If your Windows PC takes too long to boot, apps are opening slowly, or multitasking feels laggy—don’t worry! A slow computer is one of the most common problems users face, especially after long-term usage. There are many possible causes such as low storage, background apps, outdated drivers, or malware attacks. In this complete guide, we will explain How to Fix Slow Performance on PC step-by-step. These methods work on both Windows 10 and Windows 11.
This guide is beginner-friendly, and you can easily apply all the solutions without any technical skills. Let’s boost your PC speed today!
What Causes Slow Performance on PC? (2025 Updated Guide)
Before jumping to the solutions, it’s important to understand why your PC slows down. When a laptop or desktop becomes old or overloaded, its performance starts degrading. Many users install heavy apps, ignore system updates, or use slow HDD storage—these factors directly affect computer speed.
Here are the main reasons behind slow PC performance:
- Low Storage Space (Less than 20% free space)
- Too Many Startup Apps
- Outdated Windows or Drivers
- Malware or Virus Infection
- Fragmented Hard Disk (HDD)
- Insufficient RAM (Less than 8GB for modern tasks)
- Overheating Issues
- Background Apps & Services consuming CPU/RAM
- Old hardware like HDD instead of SSD
When multiple factors combine, the computer becomes extremely slow. Now let’s move to the solutions to fix this issue permanently.
How to Fix Slow Performance on PC – Best Working Solutions
Below you will find all the major step-by-step fixes. Each solution is explained in detail with beginner-friendly instructions.
Read More : How to Boot USB Pendrive Easily – Step by Step Guide for Beginners
1. Restart and Update Your Windows System (Simple but Effective)
Restarting might sound too basic—but it’s necessary! If your PC stays ON for long hours, apps continue running in the background. A restart clears memory and kills unnecessary processes.
How to Update Windows 10/11
- Open Settings
- Go to Windows Update
- Click Check for Updates
- Install available updates
- Restart your PC
Updating ensures improved performance, reduced bugs, system stability, and better security.
You should also check for optional driver updates from the same section.
Additional Tip:
- Enable Automatic Updates to keep your system optimized always.
This simple fix improves performance instantly!
2. Remove Startup Programs to Reduce Boot Time
Too many startup apps make your PC boot very slowly. These apps auto-launch in the background and consume CPU & RAM.
How to Disable Startup Apps
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
- Go to Startup apps
- Right-click on unwanted apps → Disable
Which startup apps to disable?
| App Category | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| Game Launchers | Disable |
| Microsoft Teams (if not needed) | Disable |
| Adobe Updaters | Disable |
| Spotify, Zoom | Disable |
| Antivirus (main security software) | Keep Enabled |
After disabling them, restart your PC to feel the difference. Boot time will improve significantly.
3. Uninstall Unnecessary Apps and Bloatware
Windows laptops often come with pre-installed apps that you never use. These apps take a lot of space and run background tasks.
Steps to Remove Bloatware
- Open Settings
- Go to Apps → Installed apps
- Remove apps you don’t need
Examples of Safe-to-Uninstall Apps:
- Trial Games
- OEM Applications
- Duplicate Media Players
- Toolbars and Freeware Junk
⚠ Note: Do NOT uninstall important system apps like Microsoft Store, Windows Security, or Drivers tools.
Cleaning apps free up disk space, memory, and processor usage.
4. Upgrade from HDD to SSD – The Biggest Speed Boost Ever
If your PC still uses HDD, it will be slow no matter what optimizations you apply. Switching to SSD increases speed by up to 5x.
| Storage Type | Boot Time | App Launch Speed | Overall Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| HDD | 50–120 secs | Slow | Low |
| SSD | 5–15 secs | Fast | Very High |
Why SSD is the Best Upgrade:
- Faster Read/Write Speed
- Smooth Multitasking
- Instant App Loading
- Better System Stability
If your PC has 4GB RAM, upgrade to 8GB or 16GB for even better performance.
5. Clean Disk Space and Temporary Files
When storage is full, Windows slows down.
How to Run Disk Cleanup
- Search “Disk Cleanup”
- Select Drive → Usually C:
- Check all unnecessary files
- Click OK → Delete Files
Delete Temporary Files
- Press Windows + R
- Type:
%temp% - Select all files → Delete
Temporary files can take GBs of space, clearing them restores PC efficiency.
Pro tip:
- Keep at least 30GB free in system drive (C:)
6. Disable Visual Effects for Faster Performance
Windows fancy animations make the UI look nice but slow processing.
Steps to Disable Animations
- Search Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows
- Select → Adjust for best performance
- Click Apply
If you want a balance:
- Enable “Smooth edges of screen fonts”
Result: Faster response and smooth performance even on low-end PCs.
7. Scan for Malware and Virus Threats
Malware secretly runs in the background, slowing everything down and causing security risks.
Use Windows Security
- Open Settings → Privacy & Security
- Click Windows Security
- Run Full Scan
Also, install a trusted free/paid antivirus like:
- Avast
- Kaspersky
- Bitdefender
- Malwarebytes
Keep real-time protection ON always.
8. Reduce Background Apps Using Task Manager
Many apps run silently without permission.
How to Stop Them
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc
- Go to Processes
- Identify high CPU/Memory usage apps
- Right-click → End Task
Do this especially for:
- Browser tabs
- Heavy software (Photoshop, Premier Pro)
- Gaming services
⚠ Warning: Don’t stop system processes.
9. Clean and Optimize Browser for Faster Internet Use
If browsing feels slow, the PC also becomes sluggish.
Browser Cleanup Tips
- Clear Cache & Cookies
- Remove unnecessary extensions
- Disable background sync
- Use updated version of Chrome/Edge
Recommended Extensions:
- AdBlock
- Performance Enhancer tools
Browser optimization improves both network speed and performance.
10. Keep System Drivers Updated
Drivers manage communication between Windows and hardware. Old drivers cause performance drops.
How to Update Drivers
- Press Windows + X
- Select Device Manager
- Right-click any device → Update driver
Focus on:
- Graphics Driver
- Network Adapter
- Chipset Drivers
Optionally, use Intel/AMD/NVIDIA official update tools for correctness.
11. Clean PC Dust and Improve Cooling
Dust blocks airflow and leads to overheating, automatically reducing CPU performance (thermal throttling).
What to Do:
- Clean Air Vents
- Add a Cooling Pad (for laptops)
- Replace Thermal Paste (if old)
Good cooling = better performance & longer hardware life.
12. Perform a Fresh Windows Reset (Final Solution)
If nothing works, a clean Windows reinstall is the most powerful fix.
How to Reset PC
- Open Settings → System → Recovery
- Select Reset this PC
- Choose Keep My Files
- Wait until OS reinstalls
This restores PC to new-like condition.
Extra Tips to Speed Up Windows PC
- Avoid Desktop clutter – Keep fewer icons
- Disable Cortana if not needed
- Pause OneDrive Sync
- Turn off Notifications you don’t use
- Restart PC at least once a week
Small improvements together make a huge performance boost!
Top Recommended Fixes Summary Table
| Fix Method | Difficulty | Performance Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Disable Startup Apps | Easy | High |
| Upgrade to SSD | Medium | Very High |
| Clean Storage + Temp Files | Easy | High |
| Update Windows/Drivers | Easy | Medium |
| Disable Visual Effects | Easy | Medium |
| Scan Malware | Easy | High |
FAQs – Fix Slow Performance on Windows PC
Q1: Why is my PC suddenly slow?
Your PC may have background apps, virus issues, low storage, or outdated drivers causing slow performance.
Q2: Does SSD really improve speed?
Yes! SSD is the best upgrade for faster boot time, quick app loading, and smooth multitasking.
Q3: How much RAM is needed for Windows 10/11?
Minimum: 4GB
Recommended: 8GB – 16GB for smooth performance.
Q4: Can too many browser tabs slow down my PC?
Yes, browsers like Chrome consume high memory. Close tabs regularly.
Q5: Will factory reset delete my files?
If you select Keep My Files, personal data stays safe, but apps will be removed.
Conclusion: Speed Up Your PC in Minutes!
A slow PC can be really frustrating, but with the right steps, you can easily regain smooth and fast performance. From disabling startup apps to upgrading SSD, every fix has a major role in improving efficiency. Apply all the above tips one-by-one and notice a huge speed difference. Regular PC maintenance helps prevent future lagging issues and keeps your Windows 10/11 device performing like new. 🚀
So now you know How to Fix Slow Performance on PC. Share this guide with friends who need help and keep your computer running super-fast!