Speed up a slow Windows PC

Ignore anything promising a magic speed boost. These are the changes that actually make a difference, in order of impact.

1. 1

   Find out what is using the machine

   Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc for Task Manager and click the Performance tab. If Disk sits at 100% you have a failing or mechanical hard disk; if Memory is above 90% you need more RAM; if CPU is pinned by one program you have found your culprit.

2. 2

   Cut the startup programs

   In Task Manager, Startup apps tab, disable everything you do not need running from the moment you log on — updaters, cloud tools you rarely use, chat apps. Leave antivirus and OneDrive alone.

3. 3

   Free up disk space

   Settings, System, Storage, and turn on Storage Sense. Run Cleanup recommendations and clear temporary files and the previous Windows installation. Below about 15% free space, Windows slows noticeably.

4. 4

   Check for malware and unwanted extras

   Run a full scan in Windows Security, then look through Installed apps for browser toolbars and "PC optimiser" software you did not deliberately install, and remove them.

5. 5

   Update Windows and drivers

   Settings, Windows Update, install everything including optional driver updates. An out-of-date graphics driver causes stuttering that looks like a slow computer.

6. 6

   Upgrade to an SSD if it still has a hard disk

   This is the single biggest improvement available for an older machine — a five-year-old laptop with a new SSD and 16GB of RAM often outperforms a cheap new one. Task Manager tells you which you have on the Performance, Disk panel.

   Tip: Back up everything before any hardware work, and check whether the machine can still run a supported version of Windows before spending money on it.