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Introduction

A slow computer can make your work harder, waste time, and even small tasks start feeling annoying. The good thing is—you don’t need to buy a new PC. Most speed issues can be fixed in just a few minutes by doing a few simple steps.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to clean and speed up your PC or laptop using easy, safe methods. All steps work on both Windows 10 and Windows 11, and you don’t need any technical skills.

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Why Your PC Becomes Slow (Main Reasons)

Before fixing your computer, it helps to know what’s causing the slowdown.

Common reasons include:

• Too many apps starting with Windows
• Storage full of junk and temporary files
• Heavy apps running in the background
• Old Windows updates or drivers
• Too much browser cache
• Malware or unwanted programs
• Low RAM or slow hard drive
• Dust causing heating issues

Below, you’ll find simple step-by-step solutions for all these problems.

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1. Clean Junk Files & Free Up Storage (Quick Speed Boost)

Windows collects temporary files, cache, old logs, and leftover update files. Removing them makes your PC faster instantly.

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1.1 Use Windows Storage Sense

Steps:

1. Open Settings
2. Go to System → Storage
3. Turn on Storage Sense
4. Click Run Storage Sense Now

This removes:

• Temp files
• Old cache
• Recycle Bin junk
• Unused system files

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1.2 Deep Clean With Disk Cleanup

1. Search Disk Cleanup
2. Select your main drive (C:)
3. Tick these boxes:

• Temporary files
• Thumbnails
• Delivery Optimization Files
• Windows Update Cleanup

4. Click OK → Delete Files

⚡ This can free 2–10 GB in one go.

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1.3 Clear Browser Cache

Every browser stores extra data that slows things down over time.

Chrome:

1. Menu → More Tools → Clear Browsing Data
2. Select Cached Images & Files
3. Clear

Edge and Firefox follow similar steps.

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2. Turn Off Startup Apps (Big Speed Boost)

When too many apps start with Windows, your PC becomes slow.

How to disable startup apps:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc (opens Task Manager)
2. Go to Startup Apps
3. Turn off apps like:

• Discord
• Steam
• Zoom
• Teams
• Adobe Updater
• Spotify

✔ Keep only:

• Windows Security
• Graphics / Touchpad Drivers
• Cloud backup (if needed)

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3. Remove Unwanted Apps & Bloatware

Deleting apps you don’t need makes your PC run smoother and frees space.

Steps:

1. Open Settings → Apps → Installed Apps
2. Uninstall:

• Trial antivirus apps
• Useless preinstalled apps
• Games you don’t use
• Very old software
• Extra browser add-ons

💡 Many laptops (HP, Dell, Lenovo) come with preinstalled bloatware. Removing them makes your system much faster.

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4. Check for Malware & Adware (Very Important)

Malware slows down your PC, uses too much CPU, and fills your storage.

Safe tools to scan your PC:

Tool	Purpose
Windows Security	Full virus scan
Malwarebytes Free	Removes hidden malware & adware
AdwCleaner	Removes browser viruses

⚠ Avoid unknown antivirus programs—they slow down your PC even more.

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5. Improve Your Hard Drive (HDD/SSD)

5.1 For SSD Users

• Windows already manages SSD optimization
• Make sure TRIM is enabled
• Don’t defragment often (SSD doesn’t need it)

Check:
Search Defragment → Open → The SSD should show “OK”.

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5.2 For HDD Users

HDD users should defragment once a month.

Steps:

1. Search Defragment
2. Select HDD
3. Click Optimize

✔ HDD defrag can speed up older PCs by a lot.

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6. Update Windows & Drivers

Old updates and drivers can slow down your computer.

Update Windows:

Go to Settings → Windows Update → Check for Updates

Safe driver updates (ONLY these):

• Graphics driver
• Audio driver
• Wi-Fi driver
• Touchpad driver

💡 Avoid third-party driver tools—they are risky and unnecessary.

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7. Improve Speed Using Windows Settings

7.1 Turn Off Windows Effects

1. Search “Adjust the appearance of Windows”
2. Choose Adjust for best performance
3. Or turn off only:

• Animations
• Shadows
• Transparent effects

✔ Best for laptops with 4GB RAM.

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7.2 Switch to Best Performance Mode

1. Search Power & Battery
2. Select Best Performance

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7.3 Stop Apps Running in the Background

Settings → Apps → Installed Apps → Background Access → Never

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8. Clean Dust & Keep Your Laptop Cool

Heating is one of the biggest reasons for slow speed.

If your laptop gets hot:

• Use a small brush or air spray
• Use a cooling pad
• Avoid using it on soft places (bed/sofa)
• Clean air vents monthly

Cooler laptop = faster performance.

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9. Upgrade RAM or Storage (If Needed)

If your PC is still slow after all steps, you may need a small upgrade.

Problem	Best Fix
PC hangs or lags often	Add more RAM (8GB → 16GB)
Very slow startup	Change HDD to SSD
Apps open slowly	SSD upgrade

💡 An SSD upgrade can make your PC feel 5–10× faster.

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10. Simple Weekly PC Care Routine

Weekly:

• Clear browser cache
• Clean temp files
• Restart PC

Monthly:

• Run Disk Cleanup
• Optimize drive
• Update Windows
• Scan for malware

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You Don’t Need a New PC — Just Simple Care

Speeding up your Windows PC is easy if you follow the right steps. By removing junk files, stopping heavy apps, cleaning the system, and keeping Windows updated, your computer will feel faster and smoother.

These steps work on any Windows laptop or desktop—new or old—and help you get better performance without spending money on a new device.

If this article was useful, feel free to check out my previous post here: [https://techhorizonpro.com/cybersecurity-threats-in-2025-guide/ ]

This article was written by Muhammad Zeeshan, who covers technology, AI, and digital trends in a clear and easy-to-understand way.
You may also enjoy my previous article, where I share practical tips on online security and useful digital tools.