How to Improve Computer Speed

We’ve all been there before: face to face with the dreaded buffering screen. It always seems to happen at the most inconvenient moment too. We have an assignment or work due and are scrambling at the last minute to finish.

Something urgent came up and we need to quickly utilize the computer so we hopped on earthlink internet and found the information fast. We have something to do on the laptop but only have a quick lunch break to do it in. The last thing we need is for our computers to run slow at this time. 

Unfortunately, it happens. Need to improve computer speed? If you often find yourself in similar situations, then it’s most likely time to speed up your computer. 

That’s right, you’re not chained to your slow laptop anymore. You can increase computer speed right now by completing a few different simple tasks. To learn more on how to do this, continue reading below. 

Here are several tips to help speed up your computer!

Delete Unused Applications and Programs 

Let’s start with the basics. There’s a good chance that your laptop has several applications and programs installed on it that you never use. Over time, you might download several different tools online that can be used on your computer to accomplish different tasks.

However, you may only use these tools a few times before forgetting you ever downloaded them. Eventually, you’ll accumulate many applications, programs, and tools that you simply no longer need. These various applications, programs, and tools can actually affect your computer/laptop’s speed. 

Take a few minutes to see if you have any utility programs running at the computer’s startup. These might be virus scanners, backup tools, or disk cleaners. All of these programs running at the startup can cause your computer to lag. 

You might not even realize they’re running. Conduct an audit of your computer and delete any unused applications and programs. If you download a tool or application to use for one specific thing, then make sure you uninstall it as soon as you’re done using it. 

Limit the Number of Programs at Startup

There might be many programs that are set to start as soon as your computer starts. Many of these programs will start and run in the background so they may go unnoticed by you. These programs do this so when you click on their icon, they automatically open (because they’re already up and running). 

This might be beneficial for programs you use on a frequent basis, but you don’t want to overcrowd your computer with too many startup programs. For any program you don’t use on a frequent basis, go into the settings and remove it from an automatic startup. Having too many programs starting while your computer is trying to start as well will create a serious drag. 

If you notice your computer takes a long time to load the desktop, then this might be the cause. You should also be able to access the settings menu on your computer and make adjustments to which programs open at startup there as well. 

Delete Preinstalled Programs and Software

Old computers aren’t the only computers that run slow. New computers can run slow as well. In most situations, new computers will run slow due to preinstalled programs and software. 

Manufacturers will preinstall these programs due to a deal made with third-party distributors. However, some of the programs and software are the manufacturers. Unfortunately, some of these programs can slow the computer down greatly. 

This happens because they take up memory and storage space. You might find some of these programs to be beneficial, but there will be some you never use. Take the time to go through all of them and uninstall anything you’re not using. 

Remove Any Malware

Unfortunately, it’s easy to pick up malware when spending time on the internet. Malware can access your computer through email attacks, downloads, and even by clicking malicious links. Once malware accesses your computer, you might not notice an instant decrease in speed, but it will happen over time. 

Some malware will sit on your computer for several years before it begins to affect the speed. The malware stays on your computer to monitor your activity and access data. Locating malware can be a bit tricky. 

With the right virus scanners and virus protection, you should be able to detect malware and remove it quickly. 

Scan For Viruses and Spyware

Aside from malware, you should also be scanning for viruses and spyware. Viruses and spyware can be picked up just as easily on the internet. Access your antivirus program and run a scan manually. 

You can also go into the antivirus settings and schedule weekly scans to happen automatically. Make sure to schedule the scans for days or times when you won’t need to use your computer. Do your research before choosing an antivirus program also. 

You only want one on your computer as having too many can slow it down and the one you choose should be a quality antivirus. 

Start Defragging the Hard Disk

Sometimes old hard drives go through fragmentation. Fragmentation refers to the process of small bits that make up a file being scattered across the drive. When the drive is forced to access these small fragments in various areas in order to read all of them, you notice a lag. 

When you defrag the hard disk, you restructure the disk so all of these small fragments are placed back together. Solid-State Drives (SSDs) won’t fragment due to their make-up, so you won’t need to worry about this with them.

Sacrifice Aesthetics For Speed

If you’ve recently bought a new computer, then you might have noticed that it comes with some fancy animations. These graphics were put in place to increase the aesthetics of your computer. However, these fancy graphics could be causing your computer to run slow. 

Instead, switch the graphics off and run your computer with the bare minimum. You should find these settings in the “Appearance and Performance” menu of your computer. After switching them off, take note of your computer’s speed.

Turn Automatic Updates Off

Your computer will have a variety of automatic updates that take place over time. Every now and then there will be notifications for an update that needs to happen. The updates that come from your actual computer are fine to run. 

You don’t want to hold off on these for too long as they’re put in place to keep your computer safe and efficient. If you have multiple programs on your computer that run updates automatically, then these are the ones you want to turn off. This is especially true for those who use their computers for video games. 

Different gaming platforms are known to run automatic updates and these will slow your computer down. 

Clear Search Results, Cache, and History

If the computer itself is running smoothly and you only have issues with the internet running slow, then the first thing you want to do is check your internet connection. If everything is okay with the connection, then the next step is to clear the search results, cache, and history. Your web browser will hold this information to make your internet experience better. 

It’ll remember different data from various websites you visit frequently and will then use that data to make the website faster. However, if you allow all of this data to accumulate over several months or years, then it can eventually slow your internet browser down. Every now and then, clear all of this data from your browser. 

If there’s a website that you use on a daily basis, then you can select to leave that specific website out of the process.

Switch to a New Laptop/Platform

If you’re working with an older laptop, then there might come a time when it’s simply ready to be replaced. Even the best laptops need to be replaced after a certain amount of time. Switching to a new laptop or a new platform could be the solution you need. 

There are always new laptop platforms being released and all are made with improvements for the best user experience. Take your time browsing through each company website until you find the right new laptop/platform for your needs. Take into consideration what you use your laptop for and be sure to purchase a laptop that’s made for that type of work. 

Let’s Improve Computer Speed Right Now

You shouldn’t contemplate throwing your laptop out the window each time you use it. We know how frustrating a slow computer can be, but you can improve computer speed today by following these tips and tricks listed above. Go through each step clearing your computer from unused programs and viruses until your computer is back up to speed. 

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