Is your computer getting slower by the day? If so, you should clean up your PC to optimize its system and get it running smoothly again. Keep reading to learn how to make your computer faster and improve its performance. Then, get Norton Utilities Ultimate, a specialized cleanup app to make your computer faster, cleaner, and more reliable.
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Whether you can’t open your favorite apps,your device is frozen, or you’ve been staring at the spinning wheel of death,nothing can be more frustrating than a slow computer.
And if you’ve experienced all of the above,we’re sure you’ve also tried the troubleshooting basics — restarting yourWi-Fi routeror closing out all yourapplications.
If that still hasn’t helped, it’s likelyyou’ve desperately Googled “how to make your computer faster” and are willingto try anything to speed up your device.
Well, that search has led you to the rightplace, as we’ve compiled 12 steps you can take to boost your computer’sperformance, including:
Whether you have a minute, an afternoon, or anentire day, these steps can help you increase the speed of your computer. Let’stroubleshoot, shall we?
1. Turn off auto-launchingprograms
By default, many applications are configuredto launch whenever you power up your computer. With many apps starting to openat once, it can put a tremendous strain on your device’s computing power. Thiscan make your computer feel slow and clunky. To prevent this, be sure to turnoff auto-launching on any program you don’t want to start automatically.
2. Close out unneeded tabs
While it may be tempting to leave all of yourinternet tabs open for easy access, keeping a cluttered web browser cannegatively impact your computer's performance. When you leave a tab open, it isoften running processes in the background that can slow down your computer evenwhen you aren’t using it. To avoid this, regularly close out tabs you're nolonger using.
3. Update your operating system
In some cases,updating your operating systemcan help speedup an old computer. These updates often include bug fixes and security patchesthat help keep your device safe and up to speed. It’s important to rememberthat this step may have a reverse effect on some older devices. For example, anew software update may contain additional programs and features that could behard for an older device to handle. To be safe, research the recommendedcomputer requirements before updating.
4. Delete unnecessary files
Unnecessary applications and files can bogdown your computer over time. One of the best ways to improve computerperformance is to go through your files and delete anything you don’t need. Notonly will this free up space on your hard drive, but it can also improve thespeed of your device. If you wish to start from scratch, you may alsowipe your old hard drive clean.
5. Utilize the cloud
If your hard drive is filling up and slowingdown your computer, consider moving your files to thecloud. That way, you can free up space on yourhard drive without having to delete anything. This option is also cheaper thanupgrading your hard drive, as many cloud storage services offer free options,though usually with a storage limit.
6. Reinstall your operating system
Another way to make your computer faster is toreinstall your operating system. Some operating systems are known for slowingdown over time. By reinstalling it, you’re giving your computer a fresh start.If you decide to go this route, make sure youback up any important filesbecausereinstalling your operating system may wipe some or all of your files.
7. Clean the interior of your computer
Cleaning your computeris another great way tokeep it running smoothly. If your hardware is kept unclean, it can becomevulnerable to overheating and other issues that could impact the speed of yourdevice. You can clean your computer by following these steps:
- Power off and unplug your computer.
- Dust the outside of your computer with a soft cloth.
- If possible, remove the side panels of yourcomputer.
- Using a can of compressed air or a soft cloth,remove dust from the fans, vents, and filters.
- Reinstall side panels or covers.
While you complete this process, pay closeattention to any fans, vents, or filters, because that is where dust is likelyto accumulate. By regularly cleaning your computer, you can help keep it cooland well-ventilated, which can help make a computer fast.
8. Install a solid-state drive
If you want to seriously speed up yourcomputer, consider swapping out your traditional hard drive for a solid-statedrive. By design, these types of hard drives are much faster and can evenimprove the speed ofolder devices. If you decide to make thisupgrade, be sure you back up any important files to ensure nothing gets lost inthe process.
9. Increase your RAM
Another factor that can determine yourcomputer’s performance is the amount ofRAM, or random access memory, it has. RAM isinstrumental in allowing your computer to run multiple tasks at once, as ithelps temporarily store important information. For example, upgrading from 2GBof RAM to 8GB can give you noticeably faster computer speeds.
Freeing up RAMby deleting or turning off programs you don’t use can speed up your computer, too.
10. Use an external hard drive
Much like cloud storage, using an externalhard drive can help make a computer run faster. You can start by moving anylarge files such as videos and images, as they tend to take up a large chunk ofyour computer’s storage. With more free space on your internal hard drive, yourcomputer’s performance and speed will likely improve.
11. Regularly restart your computer
If you’re like most people, you probably don’trestart or completely shut down your computer unless something is wrong. Byusing your computer’s sleep mode instead, you’re depriving it of theopportunity to get rid of temporary files and other crucial tasks that occurduring your device’s start-up process. By regularly restarting your device,your computer can perform the maintenance tasks it needs to stay quick.
12. Run consistent security checks
A slow device is a common symptom of manycybersecurity threats, including computer viruses,adware, and spyware. Not only can they slowyour device, but these types of malware may also violate your privacy and couldlead toidentity theft. To cover all of your bases,you can use trustedantivirus softwareto regularly run securitychecks. This can help detect any issues that may be slowing your device andkeep you and your personal information safe.
When to replace your computer
While these suggestions can help improve thespeed of some computers, there are some instances in which your device may justneed to be replaced. This is especially common with devices that are severalyears old. Here are some warning signs to look out for when you’re wondering ifit’s time for a new computer:
- Slow performance: If you tried some or all ofthese tips with no success, your computer has likely reached the end of itslife span.
- Noisy fans: Older computers often start to runwarmer over time, even when trying to do simple tasks. If you notice your fansrunning louder and more frequently than usual, it may be time for an upgrade.
- Unable to update: As technology advances, somecomputers tend to get left in the dust when software updates are released. Ifyour computer doesn't meet the requirements to keep your software up to date,you may want to swap your device out for a new one to ensure you’re getting thebest security features.
- Need for expensive repairs: Whether youspilled water on your computer or cracked the screen, we’ve all had times whenour computer could use some repairs. Instead of dropping the money to fix yourhardware, you may want to instead get a new device, especially if it's morethan a few years old.
Now that you have your device up to speed, youcan quickly surf, work, and play with ease. To make sure your computer staysspeedy, combine regularcomputer maintenanceand good cyber hygienehabits to help stay Cyber Safe online. By prioritizing your personalcybersecurity, not only will you protect yourself, but the performance of yourcomputer.
FAQs about how to make yourcomputer faster
Even though you now know how to make yourcomputer run faster, you may still have questions about the speed of yourcomputer. Don’t worry — we have the answers.
What makes a computer runfaster?
A fast computer usually has a high processorspeed and large amount of RAM. The higher these two factors are, the fasteryour computer will be.
How do I find the speed of mycomputer?
While many factors contribute to the speed ofyour computer, you can find out what your computer has under the hood by lookingat its processor speed and RAM.
To findthis information on a Windows computer, follow these steps:
- Click the Windows button at the bottom left of yourscreen.
- Select “Control Panel.”
- Click “System and Security.”
- Under “System,” select “View amount of RAM and processor speed.”
You canalso find this information on your Mac device by following these steps:
- Click the Apple icon at the top left of your screen.
- Select “About This Mac.”
By learning more about the processor andamount of RAM your device has, you can have a better understanding of itsexpected performance.
What is a good speed for acomputer?
A computer with a processing speed of 3.5 to 4GHz is considered to be a good speed, but those gaming or running creativeprograms may require higher speeds. For RAM, 8GB tends to be sufficient formost users.
Will a factory reset speed upmy computer?
In short, yes, a factory reset can temporarilyspeed up your computer, but there is no guarantee that it will stay that wayfor long. In some cases, a computer may return to its slow state as it getsused over time.
What makes a computer fasterfor gaming?
If you’re looking to use your computer forgaming, you will likely need more computingpower than most users. Luckily, there are some steps you can take to make yourcomputer faster for gaming, including:
- Enabling your computer’s gamingmode (if applicable)
- Running your game at a lowerresolution
- Updating your graphics card
- Closing out other programs
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By following these steps, you should noticelower pingand an improvement in your gamingexperience.
