How to Speed Up a Slow Windows Computer for Free

Program icons "running" in the Taskbar.Stop all unused applications. The Taskbar is on the bottom edge of the screen (unless relocated by the user). In the right side of the Taskbar appears a group of small icons. Each of these icons represent a program that has been at least partially started or is running "in the background". Regardless of state, each represents a reduction of available memory and processing power (collectively called "resources"). Closing, exiting or canceling any unused icon returns those resources to the system, and becomes available for use by the application(s) started specifically by the user.
A utility is built into windows that can enable/disable taskbar programs and processes from automatically loading with windows. To access it, go to Start > Run > type in “MSCONFIG” and click OK.
A useful program called "Game Booster" by the people who wrote the Advanced SystemCare V3 software will temporarily disable unnecessary background processes and boost performance on your computer when you are actively using only one program; such as a game program or video editing software. When you are finished, you can resume "normal mode" and all the background processes will be reloaded.

A "full" Recycle Bin icon indicates there are files waiting to be deleted.Empty the Recycle Bin. Simply deleting files from the disk doesn't really delete them at all, rather they are moved to a temporary holding area on the hard drive for easy restoration. This area is called the Recycle Bin and is usually displayed on the Desktop. Review the contents before emptying. Once emptied, the space on the hard drive that the data occupied is made available for reuse and the restoration of files emptied from the recycle bin becomes more difficult.

The "3D Image Commander" application is selected. Clicking "uninstall" directly above it, will start the uninstall process.Uninstall all applications that are no longer needed. When applications and games are installed to a Windows PC, in addition to copying files to the new application directory (likely "C:\Program Files\New Application Name"), some files are written in the Windows directory structure and dozens (or more) changes are made to the Windows Registry file. Most of these changes are not readily apparent to the user, so proper removal requires uninstalling the application through the Control Panel's "Add or Remove Program" or "Programs and Features" icon (or, if provided by the application, an "uninstall" command). Simply deleting the entire application directory is not the same as uninstalling, as all the files written to the Windows directory and changes to the Windows Registry file will remain and may be loaded at boot time.

This "Check Disk" options window is presented after clicking "Error Checking".Run "Error Checking" on all hard drives. Right-click a drive icon in "My Computer" and select "Properties" followed by "Tools". Choose "Error Checking" to let the utility scan the drive for damaged files that can contribute to slow drive access speeds. This process may take several minutes or more to complete.

This is the "Disk Defragmenter" scheduling and options window.Run "Defragment" on all hard drives. Right-click a drive icon in "My Computer" and select "Properties" followed by "Tools". Choose "Defragment" to let the utility clean up fragmented files and consolidate free space on the drive. This should be done at least once per week, or more often if the PC is used heavily. Some versions of Windows allow for the scheduling of this utility, and in those cases could be set to run automatically without ever having to manually run again. This process may take anywhere from several minutes to an hour or more to complete depending on size of the drive(s) and amount of unused capacity or free space. Consider starting the defragment process so that it will run over night or prior to logging off. After completion the speed of hard drive read and write times may improve significantly. There are also stand-alone defragmenting programs available from other developers available for download that may or may not charge a fee for use.

The opening window of the CCleaner application.Run CCleaner. CCleaner is a freeware application[1] that can perform an entire suite of Windows PC optimizations. Included are options to help protect privacy, system and registry cleaning among others. It has a loyal user base as shown by the number of downloads (over 300 million), is fully supported and is adware and spyware free. Follow the link above to the application's webpage for complete details. There are other system optimizers available from other developers available for download that may or may not charge a fee for use.

Screen shot of the free version of Avast! antivirus.Install anti-virus software and keep it current. Anti-virus (AV) software is an absolute must. There are many from which to choose at the software store, but there are free AV solutions that do a very good job, too. Two popular free AV solutions are Avast! and AVG. Both include regular "virus definition" file updates that allow the AV program to detect and protect from the latest virii being released.

This is the Virtual Memory options page for an x86 Windows XP Pro system with only one hard disk. Usually "System managed size" is set, but this one is "Custom". There should be at least one disk with a Virtual Memory file.Relocate the Swapfile or Virtual Memory file. These files (depending on Windows version installed) are hidden and are usually located on the Windows drive (usually "C:") If there is a second physical hard drive in the system, consider moving to the secondary drive. Ideally, these files work best when located on the fastest and largest (in terms of free space) drive in the system. The procedure for changing the location varies by version of Windows, and is not detailed here at this time.

Two PC3200 / 512MB memory modules.Add memory. Adding memory almost always boosts system performance. While unfortunately not a free solution, if the previous suggestions are still not producing the desired results, it may require spending money on hardware. Memory upgrades nearly always provide the greatest amount of performance improvement per dollar spent. The computer's Operating System is important to know when selecting memory upgrades. Newer computers run either a 32 bit or 64 bit Operating Systems. A 64 bit (x64) Windows Operating System can support more memory than can be installed on most mainstream consumer-grade motherboards. Increasing the amount of memory installed can help restore that "new computer speed" from long ago, even with all the software that has since been installed. A 32 bit (x86) Windows Operating System however, can only support a maximum of 4 gigabytes of memory. Furthermore, 32 bit systems can only make use of 3.25 GB to 3.5 GB (GB = GigaBytes and MB = MegaBytes) of that 4 GB maximum (depending on expansion card types used in the computer). Regardless if the computer is running a 32 bit or 64 bit Operating System, check the motherboard or system documentation to determine size, type, speed and permissible configurations of memory before purchasing and installing additional memory. Thirty-two bit systems with lower amounts of memory (256 MB to 1 GB) installed, receive the greatest boost when increased to 2 GB or more (as this represents a 100 to 400% or more increase in system memory). Thirty-two bit systems that already have 2 GB or more already installed receive a less noticeable boost when upgraded to 3 GB or more (as this represents just a 50% increase in system memory).

An ATX power supply unit (or "PSU"). The label on the side has the electrical ratings. Most PSU have a switchable input voltage selector, however the one pictured is rated only for 230 volts. Be sure to set the selector to the proper voltage (likely 120V in the US) before connecting.Replace defective hardware. Again, maybe not a free solution, sometimes spare parts left from an older PC can be used to replace suspected defective parts. Pay attention to messages that may appear on the monitor during the boot process. Memory checking is done at this time and a resulting values that differs from the amount installed indicates failed (or poorly seated) memory modules. Locating the module in question can be done be removing one or two modules at a time (consult your PC manual to determine if modules are installed in pairs or one at a time), or by swapping one module with a same sized "known good" module. Make sure that all fans are operational. This includes the CPU fan and the case fan(s). Strange or loud whirring or stutter sounds indicate a fan that is failing or chaffing a wire or cable. Excessive heat build up can cause all kinds of problems from poor and erratic performance to complete failure. Replace case fans with the same (or better) characteristics. CPU fans should be matched to meet or exceed specifications - as the CFM rating is critical for proper cooling. If problems begin shortly after installing new hardware, disconnect it to see if the problem disappears. If so, the new hardware is likely all or part of the problem. Often times, PC manufacturers select power supply units that do not allow for adding much "high end" hardware. In order to use a new video card or additional disk drive, a new, higher wattage power supply may be need to replace the one currently installed. Read the wattage rating on the existing power supply and bring the new device (and that power supply if possible) to a computer store so that a power supply with the appropriate wattage rating can be selected. While inside the case, carefully vacuum or blow out (with a can of compressed air) the entire area. Make sure any perforations in the sides, back, etc. are fully open to air flow.

Intel's first 32 bit processor: the 80386DX.Be realistic. The "high end" computer purchased as new 5 years ago may run the latest version of Windows, but that doesn't mean that it will do it very well. Technology marches on and it seems there is a game of "one-up-man-ship" played between software developers and hardware designers. Regardless, eventually new software will require new hardware or vice-versa. It seems that the amount of frustration you can endure best determines how long you will run your current setup.