⚠️ This one’s not for Windows newbies: Disk Cleanup may not clean as much as you’d like. Remove hidden files using Advanced Disk Cleanup. First, make a backup. Then, press Windows key + R, type cleanmgr /sageset:1 and hit OK. Select the file categories you want to zap and click OK again. Start the deep clean by going to either Run or cmd (Command Prompt) and typing cleanmgr /sagerun:1. Optimize this prompt by creating multiple lists; just change the number at the end, like /sageset:2.
Easy tricks to speed up your slow computer
Picture this: Your phone is barely a year old and running at a snail’s pace. You blame the manufacturer and mumble something about planned obsolescence. Before you go off on a rant, check out our guide to the top seven reasons your phone is running slow.
Can you brew a pot of coffee in the time it takes your PC to boot up? Are web pages taking forever to load? You may think it’s time for an upgrade but don’t shell out all that money until you try these fixes to breathe new life into your machine.
1. Did you try turning it off and turning it back on again?
Let’s start with the most basic fix. If your computer is bogged down, turn it off and restart it. Why does it work? Shutting down your computer clears your RAM and closes extra programs and processes running in the background.
RELATED: True or false: You should reboot your computer every day
2. Disable unnecessary startup programs
Operating systems often come with many preinstalled startup programs, many of which you’ll never use. Downloading additional programs only adds to the bloat.
Most apps don’t need to start every time you boot your PC. Why not just open them when using them?
Here’s how to disable startup apps through settings in Windows:
- Open Settings through the Start menu or search for settings in the taskbar.
- Select Apps, then Startup.
- Click on the slider next to each app to disable or enable it.
- Each app has a description showing its impact level. You can disable high-impact apps to speed up your PC.
Don’t stop there! Here are more default settings to change.
3. Uninstall bloatware and other software that’s not needed
Tech security tip: How to remove malware from your phone or computer
Anyone who regularly browses the internet needs antivirus software. Think of it as a life jacket. It’s there to keep you safe in case of an emergency.
And when malware strikes at your defenses, it’s code red. You’re afraid that you’ll lose everything, your emotions are high and you might not be in the right state of mind to find a good solution. That’s why preventative measures make a world of difference.
These 4 downloads can ruin a Windows PC
I give a lot of advice about what you should do in your digital life. I give just as much about what you shouldn’t do.
Take, for example, the things you should never Google. No, this is not because these searches are embarrassing. These rogue searches put your security and your wallet at risk. Tap or click for my list of 7 things you should never search for.
Speed up your PC or Mac: 5 pro tricks to quickly find and delete junk
In our homes, dirt, dust, and grime can pile up over time. Cached files, screenshots and duplicates are the digital equivalent.
One of the questions I get the most on my national radio show is, “How do I delete all these duplicate photos?” It’s a pain, and you need extra software to get the job done right. Tap or click for my picks.
Speed up your computer with these 6 pro tips
If you’ve dealt with a computer that’s slow or lagging, you know how frustrating it can be. The spinning circle on a Mac or a delayed response time on a PC can cause major headaches, whether you’re in the midst of a work project or just trying to browse the web.
Easily remove old files on your PC with these tools
There will come a time during the life of your PC that you will run out of space — no matter how large the hard drive is. Old files can easily clutter the most spacious hard drive, and you’ll need to clear them out to make room for new stuff. This will not only increase storage space but also improve the performance of your PC.
Speed up your PC using this free, easy-to-use program
For many of us now stuck inside, installing and uninstalling new programs on your PC has become the new normal. With all this digital shuffling, it’s important to make sure leftover files don’t accumulate and take up space on your drives.