by The Computing Australia Group | Boost Your PC: Top Tips for
Better Performance
A sluggish PC can crush productivity and morale. If you’re staring at spinning cursors, waiting minutes for apps to open, or rebooting to “fix it,” you’re not alone-and you don’t have to live with it. This updated, professional guide distills the best practices our IT support team uses in the field to revive slow Windows PCs (with quick notes for macOS where helpful). You’ll learn safe, practical steps-ordered from “fast wins” to “deeper fixes”-plus when it’s smarter to upgrade hardware or call an expert.
Quick diagnosis: is it your PC, your apps, or your network?
Before you start tuning, take 2 minutes to pinpoint the bottleneck:
- Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) → Processes and Performance tabs.
- CPU at 90–100% for long stretches? One app or background process is hogging resources.
- Memory (RAM) at >80%? You’re likely paging to disk-massive slowdown.
- Disk at 95–100%? Storage saturation; investigate background indexing, antivirus, or updates.
- Network spiking while you’re idle? Cloud sync, updates, or a browser tab may be the culprit.
- Check free storage (Settings → System → Storage). Under 15–20% free on your system drive (usually C:) causes noticeable lag.
- Try Safe Mode (Shift+Restart → Troubleshoot) to see if performance improves. If yes, the issue is software-related (drivers, startup apps, services).
Now let’s fix it-properly and safely.
Ground rules to improve PC performance (don’t skip these)
1. Back up first. Use File History, OneDrive/Google Drive, or an external drive.
2. Create a restore point. Type “Create a restore point” → Create.
3. Avoid random “PC booster” apps. Many add bloat or risk. Stick to reputable utilities or built-in tools.
1) Clean up storage-the fastest win
Cluttered storage is the most common and most fixable cause of slow PCs.
A. Clear temp and cache safely (Windows)
- Press Win+R → type %temp% → Enter → select all → Delete (skip anything in use).
- Press Win+R → type temp → Enter → delete what you can (admin prompt may appear).
- Press Win+R → type prefetch → Enter → delete what you can (optional; safe to skip if unsure).
B. Use Disk Cleanup & Storage Sense
- Type Disk Cleanup in Start → choose C: → tick Temporary files, Thumbnails, Recycle Bin, etc.
- Click Clean up system files for Windows Update remnants and previous Windows installs (do this cautiously; you can’t roll back after removing old builds).
- Turn on Storage Sense (Settings → System → Storage) to auto-delete temp files and empty Recycle Bin on a schedule.
C. Move bulky files to the cloud or external storage
- Offload photos/videos/archives to OneDrive, Google Drive, or a NAS/external SSD.
- Keep your system drive (C:) light; aim for 20–30% free space for sustained performance.
2) Tame your browsers (they’re often the bottleneck)
Modern browsers can eat memory for breakfast
- Clear browsing data for All time (cache, cookies you don’t need).
- Audit extensions: disable anything you don’t use weekly. Heavy ad-blockers, crypto wallets, or dev tools can slow tabs.
- Use fewer profiles and close tab groups you don’t need open all day.
- Test hardware acceleration: On some PCs, turning it off smooths performance; on others, turning it on helps-try both.
- Reset the browser (Advanced → Reset/Restore settings) if instability persists.
- Optional: Flush DNS cache (run Command Prompt as Administrator → ipconfig /flushdns).
3) Deep clean: system junk, logs, and update leftovers
Beyond Disk Cleanup:
- Windows Update Cleanup: Disk Cleanup → Clean up system files → tick Windows Update Cleanup.
- Delivery Optimization Files: Settings → Windows Update → Advanced options → Delivery Optimization → turn off or limit upload bandwidth.
- Old restore points: Type Disk Cleanup → More Options → System Restore and Shadow Copies → Clean up (use carefully-keeps only latest restore point).
4) Uninstall apps you don’t use (and real bloatware)
Unused software wastes disk space and spawns background services.
- Settings → Apps → Installed apps: sort by Size or Install date and remove what you don’t need.
- Classic view: Win+R → appwiz.cpl → uninstall.
- Winget (power users): Run Terminal as Administrator → winget list then winget uninstall "<AppName>".
- Remove trialware and OEM bloat (toolbars, duplicate utilities, preinstalled games).
- Keep essential drivers/utilities from your PC manufacturer.
5) Optimise startup and background apps
Too many startup items = slow boots and sluggish desktops.
- Task Manager → Startup apps: Disable what you don’t need at boot (cloud drives you rarely use, game launchers, chat apps).
- Settings → Apps → Apps → Startup also shows per-app impact.
- Background app permissions: Settings → Privacy & security → App permissions; restrict unnecessary background activity.
- Avoid disabling antivirus or backup agents. If unsure, Disable (don’t Uninstall) and test.
6) Security & updates (yes, they matter)
Malware and half-installed updates are performance killers.
- Scan for malware: Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Quick scan; if issues persist, run a Full scan or Microsoft Defender Offline scan.
- Update Windows: Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates. Install optional driver updates judiciously.
- Update drivers via your OEM’s Support app (Dell Command | Update, Lenovo Vantage, HP Support Assistant) or the device vendor (Intel Driver & Support Assistant, NVIDIA GeForce Experience, AMD Software: Adrenalin).
7) Tune visual effects, power settings, and search indexing
A. Visual effects
- Type Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows → Choose Adjust for best performance or Custom (keep Smooth edges of screen fonts and Show thumbnails instead of icons for usability).
B. Power plan
- Laptops: Use Balanced for everyday, switch to Best performance when plugged in for heavy tasks.
- Desktops: Balanced is fine; consider High performance/Ultimate Performance for workstations (with proper cooling).
C. Game Mode & graphics
- Windows Settings → Gaming → Game Mode: On for gaming/content creation to reduce background interruptions.
- On hybrid-GPU laptops, Graphics settings → set intensive apps (Premiere, CAD, games) to High performance.
D. Search indexing
- If disk is thrashing, limit indexing: Settings → Privacy & security → Search → Searching Windows → set to Classic (or add exclusions).
8) Upgrade RAM and storage (the biggest bang-for-buck)
When software tuning can’t offset hardware limits, upgrades deliver dramatic, permanent improvements.
A. RAM (memory)
- 8 GB: baseline for light office/multitab browsing.
- 16 GB: sweet spot for power users, designers, and multitaskers.
- 32 GB+: heavy media work, VMs, large datasets.
- Prefer dual-channel (two identical sticks) for higher bandwidth. Check your motherboard or laptop model for supported type and max capacity.
B. SSD (storage)
- If you’re on an HDD, upgrading to an SSD can make your PC feel brand new.
- SATA SSDs dramatically improve old desktops/laptops; NVMe SSDs are even faster on modern systems.
- Clone your drive (Macrium Reflect, vendor tools) or clean-install Windows then restore files from backup.
9) Keep it cool and dust-free (thermal throttling is real)
Overheating throttles performance to protect components.
- Clean dust: Power off, unplug, and carefully remove dust from vents and fans with compressed air.
- Check airflow: Ensure your PC has space around vents; avoid soft surfaces that block intake on laptops.
- Monitor temps: Apps like HWiNFO or Core Temp let you confirm CPU/GPU temperatures.
- If temps spike under load, consider replacing thermal paste (desktop) or having a technician service the cooling system (laptops).
10) Network and cloud sanity checks
Sometimes the “slow PC” is actually a busy network.
- Pause big cloud syncs (OneDrive/Dropbox/Drive) while working on sensitive tasks.
- Prefer Ethernet over Wi-Fi for large file transfers or video calls.
- Reboot your router/modem; update firmware if available.
- If you’re on a metered connection, enable Metered connection in Wi-Fi settings to control background updates.
11) Advanced maintenance (optional, for power users)
- DISM & SFC (repair system files):
- Run Command Prompt (Admin):
- DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
- Then sfc /scannow
- Reboot afterward.
- Event Viewer: Check Windows Logs → System for recurring disk, driver, or service errors.
- Task Scheduler: Disable obsolete tasks created by uninstalled software.
- Virtual memory (pagefile): Usually best left to System managed—manually tweaking can hurt stability unless you know the workload.
12) When to reset or reinstall Windows
If performance is still poor after the steps above:
- Reset this PC (Settings → System → Recovery):
- Keep my files (reinstalls Windows, removes apps).
- Remove everything (factory-fresh; back up first).
- A clean reinstall plus SSD/RAM upgrade gives older hardware a second life.
Maintenance cadence (what to do, and how often)
- Weekly: Empty Recycle Bin; close “forever tabs”; reboot.
- Monthly: Disk Cleanup/Storage Sense review; extension audit; Windows Update; driver check via OEM tool.
- Quarterly: Deep clean temp files; revisit startup items; physical dust clean; malware full scan.
- Annually: Consider RAM/SSD upgrade if your workload grew; assess battery health on laptops.
Troubleshooting table (symptom → likely fix)
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Quick Fix |
|---|---|---|
| 100% disk usage at idle | Indexing, updates, antivirus scan | Pause indexing/updates; schedule scans; check Delivery Optimization |
| Apps slow to open | HDD, low RAM, too many startups | Install SSD; add RAM; disable startup apps |
| Video calls stutter | Wi-Fi interference/bandwidth | Use Ethernet; close cloud sync; router reboot |
| Fan loud & hot | Dust, blocked vents, old paste | Clean vents; improve airflow; service cooling |
| Browser eating RAM | Too many tabs/extensions | Close tab groups; prune extensions; consider different browser profile |
| Random freezes | Driver issues, failing HDD | Update drivers; run S.M.A.R.T. check; replace failing drive |
A slow system will be a massive hindrance to your productivity. Most employees won’t have the time to wait 30-40 minutes daily to start their systems. We hope these tips will help you improve your PC performance. If your PC is still acting lazy, don’t hesitate to contact us! Alternatively, you can email us at helpdesk@computingaustralia.group. Our IT helpdesk is open 24/7 to provide quick and straightforward solutions for all IT troubles.
Jargon Buster
Malware: Malware is software designed with the intention to cause damage to a computer, server, or network.
SSD: A solid-state drive (SSD) is a new flash-based storage device used in computers.
FAQ
Is it still worth upgrading an older PC to an SSD?
Yes-this is the single most impactful upgrade for any HDD-based system. Boot, app launches, and file operations become dramatically faster.
How much RAM do I really need?
8 GB for basics, 16 GB for comfortable multitasking/creative work, 32 GB+ for heavy workloads.
Should I defrag my SSD?
No. Windows automatically runs TRIM for SSDs. Manual defrag is for HDDs only.
Do “registry cleaners” speed up PCs?
Generally no, and they can cause damage. Use built-in tools and reputable utilities.
My PC is new-why is it slow?
OEM bloatware, background syncs, or a small/slow SSD can bottleneck performance. Clean up startup apps and consider a larger NVMe SSD.
