You're struggling with slow computer performance. What tools can you use to speed things up?

Is your computer running slower than usual? Do you have to wait for programs to load or respond? Do you see annoying pop-ups or errors? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you might need to optimize your operating system performance. In this article, we'll show you some tools that can help you speed things up and make your computer run more smoothly.

1 Check for malware

Malware is a type of software that can harm your computer or steal your data. It can also slow down your operating system by using up your resources or interfering with your settings. To protect your computer from malware, you should use a reliable antivirus program and scan your system regularly. You should also avoid opening suspicious links or attachments, and update your software and drivers frequently.

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Frederick Abila

TEDxUMat 25' Organizer | AI Innovation Leader | Founder of Legalyze & Buzz Chat | Building AI Solutions in LegalTech & Social Tech | Creator of ScamAlert |
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Checking for malware is a crucial step for this process. It helps in identifying the root issue to this situation and hence eradicates any doubts.

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Temesghen Shama Araia

Systems Security Enthusiast | CIOS | CSIS | Endpoint Administrator | Networking Expert | IT Systems Analyst | Technical Support Specialist | Cyber Security & Threat Intelligence
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Install and update antivirus software regularly. Keep your system and software up-to-date. Avoid suspicious links and downloads. Run regular system scans for malware. Monitor for unusual system behavior. Backup important files externally. Seek professional help if needed.

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2 Clean up your disk

Your disk is the storage device where your operating system and files are stored. Over time, your disk can get cluttered with temporary files, unused programs, duplicate files, or other junk that can take up space and affect your performance. To clean up your disk, you can use a tool like Disk Cleanup, which is built into Windows and Mac operating systems. This tool can help you delete unnecessary files and free up space on your disk. You can also uninstall any programs that you don't use or need, and move some files to an external drive or cloud storage.

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Stan Gorbanov

Technology and Digital Risk Management advocate weaving tech magic for exceptional customer experiences.
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Additionally would be a great idea to check disk health status, from Event viewer. Sometimes disk can start having bad blocks or in case of SSD they are near the end of its lifecycle. In that case you should run a backup of your important files to external storage and replace the disk as soon as possible.

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Temesghen Shama Araia

Systems Security Enthusiast | CIOS | CSIS | Endpoint Administrator | Networking Expert | IT Systems Analyst | Technical Support Specialist | Cyber Security & Threat Intelligence
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Delete Unnecessary Files: Remove temporary files, unused apps, and duplicates. Organize Files: Arrange files into folders and delete what's not needed. Clear Browser Data: Remove cache, cookies, and browsing history. Empty Recycle Bin/Trash: Permanently delete files you no longer need. Use Disk Optimization Tools: Defragment (if needed) to improve performance. Monitor Disk Space: Regularly check and clean to maintain optimal storage.

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3 Defragment your disk

Disk fragmentation is a process that occurs when your files are stored in different parts of your disk, rather than in contiguous blocks. This can make your operating system work harder to access and read your files, which can slow down your performance. To defragment your disk, you can use a tool like Disk Defragmenter, which is also built into Windows and Mac operating systems. This tool can rearrange your files and make them more compact and efficient. You should defragment your disk periodically, especially if you have a hard disk drive (HDD) rather than a solid state drive (SSD).

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Stan Gorbanov

Technology and Digital Risk Management advocate weaving tech magic for exceptional customer experiences.
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Defragmentation doesn’t necessary makes file smaller, it’s restructuring their placement on HDD for more efficient access. It is not recommended to do disk defragmentation on SSD drives as it will shorten its lifetime.

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4 Manage your startup programs

Startup programs are the ones that run automatically when you boot up your computer. Some of these programs are essential for your operating system, but others are optional or unnecessary. Having too many startup programs can slow down your boot time and consume your resources. To manage your startup programs, you can use a tool like Task Manager on Windows or System Preferences on Mac. This tool can help you see which programs are running on startup and disable or enable them as you wish. You should only keep the programs that you need or use frequently, and disable the ones that you don't.

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Temesghen Shama Araia

Systems Security Enthusiast | CIOS | CSIS | Endpoint Administrator | Networking Expert | IT Systems Analyst | Technical Support Specialist | Cyber Security & Threat Intelligence
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Access Startup Settings: Windows - Use Task Manager > Startup tab. macOS - Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups > Login Items. Disable Unnecessary Programs: Turn off unnecessary startup items by right-clicking (Windows) or unchecking (macOS) them. Prioritize Essentials: Keep essential programs enabled for startup, like antivirus software. Use System Configuration (Windows): Access "msconfig" to manage startup items in more detail if needed. Regularly Review: Periodically check and adjust startup programs based on your current needs. Managing startup programs helps optimize boot time and enhances your computer's performance.

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5 Adjust your settings

Your settings are the preferences and options that you can customize for your operating system. Some of these settings can affect your performance, such as your visual effects, power plan, or background apps. To adjust your settings, you can use a tool like Control Panel on Windows or System Preferences on Mac. This tool can help you change your settings and optimize them for your needs and preferences. For example, you can reduce your visual effects to improve your speed, choose a power plan that balances your performance and battery life, or limit the number of background apps that run on your system.

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Temesghen Shama Araia

Systems Security Enthusiast | CIOS | CSIS | Endpoint Administrator | Networking Expert | IT Systems Analyst | Technical Support Specialist | Cyber Security & Threat Intelligence
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Access Settings: Go to Control Panel (Windows) or System Preferences (macOS). Display: Set screen resolution, brightness, and color preferences. Power: Customize power and sleep settings for efficiency. Privacy: Manage app permissions and data access. Update & Security: Enable automatic updates and configure security settings. Network: Optimize Wi-Fi or Ethernet settings. Accessibility: Customize features for better usability. App Settings: Adjust individual app preferences. Cloud & Sync: Manage storage and synchronization options. Backup: Set up regular data backups. These adjustments can tailor your system to your needs and enhance its performance.

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6 Update your operating system

Your operating system is the software that controls your computer's basic functions and operations. It is important to keep your operating system updated, as updates can fix bugs, improve security, add features, or enhance performance. To update your operating system, you can use a tool like Windows Update or Software Update on Mac. This tool can help you check for available updates and install them automatically or manually. You should update your operating system regularly, as outdated or unsupported versions can cause problems or vulnerabilities.

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Sirimang Danjo RCDD, MCSE

Telecom Specialist / Author Memoir of a Gambian child and Facts figures of the Gambia from colonial Era: Available at Amazon.com & all major Bookstores.
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Updating your software and and hardware can help but if you still have a slow internet access you will be back to square one. With this new quantum fiber your nic card needs to capable of working that high internet speed.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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You're struggling with slow computer performance. What tools can you use to speed things up?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Check for malware

2 Clean up your disk

3 Defragment your disk

4 Manage your startup programs

5 Adjust your settings

6 Update your operating system

7 Here’s what else to consider

Operating Systems

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You're struggling with slow computer performance. What tools can you use to speed things up?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Check for malware

2 Clean up your disk

3 Defragment your disk

4 Manage your startup programs

5 Adjust your settings

6 Update your operating system

7 Here’s what else to consider

Operating Systems

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