1. Install only essential software
Ensure that you install only that software which you need. If you install any trial software and find out that you don’t really need it, uninstall and delete it immediately. Else, they might hog precious disk space, RAM and processor cycles. If you’ve installed a software, which you are unable to get rid of, and which is hampering the normal functioning of your laptop, then you might have to format your hard drive.
Be aware that formatting your hard drive might wipe out all your data. Therefore it is best you take a back-up before going ahead with formatting.
Remove unwanted files, like temp files, downloaded program files, recycle bin, etc. You could useDisk Cleanup option to do this, as follows:
Ensure that you install only that software which you need. If you install any trial software and find out that you don’t really need it, uninstall and delete it immediately. Else, they might hog precious disk space, RAM and processor cycles. If you’ve installed a software, which you are unable to get rid of, and which is hampering the normal functioning of your laptop, then you might have to format your hard drive.
Be aware that formatting your hard drive might wipe out all your data. Therefore it is best you take a back-up before going ahead with formatting.
2.Clean up the hard drive
Remove unwanted files, like temp files, downloaded program files, recycle bin, etc. You could useDisk Cleanup option to do this, as follows:
- Click Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Cleanup
- The system will first calculate how much space can be freed up this way. In the Disk Cleanupwindow (refer figure) that appears, select the files in that need to be deleted under the Files to delete list.
- For deleting ‘System Restore‘ and ‘Shadow copy‘ files, click "Clean up system files" and then on "More Options" tab
- Finally click OK. You’ll be prompted again before the deletion. Click Yes.
3.Keep your PC up to date
One of the best things you can do to protect your PC is also one of the easiest: Make sure you are set up to get automatic updates from Microsoft. If you use Windows and otherMicrosoft software, such as Microsoft Office or Windows Live Essentials, then you should use the Microsoft Update service. You'll also get notices about new Microsoft software that you can download for free.So how do you turn on automatic updates? Simple: Go to the Microsoft Update website. If you don't have automatic updates turned on, we'll help you through the process.
4.Adjust visual effects
"Pretty is as pretty does,” my grandmother used to say. Maybe she wasn't referring to computers, but the principle still applies. Windows includes some stunning effects, but if you need more speed you can customize the settings you want to use for the appearance ofWindows on your computer.1.Click the Start button, type Performance Information and Tools in the search box, and then click Performance Information and Tools in the list of results.
2.Click Adjust visual effects.3.Here you can decide if you want to let Windows choose what's best for your computer, adjust for best appearance, or adjust for best performance.
5.Turn off the Windows Sidebar and Gadgets
Windows 7 and Vista allow you to have small always-on applets known as Gadgets running in the background on your desktop at all times. These can sap power, so it's worth turning them all off if you need an urgent speed boost.In Windows 7, hover your mouse pointer over the top right corner of each Gadget and click the white X to close it.
In Windows Vista, right-click in the Sidebar area and select Properties. Take the tick out of the box next to where it says 'Start Sidebar when Windows starts', then click OK.
Now right-click on the Sidebar again and select Close Sidebar.6.Unplug USB devices and remove discs
External drives, devices and discs can all slow down your machine's performance. For instance, when your computer starts it will always check to see if there's a CD or DVD in your drive.
If there is, it will take the extra time to spin the disc up and identify it. Similarly, power and other system resources can be drained by an external USB drive. Even printers, wi-fi adaptors and TV cards can sap performance if they're plugged in.
To maximise your PC's speed potential, unplug all but the most essential devices from USB sockets and make sure you eject any CDs or DVDs when you're finished with them.7.Adjust power options
This one is for laptop or netbook owners. Many portable computers are configured to reduce the PC's performance where possible in order to save on power consumption and, therefore, help the battery pack last longer.
If you're plugged into the mains or not worried about how quickly your battery runs out, then it's possible to make some speed gains by adjusting the computer's power options.
In both Windows 7 and Vista click Start, type power options and click on the PowerOptions entry that appears above.
If the Power saver option is selected, change this to Balanced. There's also a High performance option that you can try (Windows 7 users will need to click on the down arrow next to Show additional plans for this).