Forum Discussion
How can I make pc run faster on Windows 10?
My windows 10 PC runs slower than expected, even with basic tasks like browsing or open apps. Boot time feels long and overall performance drops after some use. System feels cluttered rather than broken. It is a pretty old device and only has 4GB RAM and 128GB SSD.
What actually works to make pc run faster on Windows 10 or Windows 11? Looking for practical advice such as startup cleanup, system tweaks, or reliable software that helps without risk. Community suggestions and real experiences would be appreciated.
8 Replies
- DeBertrandIron Contributor
An easy solution is to use a dedicated PC cleaning software if you want to make pc faster for Windows 10.
- PrestonYorkIron Contributor
Using Autoruns from Microsoft Sysinternals is an excellent strategy to optimize and make PC run faster Windows 10. Here's how it helps and how to use it effectively:
Why use Autoruns for making PC run faster Windows 10?
Comprehensive visibility: It reveals everything that starts with Windows, including hidden or tricky entries.
Performance boost: Disabling unneeded startup items reduces boot time and frees resources.
Security: You can spot suspicious entries that might be malware or adware.How to use Autoruns safely and effectively
1. Download Autoruns
2. Run as Administrator
Right-click the downloaded file and select Run as administrator for full access.
3. Examine the entries
The interface shows multiple tabs: Logon, Services, Scheduled Tasks, Drivers, etc.
Review entries carefully—many are legitimate, but some might be unnecessary.
4. Disable unnecessary items
Uncheck the boxes next to items you are confident you don’t need to run at startup.
Caution: Do not disable core Windows components or security-related entries unless you know what you're doing.
5. Save a backup
Before making major changes, you can export a backup of current autoruns (File > Save).
If something goes wrong, you can restore by re-enabling entries or restoring the backup.
6. Reboot and test
After disabling unnecessary entries, restart your PC.
Check if startup is faster and system performance has improved. - UlisesinIron Contributor
For a system with 4GB of RAM in 2025, adding more RAM is the #1 hardware upgrade you can make.
- Check if you have a free RAM slot. Use Crucial's System Scanner tool on their website. It will tell you your exact RAM type and upgrade options.
- Upgrading from 4GB to 8GB (or even 12GB) is inexpensive (often < $30) and will make a night-and-day difference in multitasking (browser tabs + apps). This is the community's #1 recommended upgrade for your situation.
Step to steps for making PC run faster Windows 10
1. Scan for Malware:
Run a scan with Malware.bytes Free. It's light and excellent at catching "crapware" that traditional antivirus misses.Crucially, avoid "system optimizers" when making PC run faster Windows 10. They often cause more problems than they solve on older systems and can be packed with ads/malware.
2. Do a Refresh
You can use the "Reset this PC" feature.
Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Get Started under "Reset this PC."
Choose "Keep my files". This reinstalls Windows but preserves your personal data. You MUST reinstall all your programs afterwards.
Community Experience: This is often the single most effective performance fix for an old, cluttered system. It's like a fresh start. Back up anything critical first.
- RemyThatcherIron Contributor
Based on your specs (4GB RAM, 128GB SSD, older device), this is a classic case of hardware limitations meeting Windows bloat over time. The good news: you can achieve significant improvements with targeted, make PC run faster Windows 10. Here’s a practical, step-by-step guide based on real experience and community wisdom.
Reduce the strain on your limited RAM and CPU for making PC run faster Windows 10:
1. De-Bloat Windows 10/11:
Use the official, safe, and highly-regarded community tool: Chris Titus Tech's Windows Tool (formerly "Windows 10 Debloater"). It’s a PowerShell script.
What it does: Lets you remove pre-installed Windows apps (Candy Crush, etc.) and disable unnecessary services/features with one click. It has a "Tweaks" section with performance options.
Get it here: Search for "Chris Titus Tech Windows Tool" on GitHub. Read the instructions carefully. The "Essential Tweaks" preset is a great start.
2. Turn Off Visual Effects:
Search for View advanced system settings > Performance Settings.
Select "Adjust for best performance". This turns off all animations and visual flourishes. It will make Windows look plainer but much more responsive. If that's too stark, manually uncheck everything except "Smooth edges of screen fonts."
3. Manage Background Apps:
Go to Settings > Privacy > Background apps.
Turn off "Let apps run in the background" globally, or disable individual apps you don't need running notifications (like Mail, Weather, etc.).
- BeckettSterlingIron Contributor
Disabling unused background apps can greatly improve PC speed, especially on Windows 10 or Windows 11. Many apps start with the system and keep running quietly, even when they are not in use. These apps consume CPU power, memory, and disk resources, which can slow down the whole system.
When unnecessary background apps get turned off, more system resources become available for important tasks. That is why you can make pc faster for Windows 10. Boot time becomes shorter, apps open faster, and overall responsiveness improves. This method works well on older PCs or systems with limited RAM.
This adjustment is simple and safe because apps can still run normally when opened manually. Limiting background activity helps keep the system clean and efficient. For anyone dealing with a slow PC, this method is one of the easiest performance boosts.
- StephenBakerIron Contributor
Here's a detailed look at those key areas to help you make PC run faster Windows 10:
1. Keeping Windows Updated
Why it helps:
Windows updates include performance improvements, security patches, bug fixes, and sometimes new features that can enhance system stability and speed.What to do:
1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
2. Click Check for updates regularly.
3. Install all available updates, including optional ones, especially cumulative updates.
4. Restart your PC after updates to ensure changes take effect.Tip:
Sometimes, updates can cause temporary slowdowns, so if you notice issues after an update, check online for solutions or consider delaying feature updates if you suspect they’re causing problems.2. Upgrade Hardware if Possible
Given your hardware specs (4GB RAM, 128GB SSD):
Upgrading can provide a noticeable boost:Add more RAM:
Upgrading from 4GB to 8GB or 16GB (if your device supports it) greatly improves multitasking and overall responsiveness.Switch to a Larger or Faster SSD:
To make PC run faster Windows 10. If you’re still on a small or older SSD, replacing it with a larger or NVMe SSD (if supported) can improve load times and responsiveness.Upgrade CPU or GPU:**
Usually not feasible in laptops or pre-built desktops, but if you’re on a custom build, a CPU upgrade can help.Check your device’s specifications and compatibility before purchasing hardware upgrades. Sometimes, upgrading RAM and SSDs offers the best performance return on older devices.
- AsherBlazeIron Contributor
The 128GB SSD is a too small and it is one of important reasons why your Windows 10 PC runs slower. You can manage SSD more efficiently. An SSD performs best when it has at least 15-20% free space. If your 128GB drive is near capacity, it will slow down significantly. The following 3 tricks will definitely make pc run faster on Windows 10.
Method 1: Run Disk Cleanup
1. Search for "Disk Cleanup" in the Start menu.
2. Select your C: drive and click Clean up system files.
3. Check boxes for "Windows Update Cleanup" and "Temporary Files." This can often free up 5-10GB.
Method 2: Enable Storage Sense
Go to Settings > System > Storage and toggle on Storage Sense. This automatically deletes temporary files and empties your recycle bin when space is low.
Method 3: Disable Hibernation
Windows reserves a large file on your SSD for hibernation (usually 2-3GB). If you don't use it:
1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Type powercfg -h off and press Enter.
Because you have a smaller drive, Windows uses a portion of it as "Virtual RAM" (Page File) to compensate for your limited 4GB of physical memory. If the SSD stays crowded, this exchange slows down, leading to system freezes and lag. That's why we suggest managing SSD efficiently in order to make Windows 10 run faster on old computers.
Key Takeaways for SSD Health
The 20% Rule: Aim to keep at least 25GB free at all times. This ensures the SSD controller can perform "wear leveling" and background maintenance efficiently.
External Storage is Your Friend: Since 128GB fills up quickly with Windows updates and basic apps, move large photos, videos, and downloads to a USB drive or cloud storage (like OneDrive or Google Drive).
Avoid "Defragging": Never use traditional disk defragmentation on an SSD; Windows handles this automatically via the "Optimize Drives" tool, which uses the TRIM command instead.
- MaddoxRiverrunIron Contributor
With only 4GB of RAM, Windows 10 likely "swaps" data to the SSD frequently. You need to keep as much RAM free as possible. Here are 3 simple ways to make Windows 10 PC run faster.
Disable Startup Apps: Many programs launch automatically and stay in your RAM.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Go to the Startup tab.
- Right-click and Disable anything you don't need immediately (e.g., Spotify, Steam, Cortana, OneDrive).
Adjust Visual Effects: Windows uses RAM to make animations look pretty. Turning these off makes the UI feel much snappier. You can follow the steps below to make pc fun faster for Windows 10/11.
- Search for "Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows."
- Select Adjust for best performance.
- (Optional) Check "Smooth edges of screen fonts" so text doesn't look jagged.
Use Lightweight Browsers: Chrome is famous for eating RAM. Consider using Microsoft Edge (with "Efficiency Mode" turned on) or Opera GX, which allows you to set a hard limit on how much RAM the browser can use.