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Your computer was once lightning fast — now it looks like he thinks before doing anything. Booting takes minutes, Chrome tabs load at a snail's pace, and every update becomes a reason for coffee. But the solution isn't always to buy a new machine.
With a few moves — free or very cheap — you can see a difference from the very first hour. Check out the step-by-step guide.
Why does the computer get slower over time?
Your computer doesn't suddenly slow down — it's a cumulative effect. Installed programs running in the background, temporary files filling up your disk, drivers that aren't up to date, and sometimes hidden malware that steals resources.
Good news: 80% of performance problems don't require any effort. They just require the right settings.
1. Disable startup programs
This is the #1 thing you can do free now, with an immediate effect on boot time. Every time you turn on your computer, dozens of applications silently launch with it: Spotify, Discord, Steam, Skype, OneDrive, Zoom… All of these eat up RAM and CPU from the first second.
How to do it in Windows 10 / 11:
- Pat Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
- Go to the tab "Startup Apps"
- Look at the "Startup Impact" column — what it says "High" is a candidate for deactivation
- Right click → Deactivation
💡 Tip: Do not disable antivirus or Microsoft services. Spotify, Discord, Teams — these are safe to cut from startup, you open them yourself when you need them.
2. Replace the HDD with an SSD
If your computer has an old hard drive (HDD), This is the upgrade that changes everything.An SSD loads Windows in less than 10 seconds instead of 1-2 minutes, and opens any application 3-5 times faster.
A 500GB SSD costs from €40-60 today — the best investment you can make in old hardware. For laptops, replacement is usually easy (a screwdriver and 20 minutes). For desktops, it's even simpler.
3. Clean up temporary files
Windows leaves behind files with every installation, update, and daily use. Over time, these fill up space and slow down your disk — especially if you have an HDD.
Method 1 — Disk Cleanup (quick):
- Pat Windows + R and write
cleanmgr - Select your drive (usually C:)
- Check all categories and click OK.
Method 2 — Storage Sense (automatic):
- Settings → System → Storage → Enable Storage Sense
- Windows automatically cleans up what is not needed at regular intervals
4. Set the Power Plan to High Performance
Many computers run in the mode "Balanced" — which means the processor doesn't always give its best to save energyIf you don't care about consumption (desktop or laptop plugged into a power outlet), change it immediately.
- Type in "Power Plan" in Windows search
- Choose "High Performance" ή "Ultimate Performance" (if it appears)
On laptops running on battery power, keep this setting only when you have the cable plugged in.
5. Disable animations and visual effects
Windows is full of effects: shadows, transparencies, window opening animations. On weak hardware, these cost performance without offering anything substantial.
- Pat Windows + R, write
sysdm.cpl - Advanced tab → Settings (Performance)
- Choose "Adjust for best performance"
The difference is immediately noticeable — especially on machines with less than 8GB of RAM.
6. Increase RAM
8GB of RAM is the bare minimum for comfortable use these days. If you're running Windows 11 with Chrome open (a known “RAM eater”), Photoshop, or video editing, you need at least 16GB.
Upgrading RAM is easy on a desktop and very effective for multitasking. On laptops, it depends on the model — some have RAM "glued" to the motherboard. Check your model on the manufacturer's website before buying.
7. Scan for malware and bloatware
A computer infected with adware or malware can be noticeably slower. Such programs run in the background, consuming CPU and RAM, and often do not appear in the list of installed applications.
- Run a full scan with Windows Defender (built-in, free, reliable)
- Use for free Malwarebytes for a second opinion
- Uninstall programs you don't know about or don't use.
Bloatware — pre-installed applications from the manufacturer — is also a common culprit. Remove anything you don't need from Control Panel → Programs.
8. Update Windows and drivers
Updates aren't just about security — they also bring performance improvements that we often overlook. Outdated drivers, especially for graphics cards and networking, can significantly slow down the system.
If you are using Windows 11, the latest update KB5083769 for Windows 11 brings fixes and improvements that are worth installing immediately. Make sure you have automatic updates enabled in Settings → Windows Update.
9. Restart — the forgotten tool
It sounds simple, but how many people put their computer to sleep instead of shutting it down? Restarting (not suspending) clears RAM, applies pending updates, and gives the entire system a fresh start.
At least once a week is the basic recommendation. If you run applications 24/7, even more often.
Speed isn't just about hardware
After optimizing your computer, don't forget that your internet connection also plays a role. If your browser still seems slow after all this, take a look at 5 hacks for faster internet speed — many times the problem is not the computer, but the network.
If you're thinking about upgrading your router, read about it. Wi-Fi 8 and how it is changing the internet in Greece — the combination of a fast PC and a fast network really makes a difference.
When is it time for new hardware?
If your computer is older than 8-10 years, has less than 4GB of RAM, or runs exclusively on an HDD that doesn't support swapping, the above techniques will help — but only up to a point.
In this case, consider either a targeted hardware upgrade or purchasing a refurbished machine that offers modern hardware at a reasonable price. To start with the basics, see the 5 improvements for immediate acceleration which we recommend as a first step before spending money.
Checklist — Quick Calculator in 9 Steps
- ✅ Disable startup programs (Task Manager)
- ✅ HDD replacement with SSD
- ✅ Cleaning temporary files (Disk Cleanup / Storage Sense)
- ✅ Change Power Plan to High Performance
- ✅ Disable visual effects
- ✅ RAM upgrade (if supported)
- ✅ Scan for malware (Defender + Malwarebytes)
- ✅ Update Windows and drivers
- ✅ Regular reboot
