first. When upgrading, you should either clone your HDD to the SSD or reinstall Windows and restore your data afterward.
Not at all. Restarting is healthy for your system. It clears memory, stops stuck processes, and refreshes resources. Frequent restarts do not damage hardware.
Indirectly, yes. Removing dust improves airflow, keeps temperatures lower, and prevents thermal throttling, which can slow down your CPU and GPU during heavy usage.
Yes. Extensions run in the background and consume memory. Having too many, especially ad blockers, toolbars, or unknown add-ons-can noticeably reduce PC performance.
Yes, temporarily. A factory reset removes clutter, malware, and misconfigured settings. However, performance will decline again if poor habits return or hardware limits remain.
Yes. Files stay on your drive until the Recycle Bin is emptied. Clearing it permanently frees storage space, which helps Windows operate more smoothly.
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Richard Watson
Richard Watson is a dynamic author on finance and business. He lives in New York City. Who has been winning hearts and minds with his 9+ years of experience, expertise, and blogging. With a Master's in Computer Applications, he transforms complex financial concepts into accessible insights that resonate with both seasoned professionals and novices. His notable work has established him as an expert, guiding businesses to thrive in the digital world. He is currently on Content Operations Associate | MoneyOutlined.com & MostValuedBusiness.com
