The Acer Aspire One is a small notebook that uses the Windows operating system, designed primarily to meet the needs of users who like to browse the web. When your Aspire One begins to show signs of aging and use, or simply experiences a decline in performance, you can restore it to its former glory by following some very simple steps: deactivate unnecessary or unused features, install a more RAM or update installed software.
Steps
Part 1 of 9: Disabling Automatic Launch of Applications
Step 1. Go to the "Start" menu and type the keywords "system configuration" into the search field
Step 2. Select the "System Configuration" icon from the result list that appears
Step 3. Go to the "Startup" tab of the "System Configuration" window, then uncheck the check button for programs that should not run automatically when the computer starts
This will prevent unused applications from running in the background after system startup, consuming valuable resources and slowing down normal tasks.
Step 4. Press the "OK" button
From now on, the selected processes will no longer start automatically every time you turn on your computer.
Part 2 of 9: Disabling the Options Relating to Graphic Appearance Enhancement
Step 1. Go to the "Start" menu and enter the keyword "system" in the search field
Step 2. Select the "System" icon from the resulting list, then choose the "Advanced System Settings" link
Step 3. Go to the "Advanced" tab of the "System Properties" window that appeared
At this point, press the "Settings" button related to the "Performance" box. These settings control the look and feel of Windows, some of which can slow down the execution of more important tasks.
Step 4. Uncheck the checkbox of the options you want to disable, then press the "OK" button
For example, uncheck the "Animate windows when maximizing or minimizing" checkbox if you want no animation to play when you minimize or maximize Windows windows.
Part 3 of 9: Configure Manual Run of Services
Step 1. Go to the "Start" menu and enter the keyword "services" in the search field
Step 2. Select the "Services" icon from the result list that appears
The Windows operating system is programmed to automatically activate services such as Helper IP and Print Spooler when the computer starts, even if they are not really needed at the moment.
Step 3. Double-click each desired service, then choose the "Manual" option from the "Startup Type: menu"
. From now on all listed services will be started only manually, so only in case of need. Here is an example of some services that you can disable automatic start: Diagnostic Policy Service, Print Spooler, Themes.
Part 4 of 9: Uninstall McAfee
Step 1. Go to the "Start" menu and type the keywords "programs and features" in the search field, then select the relevant icon from the search results list
Step 2. Right-click each of the items in the appeared list related to McAfee antivirus software, then press the "Uninstall" button
Most Aspire One models come with McAfee's antivirus already installed. Programs of this type are designed to always run in the background in order to protect the system from malware and virus threats.
Consider installing "lighter" antivirus software, meaning that it uses fewer system resources. Alternatively, you can try to use only safe and reliable websites, to avoid unintentionally encountering viruses and malware. Remember that uninstalling McAfee's security suite exposes your entire system to attacks by third-party viruses and malicious programs
Part 5 of 9: Disable the Audio Section
Step 1. Go to the "Start" menu and enter the keyword "audio" in the search field
Step 2. Select the "Audio" icon from the result list that appears
This will bring up the "Audio" system window. By default, Windows is configured to play sound effects, for example when you close or start programs and applications. This is a feature that consumes valuable computer resources.
Step 3. Go to the "Sounds" tab, then select the "No Sound" option from the "Combination: drop-down menu:
".
Step 4. Uncheck the "Play Windows startup sound" checkbox, then press the "OK" button
Part 6 of 9: Install Additional RAM
Step 1. Go to the "Start" menu and enter the keyword "system" in the search field
Step 2. Select the "System" icon from the resulting list, then choose the "Advanced System Settings" link
Step 3. Make a note of the value under "Installed memory (RAM)"
This data indicates the amount of RAM currently installed in the computer.
Step 4. Refer to your Acer Aspire One user manual to determine the maximum amount of RAM that can be installed
Alternatively, you can visit Acer's official website at "https://www.acer.com/ac/it/IT/content/drivers" to access the electronic version of your computer's user manual. For example, if your computer can handle a maximum of 4GB of RAM and one is already installed, it means you can add another 3GB of RAM.
Step 5. Install additional RAM by yourself or consult a professional technician
After adding more RAM, the computer will be more performing and efficient.
Part 7 of 9: Install Windows Updates
Step 1. Access the "Start" menu and select the "All Programs" item
Step 2. Choose the "Windows Update" icon
This is the Windows feature dedicated to updating the operating system and all Microsoft products installed on the computer. By default, Windows is configured to automatically install any updates as soon as they are made available, unless this feature has been disabled by the user.
Step 3. Select the "Check for Updates" option located on the left side of the window
Windows will automatically check for new updates for all Microsoft products installed on your computer.
Step 4. Press the "Install Updates" button, then, if prompted, provide the system administrator user password
Your computer will automatically download and install the selected updates.
Part 8 of 9: Replace Outdated Programs
Step 1. Replace a slow and outdated internet browser with the latest version of Google Chrome
Google Chrome is currently the fastest internet browser for Windows systems, which helps reduce the loading times of the web pages you visit. Uninstall Internet Explorer, Safari, Firefox and any other internet browser currently on your computer and start using Google Chrome exclusively.
Step 2. Replace the programs installed on your computer with web-based applications
Nowadays there are several applications that compete with the Microsoft Office suite of programs, having the advantage of being completely free and available directly online, therefore without requiring any installation. For example, use the search engine of your choice to look for an alternative to the Microsoft Photo Editor program and consider using Google Sheets instead of Microsoft Excel.
Step 3. Replace all outdated programs with their updated versions
If you have been using the same programs for years, visit the website of the respective manufacturers to find out if there are better and more updated versions, perhaps able to consume less system resources and be more efficient.
Alternatively, search for a program created by other companies or developed by other people that can replace the current one that is outdated. For example, if you have been using the same version of antivirus for years, it is very likely that there are currently more up-to-date and much more efficient versions. Search online to find an updated version of the antivirus you are currently using, or consider replacing it with another program that performs the same function, but is "lighter" and more efficient
Part 9 of 9: Remove the Pre-Installed Software on the Computer
Step 1. Go to the "Start" menu, then choose the "Control Panel" item
This way you will have access to the "Control Panel" of the computer.
Step 2. Select the "Uninstall a program" link
The complete list of all programs installed on your computer will be shown on the screen. The Acer Aspire One models have several programs that are installed directly by the manufacturer and that most of the time are completely useless for users. In jargon, all these programs fall into the "bloatware" category and cause slowdowns and drops in system performance.
Step 3. Select each of the programs you do not use or have not knowingly installed, then press the "Uninstall" button
This will remove the chosen software from your computer.
