As our reliance on computers grows, we expect them to perform at lightning speeds. However, over time, our computers tend to slow down, making even the simplest tasks feel like a chore.
Luckily, there are some easy and effective ways to speed up your home computer. In this blog post, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to make your home computer faster.
Remove unnecessary programs and files
The first step to a faster computer is to remove unnecessary programs and files.
Over time, we tend to accumulate a lot of programs that we no longer use. These programs take up valuable space on our hard drives and can slow down our computers. Similarly, unused files and folders can clog up your computer’s memory and make it slower.
To get started, go through your programs and uninstall anything that you no longer need. You can do this by going to the Control Panel and selecting “Programs and Features” on Windows, or “Applications” on Mac. Additionally, you can use a tool like CCleaner to scan and remove any unnecessary files.
Upgrade your hardware
If your computer is more than a few years old, it may be time to upgrade its hardware. Upgrading your computer’s hardware can significantly improve its performance.
One of the most common hardware upgrades is to replace your hard drive with a solid-state drive (SSD). SSDs are faster and more reliable than traditional hard drives, which can help your computer start up and load programs more quickly.
Another hardware upgrade is to add more RAM to your computer.
RAM is the temporary memory that your computer uses to run programs. If your computer is running low on RAM, it can slow down significantly. Adding more RAM can help your computer run more smoothly, even when you have multiple programs open at the same time.
Optimize your startup programs
When you turn on your computer, it automatically loads several programs in the background. These programs can slow down your computer’s startup time and use up valuable resources. To speed up your computer’s startup time, you can optimize your startup programs.
To do this on Windows, open the Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc, and select the “Startup” tab. Here, you’ll see a list of all the programs that start up when you turn on your computer. Disable any programs that you don’t need to run at startup.
On a Mac, go to System Preferences > Users & Groups > Login Items, and uncheck any programs that you don’t want to start up automatically.
Keep your computer free of viruses and malware
Viruses and malware can slow down your computer, cause crashes, and steal your personal information.
Global surveys have shown that well over half of the population are both aware of and concerned about potential online security risks. However, an estimated one-fourth of PCs are not protected with antivirus software, leaving them on average 5.5 times more likely to be infected.
For desktops and laptop computers, trojans are the most common infection, followed by PUPs (potentially unwanted programs).
To keep your computer running smoothly, you need to keep it free of viruses and malware. Use reputable antivirus software, such as Norton or McAfee, to scan your computer regularly and remove any threats.
Disable unnecessary browser extensions
Browser extensions can be helpful, but they can also slow down your browsing experience. To speed up your internet browsing, disable any unnecessary browser extensions.
On Chrome, go to the More menu > More tools > Extensions. Here, you can disable any extensions that you don’t need. On Safari, go to Preferences > Extensions, and disable any unnecessary extensions.
Keep your computer updated
Regularly updating your computer’s software can help it run more smoothly and prevent it from slowing down. Software updates often include bug fixes, security patches, and performance improvements that can help your computer run more efficiently and help make your home computer faster.
On Windows, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update to check for updates. On a Mac, go to the Apple menu > System Preferences > Software Update.
By following these simple tips, you can make your home computer faster and more efficient. With a faster computer, you’ll be able to work more efficiently, enjoy a better gaming experience, and enjoy faster internet browsing.
Remember that maintaining your computer’s speed is an ongoing process. You should regularly check for updates, remove unnecessary programs, and keep your antivirus software up to date to ensure that your computer stays running smoothly.
If you find your computer is still slow, contact us for a computer repair diagnostic. With our expertise, we can identify the cause of the problem and help your PC or laptop run faster.