Slower PC performance over time is completely normal,especially after years of constant use.

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Why Do Computers Slow Down Over Time?

This is totally normal, though it can be a bit annoying.

2. Stop Heavy-Duty Tasks & Programs

So lets go through 20 quick and easy ways to speed up and clean your box.

Then simply hit a program or process and click End Task at the bottom right-hand corner of the window.

Download a gear Optimization Program

gear optimization programs make cleaning and speeding up your PC extremely easy.

3. Download a Device Optimization Program

Mosttop antivirus brandsoffering system optimization features are subscription-based.

Fortunately, they are all pretty affordable.

This will bring up a list of all of your computers installed software.

4. Remove Unused Apps, Software & Bloatware

From there, its easy to uninstall programs you dont need and stop them from using your PCs resources.

To avoid the long wait, try cleaning unnecessary files regularly or even after completing every task.

To do this, right-hit the Windows Start button and initiate the File Explorer.

5. Delete Large Files (Manually & With Disk Cleanup)

Then check that its showing This PC in the main location bar.

Using the search box in the top right-hand corner, bang out size:empty.

This will return results for files that are 0 bytes and initiate the main search tools window.

5. Delete Large Files (Manually & With Disk Cleanup)

it’s possible for you to then press the Size tab and choose any size from Empty to Gigantic.

Search for the Large, Huge, and Gigantic files and delete any that are unimportant.

Delete the files by simply right-clicking on the file and hitting Delete.

7. Empty Your Recycle Bin

you might also hit Clean up system files to trigger the search again.

For example, you might want to review the Recycle Bin before permanently deleting everything there.

The biggest culprits to look at are photos, videos, and files in your Downloads folder.

8. Remove Unused Browser Extensions

This can significantly improve your setup speed.

you’re free to use OneDrive to keep anything you dont need to access often.

Its already built into the Windows operating system, its easy to use, and its free.

8. Remove Unused Browser Extensions

To manage your OneDrive, kick off the File Explorer, right-click OneDrive, and tap on configs.

Top antivirus suites likeNorton360also include secure cloud storage, which is another option.

Removing extensions that you dont need saves computer memory, thereby speeding up its overall performance.

9. Clear Browser Cache, History & Temporary Internet Files

The process is the same for Microsoft Edge.

If you see any extension you dont recognize or dont use, you should immediately uninstall it.

This will prevent your gear and web internet tool from lagging.

10. Optimize Startup Applications With the Task Manager

When clearing your browsing data, you should also clear cookies, cached images, and other temporary files.

initiate the Task Manager and choose the Startup tab.

But you’re free to always turn off or tweak search indexing.

11. Turn Off Search Indexing

A pop-up will open, select Modify, which will then open a second window called Indexed Locations.

From there, deselect all of your computers drives if you dont want them to be indexed.

After this process, your Windows Search indexing is fully disabled.

13. Run the Troubleshooter

you’re free to always turn it back on again if theres any problem with the search performance.

The best antiviruses include real-time protection to block malware from entering your system in the first place.

jot down troubleshoot in the search bar and choose Troubleshoot parameters from the list of results.

14. Adjust Appearance & Visual Settings

If there are any recommended troubleshooters, these will be shown at the top of the window that opens.

you’re free to either uncheck specific appearance options or just choose the setting Adjust for best performance.

Changing your PCs power tweaks is easy.

15. Change Your PC’s Power Settings

Simply press the battery icon in your Windows tray and slide the slider to Best Performance.

Just bear in mind that this will drain your battery faster if youre not connected to a power outlet.

To check for hard drive errors, pop swing open the File Explorer by right-clicking on the Windows icon.

16. Scan Your Hard Drive for Errors

Another pop-up will appear: go into the Tools tab and then click Check.

Tick Automatically fix file system errors.

The scan may take a couple of minutes to complete.

16. Scan Your Hard Drive for Errors

Your PC will inform you whether everything is okay or if there are errors to fix.

Alternatively, you could also run CHKDSK via the command prompt window.

Right-tap the Start icon in the lower-left corner, then select Windows PowerShell (Admin).

17. Defragment Your Hard Drive (HDD only)

So to check the C drive, bang out CHKDSK C: and then press enter.

Whichever one you prefer, both methods will help you scan your hard drive for errors.

Try this method if all of the earlier solutions arent effective enough in speeding up your box.

18. Reinstall Windows

This process may take several hours to complete, depending on the size of the file storage.

When you initiate the app, choose the drive you want to clean up and hit Optimize.

This can lower the lifespan of the SSD.

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Reinstall Windows

If your system is severely slowed down, consider starting again with a fresh version of Windows.

Before you do this, first back up all of your files.

A full reinstall wipes your entire drive, which means youll permanently lose any files youve not backed up.

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Then, go into your computers controls panel and select Update & Security.

Then choose Recovery and then Get started under Reset this PC.

Regardless of which one you choose, see to it that your files are backed up.

McAfee

Overclock Your CPU

Overclocking essentially means forcing your CPU components to run faster than they were designed to.

This method can be a bit dangerous, as overclocking can cause processors to overheat and become damaged.

It may not even be possible to overclock your CPU if the motherboard is locked.

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Overclocking can also be very time-consuming and expensive if you mess up the CPU in the process.

Top Antiviruses (With Excellent machine Optimizers) in 2025: