Is the Windows installation starting to get bogged down a bit? Are there any programs that take longer to open than in the past? Follow this guide and you'll learn some quick tweaks and fixes to speed up the performance of your Windows 7 computer.
Steps
Method 1 of 5: Remove Spyware and Viruses
Step 1. Use a reputable antivirus program
The best way to fight viruses is to prevent them. There are several free and trusted antivirus programs available online. The antivirus should be run every time the computer is connected to the Internet.
Step 2. Scan your computer for viruses
If you haven't done so recently, run a virus scan on your computer. If your antivirus program gives you options, run a deep rootkit scan. Schedule scans at least once a week to prevent future infections.
Step 3. Run a specific malware scan
Spyware and malware are programs that, installed behind the scenes, can erode precious system resources running in the background. Windows Defender is installed as a malware scanner, and many more are available online, for free or to buy.
Method 2 of 5: Startup Optimization
Step 1. Remove unnecessary programs from startup
Many programs install extensions that start with the computer. They are designed to provide quick access to that program, but too many can significantly increase startup times.
Step 2. Look in the notification area in the lower right corner of the desktop
The icons shown here are programs that start with your computer. Click the left arrow to expand and see all icons.
Step 3. Select unnecessary programs for startup
The method of removing individual programs varies, but in general right clicking on the icon will open a menu. In this menu, there may be an option to remove specific software from startup. If not, there is usually an Options, Preferences or Tools menu, from which you can adjust the startup settings.
Step 4. Remove invisible programs
Some programs will not appear in the notification area, although they start at the same time as the system. To remove them, go to the Start menu and type "msconfig".
Select the programs you don't want to start and click Deactivate. This will prevent them from booting with Windows. Make sure you know what you are disabling - you can disable critical Windows services from this screen, which allows the operating system to function properly
Method 3 of 5: Remove Old Programs
Step 1. Uninstall unused programs
In addition to taking up hard drive space, old programs can still run background processes, even if you never use them. This is especially true of older antivirus or other utility software.
New computers often have pre-installed programs. Many of these are trial versions that must be purchased in order to be used. If you don't intend to use these programs, you need to remove them to free up space
Step 2. Open the Start menu
Select Control Panel and then click "Uninstall a program" in the Programs section. If you're using classic view, open Programs and Features. A list of programs installed on your computer will open. Depending on how many programs are installed, it may take several minutes to completely compile the list.
Step 3. Select the program you want to uninstall
In the menu bar, an Uninstall / Change button will appear. Click to begin the uninstall process. Each program has a slightly different method for uninstalling, but most are automated.
Method 4 of 5: Hardware Update
Step 1. Install more RAM
Windows 7 requires at least 1GB of RAM, but works best with 2GB or more. If you have a 32-bit installation of Windows 7, no more than 4GB of RAM will be used. If you have more than 4GB of RAM, consider upgrading to a 64-bit version of Windows.
- If you have two 512MB blocks of RAM, consider converting them to two 1GB or 2GB to give your computer a noticeable speed boost for minimal cost.
- Laptops and desktops use different types of RAM, so make sure you are purchasing the correct type for your system.
Step 2. Install a new processor
This is considerably more complex than upgrading the RAM, but will produce major increases. When installing a new processor, you will most likely need to reinstall Windows in order for everything to work properly.
Laptops typically cannot be upgraded with new processors
Method 5 of 5: Other Adjustments
Step 1. Disable the Search Indexing feature
Disabling this search service will speed up the overall performance of your computer. If you don't use the search feature often, you probably won't need to have it enabled.
- Click Start, then type "services.msc". Choose the "services" program in the search list. The Services window will open.
- Scroll down the screen until you find Windows Search, right-click on it and select Properties. In the "Startup type" drop-down menu, select Disabled. Click Apply to save the changes. Click Block to terminate the current service and not start it again until the next Windows startup.
Step 2. Deactivate the Aero theme
The Aero theme is what gives Windows its visual appeal. On low-end computers, it can take up a significant amount of valuable system resources.
- Right-click on the desktop and choose Personalize.
- Choose any of the "Basic and High Contrast Themes". This process will strip the Windows user interface to the bone, potentially offering a significant boost in system performance.
Step 3. Disable transparency
- Click on Start.
- Click on "Control Panel".
- Select "Appearance and Personalization".
- Click Personalization.
- Click on Window Color and Appearance.
- Uncheck "Allow transparency".
- Click "Save Changes".
Step 4. Run Disk Cleanup
This utility will delete unwanted files on your hard drive. For some users, this can lead to increased performance.
- Click on Start> All Programs> Accessories> System Tools> Disk Cleanup. The utility will calculate which files are junk and this process can take several minutes.
- After the utility has finished uploading, select the files you want to remove. Disk Cleanup provides a description for each selected file type.
Step 5. Defragment the hard drive
When files are moved, installed, and deleted, they leave behind fragments that can slow the computer's ability to access the hard drive. Defragmentation is usually set to run automatically by default, but you can also run it manually.
- Go to Start> All Programs> Accessories> System Tools> Disk Defragmenter.
- Click "Defragment Disk".
Step 6. Reinstall Windows
Formatting with subsequent reinstallation of Windows can restore your computer to some of its original performance and is not as complicated as it sounds. Check out our guide on reinstalling Windows 7 for more in-depth guidance.
