How to Make Your Computer Run Faster

Tired of you computer running slow? Before you throw it out the window, try these simple steps to get it moving again!

Instructions

 
 
 
 
 
 

Step 1

 

Run a virus scan program to make sure you don't have a virus. You can download "AVGFree" or "PCTools" for free. See the resource links below to download these programs.

Step 2

 

Run a malware program to make sure you don't have any malware. You can find a free one called "ThreatFire" in the resource links below.

Step 3

 

Remove Some Programs You Don't Need:

Go to your "Start Menu" in the bottom left hand corner of the screen. Click it, then click "Control Panel", then "Add/Remove Programs." Uninstall any programs you aren't using or don't need by clicking on the program name and clicking the "Uninstall" button at the top of the screen. Confirm that you want to uninstall and repeat for each program you can do without. I highly suggest not uninstalling anything if you don't really know what it is.

Step 4

 

Prevent Unnecessary Programs from Starting up With Windows and Running in the Background:

For Windows xp
Click on the "Start Menu", then click "Run." Type in "msconfig" and press enter. The "System Configuration Utility" will open up. Click on the "Startup" tab. Uncheck any program that you don't want to start with Windows. Once you are done, press "OK."

For Windows Vista
Once you have done this, go out to your desktop (close the "Add/Remove Programs" window). Click on the "Start Menu" at the bottom left again and click "Control Panel." In the control panel, under "Programs" choose "Startup Programs." This will open "Windows Defender" See the program list on the left and click one that you don't need to startup when you turn your computer on. Click the "Disable" button to the right. This will prevent that specific program from running on startup. Too many programs running each time you use your computer can really slow it down. Preventing multiple programs from running when you start your computer is a huge way to make your computer run faster.

Step 5

 

 

Disk Cleanup

Run "Disk Cleanup" to Get Rid of Files You Don't Need:

Open the "Start Menu" at the bottom left of your screen and click "All Programs" or "Programs." Then, click "Accessories", then "System Tools", then "Disc Cleanup." Your computer will calculate how much space you can free up on the old hard drive. Once it is done calculating, choose the files you want to delete and press "OK" This may take a few minutes.

Step 6

 

Run "Disk Defragmenter" to Organize the Files on Your Hard Drive:

Open the "Start Menu" at the bottom left of your screen and click "All Programs" or "Programs." Then, click "Accessories", then "System Tools", then "Disk Defragmenter." Click "Defragment" This could take anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of hours or more, depending on how jumbled up your files are.

Step 7

Watch your computer go!

Tips & Warnings

• If this doesn't work, it might be time for a new computer.