How to Speed Up a Slow Windows 10/11 PC (2025 Guide)
Is your Windows PC slowing down and driving you nuts? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Whether you're using a new laptop or an old desktop, lagging performance is a common issue. In this
2025 guide, we’ll show you
10 proven ways to speed up your Windows 10 or 11 PC effectively.
1. Clean Up Your Startup Programs
Too many background apps can slow down your boot time. To fix this:
- Press
Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
- Go to the Startup tab
- Right-click and disable apps you don’t need at startup
2. Uninstall Unnecessary Software
Remove bloatware and unused apps:
- Go to Settings > Apps > Installed Apps
- Sort by size or last used
- Remove anything that’s not essential
3. Free Up Disk Space
Use Windows' built-in
Disk Cleanup or tools like CCleaner to delete:
- Temporary files
- Recycle Bin content
- System logs
This boosts performance especially on low-storage PCs.
4. Change Your Power Settings
By default, Windows uses a "Balanced" power plan. Change this to
High Performance:
- Go to Control Panel > Power Options
- Select High Performance mode
Great for gaming and heavy software use.
5. Update Windows & Drivers
Always keep your OS and drivers up to date:
- Open Settings > Windows Update
- Install all important updates
- Use apps like Driver Booster to update outdated drivers
6. Disable Visual Effects
Fancy animations can slow down older PCs:
- Press
Windows + R, type sysdm.cpl
- Under Performance, click Settings
- Select Adjust for best performance
7. Prevent Overheating
Your PC slows down when it overheats. Keep it cool by:
- Using cooling pads for laptops
- Cleaning air vents
- Avoiding direct sunlight
8. Upgrade to SSD or Add More RAM
If you're still using an HDD, upgrading to SSD can speed up boot time and app loading significantly. Also, upgrading from 4GB to 8GB RAM helps with multitasking.
9. Clear Browser Cache
- Chrome:
Settings > Privacy > Clear browsing data
- Firefox:
Settings > Privacy > Cookies and Site Data > Clear
Speeds up browsing and helps reduce lag in online tasks.
10. Install Lightweight and Essential Software
Use resource-friendly tools that won’t bog down your system:
| Task | Recommended Tool |
|---|
| Antivirus | Windows Defender |
| Office Suite | LibreOffice |
| PDF Reader | SumatraPDF |
| Photo Editing | Photopea (Online) |
Final Thoughts
Speeding up your Windows PC doesn’t require a technician. Just a few adjustments and cleanups can bring your system back to life. Bookmark this guide and do regular maintenance every few months.
Quick Internal Links Recap:
Tip: Want to know what’s slowing your PC? Read: Why Is My Computer So Slow? 8 Common Reasons and How to Fix Them (2025 Guide)
Learn more: 
Check out: 
How to Speed Up Your Computer: 10 Easy Tips for Beginners (2025 Guide)