How to speed up my computer

If you want to find out how to speed up your computer, read more below.

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How can I Increase the Speed of my Computer?

Computers can start slowing down over a few months to years and this can be caused by a number of factors such as corrupt files or software programmes, or even outdates software. In an attempt to resolve these, we suggest the following;

Uninstall Unnecessary Software

This will free up disk space by clicking on the “Start” button and viewing your “All Apps” menu. You will quickly be able to see  which applications you don’t use and can uninstall them by selecting the programme or application, right-clicking for the “Options” menu and then selecting “Uninstall”.

Limit Start Up Programmes

By limiting programmes that run in the background at start up, you may be able to improve your computer’s speed.  Press Ctrl-Shift-Esc to access the Task Manager. A list of all the applications you have installed on your computer will appear which provides a detailed account of the amount of RAM each program uses when you start your PC. To adjust this list, right-click on the application you want to change to instruct it not to run until needed.

Increase the Memory (RAM) to Your PC

RAM stands for random-access memory and refers to a short-term memory where data is stored on your computer. Increasing RAM is a popular way to speed up devices, when other options have failed. If you are IT inclined then you may be able to install more RAM yourself. However, Westech can assist you with this, if you are in any doubt.

Check for Viruses and Spyware

While it is relatively easy for your computer to pick up a virus from browsing the Internet, Windows Defender software makes it easier than before to locate any form of malware that may be the cause of your computer issues. If you don’t have Windows Defender, there are many other applications that don’t take up too much space and that can be downloaded for efficient malware removal.

Undertake a Disk Clean-up and Defrag

As you use your computer, it will store a number of programmes and temporary files that may not be used again. By conducting a disk clean-up, it will delete these files freeing up space on your computer. From the “Start” button, select “Disk clean-up” which will start a quick scan to show you what temporary files, applications, and web pages haven’t been used or are no longer needed. You can then delete them from there and make some more space available on your computer. A defragmentation works similarly and can also be accessed from the “Start” button. There are of course a number of other applications that can be downloaded to do the same.

Clear the Cookie Cache and Change Your Web Browser

Yes, the web browser that you use can affect the upload speed of web pages, images and videos. If you are experiencing some delays when opening web pages, try using an alternative browser. If you are using Internet Explorer, simply select “Internet Options”, then “General”. Look for the “Browsing History” option and select “Temporary Internet Files” and “Website Data”. You can then press “Delete”. If you are using Google Chrome, visit “More Settings”, then select “More Tools”. You then click on “Clear Browsing Data”. It is also a good idea to clear the “cookie cache” on your computer which stores information from sites that you have browsed. Just remember that cookies are needed to complete some auto-fill functions, so if you delete all of them you will need to fill in future forms from the start again.

If your PC is running slowly, the following suggestions might help speed things up. The tips are listed in order, so start with the first one, see if that helps, and then continue to the next one if it doesn’t.

1. Make sure you have the latest updates for Windows and device drivers
2. Restart your PC and open only the apps you need
3. Use ReadyBoost to help improve performance
4. Make sure the system is managing the page file size
5. Check for low disk space and free up space
6. Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows
7. Pause OneDrive syncing
8. Disable unnecessary startup programs
9. Check for and remove viruses and malware
10. Restore your PC from a system restore point