How To Speed Up Your Computer 19 Different Ways

Is your computer taking forever to start up? You’re not alone. We see this all the time at Verge Tech Solutions, and the good news is that most problems can be fixed within an hour.

A slow computer doesn’t mean you need to buy a new one. There are 19 proven ways to increase computer performance and get your machine running like new again. Whether you’re dealing with sluggish startup times or general slowness, these solutions will help you reclaim your productivity.

Don’t worry—this is a common issue. You don’t need to be technical to understand these fixes. We’ll walk you through each solution in plain English, from simple tweaks you can do right now to hardware upgrades that deliver dramatic improvements.

Key Takeaways

• Remove unnecessary startup programs to reduce boot time by up to 50% instantly
• Regular maintenance tasks like disk cleanup and malware scans prevent performance degradation
• Hardware upgrades (SSD and RAM) provide the most significant long-term performance improvements
• Windows optimisation settings can unlock hidden speed without spending a penny
• Professional help is available when DIY solutions don’t work—with no call-out fees and same-day service

Understanding Why Your Computer Slows Down

Before we dive into solutions, let’s understand what causes slowdowns. Your computer accumulates digital clutter over time—temporary files, unused programs, and background processes all compete for resources.

Think of it like a desk covered in paperwork. The more clutter you have, the harder it is to find what you need. Your computer works the same way.

Most slowdowns stem from software issues, not hardware failures. That’s good news because software problems are usually easier and cheaper to fix.

Quick Fixes: How To Increase Computer Performance Immediately

Solution 1: Remove Unneeded Startup Programs

Excessive programs launching at startup can delay your boot process by several minutes. Every program that starts automatically uses precious memory and processing power.

Here’s how to take control:

1. Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc
2. Navigate to the “Startup” tab
3. Review the list of programs and their startup impact
4. Right-click any unnecessary programs and select “Disable”

Focus on programs marked as “High impact” first. Common culprits include messaging apps, cloud storage sync tools, and software updaters you rarely use.

Pro tip: Don’t disable your antivirus or essential system programs. When in doubt, leave it enabled.

Solution 2: Check for Malware

Malware can seriously hinder system performance. Viruses, spyware, and other malicious software run hidden processes that drain your computer’s resources.

Use a trustworthy antivirus program to scan your entire system. We recommend running a full scan at least once a month. If you’re experiencing sudden slowdowns, malware might be the culprit.

Our team at Verge Tech Solutions specialises in virus removal and malware removal. We’ve seen everything from minor adware to serious ransomware threats across London, Berkshire, and Surrey.

Solution 3: Clean Up Disk Space

A lack of disk space directly affects system performance. Windows needs free space to operate efficiently—aim to keep at least 15-20% of your drive free.

Here’s the simple process:

1. Press the Windows key and search for “Disk Cleanup”
2. Select the drive you want to clean (usually C: drive)
3. Choose the file types to delete (temporary files, recycle bin, system files)
4. Click “OK” and then “Delete Files”

This process is safe and removes only unnecessary files. You’ll often free up several gigabytes of space in minutes.

Solution 4: Disable Visual Effects

Windows includes numerous visual effects—animations, shadows, and transparency—that look nice but consume system resources. Disabling these can noticeably improve performance, especially on older computers.

Follow these steps:

1. Right-click the Start button and select “System”
2. Click “Advanced system settings” on the left
3. Under the “Performance” section, click “Settings”
4. Choose “Adjust for best performance” or manually disable specific effects

Your computer will look more basic, but it’ll run faster. You can always re-enable effects later if you prefer aesthetics over speed.

Solution 5: Update Device Drivers

Outdated or incompatible device drivers cause startup delays and system instability. Drivers are software that help your operating system communicate with hardware components.

Visit your computer manufacturer’s website to download the latest drivers. Focus on critical components like graphics cards, network adapters, and chipset drivers.

Important: Only download drivers from official manufacturer websites. Third-party driver update tools often install unwanted software or incorrect drivers.

If you’re unsure about updating drivers yourself, our computer repair services include driver updates and system optimisation.

Advanced Solutions: How To Increase Computer Performance Through System Optimisation

Solution 6: Disable Unnecessary Services

Services are background programs that Windows runs automatically. Many aren’t essential for everyday use and can be disabled to free up resources.

Warning: Only disable services if you understand their function. Disabling the wrong service can cause system problems.

1. Press the Windows key and search for “Services”
2. Open the “Services” application
3. Review each service carefully
4. Right-click unnecessary services and select “Properties”
5. Change startup type to “Manual” or “Disabled”

Common services safe to disable include Print Spooler (if you don’t print), Bluetooth Support Service (if you don’t use Bluetooth), and Windows Search (if you don’t use search frequently).

Solution 7: Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot starts Windows with minimal drivers and startup programs. This helps identify which program or service is causing your slow computer fix issues.

This diagnostic technique is particularly useful when you can’t pinpoint the problem. Once you identify the culprit, you can disable or uninstall it permanently.

The process is technical, so we won’t detail every step here. If you need help with a clean boot, our team can perform this diagnostic remotely or on-site.

Solution 8: Check Hard Drive Health

A deteriorating hard drive significantly impacts startup performance. Hard drives have mechanical parts that wear out over time, leading to slower read/write speeds and potential data loss.

Use a disk diagnostic tool to check your hard drive’s health. Windows includes basic tools, but third-party software provides more detailed analysis.

Warning signs of hard drive failure:

• Unusual clicking or grinding noises
• Frequent freezing or crashes
• Files becoming corrupted
• Dramatically slower performance

If your hard drive shows signs of failure, back up your data immediately. We offer data recovery and data backup services to protect your important files.

Solution 9: Upgrade Hardware

If your computer is older or has low specifications, hardware upgrades deliver the most dramatic performance improvements. Two upgrades stand out above all others:

SSD Upgrade: Replacing your traditional hard drive with a solid-state drive (SSD) is the single best upgrade you can make. SSDs are 5-10 times faster than traditional hard drives, reducing boot times from minutes to seconds.

RAM Upgrade: Adding more RAM allows your computer to handle multiple programs simultaneously without slowing down. We recommend at least 8GB for basic use and 16GB for demanding tasks.

Our hardware upgrade services include SSD installation and RAM upgrades. Most upgrades can be completed within an hour at rates from £70/hour, and you only pay if we fix it.

Solution 10: Reinstall Windows

A clean Windows installation removes all accumulated digital clutter and gives your computer a fresh start. This involves completely removing the existing installation and reinstalling the operating system from scratch.

Benefits of a clean install:

• Eliminates all malware and viruses
• Removes unnecessary programs and files
• Fixes corrupted system files
• Restores original performance levels

Important: Back up all important files before reinstalling Windows. This process erases everything on your computer.

If you’re not comfortable performing a clean install yourself, we provide this service regularly. We’ll back up your data, reinstall Windows, and restore your files—typically completed the same day.

Solution 11: Check for Disk Errors

Disk errors degrade system performance and can cause data corruption. Windows includes a built-in utility called “Check Disk” (chkdsk) that scans for and repairs disk errors.

Run Check Disk monthly to maintain optimal drive health. The process can take 30 minutes to several hours, depending on drive size and error quantity.

To run Check Disk:

1. Open File Explorer
2. Right-click your main drive (usually C:)
3. Select “Properties”
4. Navigate to the “Tools” tab
5. Click “Check” under Error checking

Schedule the scan to run at your next restart if Windows is using the drive.

Solution 12: Optimise Windows Power Settings

Windows power settings directly influence system performance. The default “Balanced” power plan prioritises energy efficiency over performance, which can slow down your computer.

Change your power plan to “High Performance” to maximise system performance:

1. Search for “Power Options” in Windows
2. Select “High Performance” plan
3. If not visible, click “Show additional plans”

Note: High Performance mode uses more electricity and drains laptop batteries faster. Use this setting when plugged in or when performance is your priority.

Solution 13: Disable Fast Startup

Windows Fast Startup saves system state information to speed up boot times. However, it can cause issues with some hardware configurations and prevent complete system shutdowns.

Disabling Fast Startup might actually improve your startup speed if it’s causing conflicts. Learn more about managing Fast Startup settings on our blog.

Solution 14: Update Windows and Drivers

Keeping your Windows operating system and device drivers current enhances system stability and performance. Microsoft releases regular updates that fix bugs, patch security vulnerabilities, and improve performance.

Enable automatic updates to ensure you’re always running the latest version. Software updates are crucial for security and performance.

Check for updates manually:

1. Open Settings
2. Navigate to “Update & Security”
3. Click “Check for updates”
4. Install any available updates

Restart your computer after installing updates to complete the process.

Solution 15: Monitor Resource Usage

Use Task Manager to identify processes consuming excessive system resources. This information helps pinpoint the cause of slowdowns.

Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and examine the “Processes” tab. Sort by CPU, Memory, or Disk usage to identify resource hogs.

Common resource-intensive processes:

• Web browsers with many tabs open
• Antivirus scans running in the background
• Windows Update downloading files
• Cloud storage services sync files

Understanding resource usage helps you make informed decisions about which programs to close or uninstall.

Solution 16: Disable Antivirus Scans at Startup

Some antivirus programs conduct full system scans at startup, significantly delaying the boot process. While security is important, you can schedule scans for more convenient times.

Check your antivirus settings and disable automatic startup scans. Schedule scans to run during lunch breaks or overnight instead.

Balance security and performance: Don’t disable real-time protection—only scheduled full scans. Real-time protection uses minimal resources and provides continuous security.

Solution 17: Run Comprehensive Malware Scans

Beyond basic antivirus protection, run specialised malware scans to detect threats that standard antivirus might miss. Malicious software often disguises itself as legitimate programs.

Recommended scanning tools include:

• Malwarebytes (excellent malware detection)
• Sophos (comprehensive protection)
• ESET (lightweight and effective)

Avoid performance-draining antivirus: Norton, Avast, and AVG have been known to cause performance issues on some computers. If you’re using these and experiencing slowdowns, consider switching to a lighter alternative.

Our virus removal services include comprehensive malware scanning and removal. We come to you across Mitcham, Streatham, Tooting, and surrounding areas.

Solution 18: Defragment or Optimise Hard Drive

If you’re using a traditional hard drive (not an SSD), regular defragmentation improves disk performance. Defragmentation reorganises fragmented data, allowing your hard drive to access files more efficiently.

Important: Never defragment an SSD—it provides no benefit and can reduce the drive’s lifespan. SSDs use different technology and don’t require defragmentation.

Windows automatically schedules optimisation for both HDDs and SSDs. Check the schedule:

1. Search for “Defragment and Optimize Drives”
2. Select your drive
3. Click “Optimize” to run manually
4. Review the scheduled optimisation settings

Traditional hard drives should be defragmented monthly. SSDs should be optimised (TRIM command) weekly.

Solution 19: RAM Upgrade

Upgrading your RAM increases your computer’s performance more than almost any other single improvement. RAM stores data for quick processing, and insufficient RAM forces your computer to use slower hard drive space as virtual memory.

How much RAM do you need?

As you install more programs and run more complex applications, having more RAM becomes increasingly important. Modern operating systems and applications are more memory-hungry than ever.

RAM upgrades are straightforward and relatively inexpensive. Most laptops and desktops have accessible RAM slots that allow easy upgrades. Our technicians can upgrade your RAM quickly, usually in under 30 minutes.

When To Seek Professional Help

Sometimes DIY solutions aren’t enough. If you’ve tried these fixes and your computer is still running slowly, it’s time to call in the experts.

Signs you need professional help:

• Computer won’t turn on or crashes frequently
• Blue screen errors appearing regularly
• Suspicious activity suggesting malware infection
• Hardware issues like overheating or strange noises
• You’re not comfortable performing technical tasks

At Verge Tech Solutions, we’ve got 17+ years experience fixing slow computers. We offer same-day service with no call-out fees. You only pay if we fix it—that’s our guarantee.

We provide both remote IT support and on-site IT support. Many issues can be resolved remotely, saving you time and money.

Maintaining Your Computer’s Performance

Once you’ve optimised your computer, maintain that performance with regular maintenance:

Weekly tasks:

• Restart your computer at least once
• Close unused programs and browser tabs
• Empty the recycle bin

Monthly tasks:

• Run malware scans
• Check for Windows updates
• Clean up disk space
• Review startup programs

Quarterly tasks:

• Check hard drive health
• Review installed programs and remove unused ones
• Clean dust from computer vents (especially laptops)

Regular maintenance prevents many performance issues before they start. Think of it like servicing your car—small preventive actions save big problems later.

Conclusion: Take Action To Speed Up Your Computer Today

You now have 19 proven solutions to increase computer performance. Start with the quick fixes—removing startup programs, cleaning disk space, and scanning for malware. These take minutes and often deliver immediate improvements.

If quick fixes don’t solve your problem, consider hardware upgrades. An SSD and additional RAM transform even older computers into responsive machines. These upgrades typically cost less than a new computer and extend your device’s useful life by years.

Don’t let a slow computer frustrate you or hurt your productivity. Most problems can be fixed within an hour, and you don’t need to be technical—that’s our job.

Ready to speed up your computer? Contact Verge Tech Solutions today for professional help. We serve home users and small businesses across London, Berkshire, and Surrey. With same-day service, no call-out fees, and transparent pricing from £70/hour, we’ll have your computer running like new again.

We come to you—whether you’re at home or in the office. Our friendly technicians explain everything in plain English and never make you feel silly for asking questions. That’s the Verge Tech difference.

Call us now or visit our website to book your computer health check. Your faster computer is just one call away.