How to Make Your Computer Run Faster

Is your computer slowing down and making even basic tasks frustrating? Don’t worry—you don’t always need a new PC or Mac. A few smart tweaks can significantly boost your system’s speed and performance.

Here are 10 practical tips to help make your computer run faster (Windows & Mac).

1. 🧹 Remove Unnecessary Startup Programs

What it does: Stops apps from launching automatically every time you boot.

• Windows:
  Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc → Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable unwanted apps
• Mac:
  System Settings → General → Login Items → Remove unnecessary items

✅ Result: Faster startup time and more free RAM.

2. 🗑️ Delete Temporary & Junk Files

Why it helps: Over time, your system stores cache, logs, and temp files that clog space.

• Windows:
  Use built-in Disk Cleanup or Windows + R → type temp and delete files
• Mac:
  Use “Optimize Storage” or third-party tools like CleanMyMac

✅ Result: More free storage and quicker performance.

3. 🔄 Restart Regularly

Sounds simple—but it works.

Restarting clears memory leaks, ends background processes, and refreshes the system.

✅ Best Practice: Restart your computer at least once every 2–3 days.

4. 🚫 Uninstall Unused Programs

Go to:

• Windows: Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program
• Mac: Drag apps from “Applications” to Trash

✅ Tip: Use tools like Revo Uninstaller (Windows) or AppCleaner (Mac) to clean residual files.

5. 🔍 Scan for Viruses and Malware

Malware slows down performance and hogs system resources.

• Use trusted antivirus tools like:
  • Windows: Windows Defender, Malwarebytes
  • Mac: Avast, Bitdefender

✅ Bonus: Schedule weekly scans.

6. ⚙️ Upgrade Your RAM

If your computer struggles with multitasking, more RAM can be a game-changer.

• 8GB is fine for everyday tasks
• 16GB+ recommended for gaming, video editing, or programming

✅ Check: Use Task Manager (Windows) or Activity Monitor (Mac) to see memory usage.

7. 💾 Switch to an SSD (Solid State Drive)

Still using a traditional HDD? SSDs are up to 10x faster.

Benefits:

• Faster boot times
• Quick file access
• Smoother multitasking

✅ SSD upgrade = Instant performance boost.

8. 🔌 Limit Background Apps and Services

Many apps keep running in the background, eating memory and CPU.

• Windows:
  Settings → Privacy → Background apps → Disable unwanted ones
• Mac:
  Activity Monitor → Quit high-resource processes

9. 🎨 Turn Off Visual Effects

Pretty effects cost performance.

• Windows:
  System → Advanced system settings → Settings (under Performance) → Choose “Adjust for best performance”
• Mac:
  Reduce motion and transparency in System Preferences → Accessibility

10. 📦 Keep Your OS & Drivers Updated

Regular updates fix bugs, improve compatibility, and optimize system performance.

• Windows:
  Settings → Windows Update
• Mac:
  System Settings → Software Update

✅ Tip: Also update graphics and sound drivers manually if needed.