How to Speed Up Your Slow Windows PC (Step-by-Step)

Is your computer acting lazy? Does it take forever to open a simple web page? You are not alone. Over time, every Windows PC starts to slow down. It gets clogged with old files, unused apps, and hidden settings that drain its power.

The good news is that you don’t need to be a computer expert to fix this. You also don’t need to buy a new computer. In late 2025, Windows 11 has many built-in tools to fix itself—you just need to know where to find them.

This guide will show you exactly how to make your PC fast again, step-by-step.

1. The “Magic” Restart

It sounds too simple, but this is the most important step. When you use your computer for days without turning it off, it gets “tired.” It keeps thousands of temporary processes open in the background.

How to do it:

• Click the Start button.
• Click the Power icon.
• Select Restart (not “Shut Down”).

Restarting clears out the system’s memory (RAM) and stops all those hidden background tasks that were eating up your speed. Do this at least once a week.

2. Stop Apps from Opening Automatically

When you turn on your PC, does it take a long time to get ready? This is usually because too many apps are trying to start at the exact same time. Spotify, Skype, Steam, and others often fight for attention the moment you log in.

How to fix it:

1. Right-click on the Start button and select Task Manager (or press Ctrl + Shift + Esc).
2. Look for a tab or icon that says Startup apps (it usually looks like a speedometer or a gauge).
3. Look at the list. If you see an app you don’t use immediately (like a printer helper or a game launcher), right-click it.
4. Select Disable.

Note: Don’t disable anything that looks like “Antivirus” or “Audio Driver.” If you are not sure, leave it alone.

3. Use the “Best Performance” Power Mode

By default, Windows tries to save electricity. It limits how fast your processor can work to save battery life. But if your computer is plugged into the wall, you don’t need to save battery—you need speed!

How to switch modes:

1. Open Settings (press the Windows key + I).
2. Go to System > Power & battery.
3. Find the Power mode setting.
4. Change it from “Balanced” to Best performance.

This tells your computer to stop holding back and use its full power to run your apps.

4. Turn Off Fancy Visual Effects

Windows 11 looks beautiful because it has many animations. Windows fade in, menus slide out, and backgrounds are transparent. These look nice, but they use up a lot of power. If your PC is older, these effects can make it feel sluggish.

How to turn them off:

1. Press the Windows key on your keyboard and type “View advanced system settings”. Click the result to open it.
2. Click the Settings button under the “Performance” section.
3. Select the circle that says Adjust for best performance.
4. Click Apply and OK.

Your text might look slightly different, but your windows will now snap open instantly instead of sliding slowly.

5. Clean Up “Junk” Files Automatically

Every time you browse the internet or install an update, Windows creates temporary files. These are like wrapper paper—useful for a moment, but trash afterwards. Over months, this “trash” can take up gigabytes of space and slow down your drive.

How to use Storage Sense:

1. Go to Settings > System > Storage.
2. Turn on the switch next to Storage Sense.
3. Click on Storage Sense to configure it. You can tell it to automatically delete files in your Recycle Bin or Downloads folder if they have been there for more than 30 days.

This essentially gives your PC a self-cleaning habit, so you never have to worry about junk files again.

6. Scan for Hidden Viruses

Sometimes, a slow PC isn’t just old—it’s sick. Malware (viruses) can hide in the background and use your computer’s power to send spam or mine cryptocurrency. This makes your PC feel incredibly slow.

How to check:

1. Click Start and type “Windows Security”.
2. Click on Virus & threat protection.
3. Click Quick scan.

If it finds anything, let Windows remove it immediately.

7. The “Reset” Option (The Last Resort)

If you have tried everything above and your computer is still painfully slow, something deep inside the system might be broken. In the past, you had to erase everything to fix this. Now, Windows has a feature called “Reset this PC.”

What it does: It reinstalls a fresh copy of Windows but keeps your personal files (like your photos and documents). It deletes all your installed apps, so you will have to download Chrome or Word again, but your data is safe.

How to do it:

1. Go to Settings > System > Recovery.
2. Click on Reset PC.
3. Crucial Step: Choose the option Keep my files.

This process can take an hour or two, but it usually makes an old computer feel brand new.

Conclusion

You don’t have to accept a slow computer. By simply turning off startup apps, cleaning up junk files, and adjusting your power settings, you can make your PC fast again. Try these steps one by one, and you will likely see a huge difference in just a few minutes.