How to fix a slow or lagging Windows 10 computer

Is Windows lagging or failing to respond at all on your computer? If Windows 10 is running slow, there are plenty of simple fixes. This guide will show you how to fix Windows 10 when it is slow, unresponsive, and having performance issues.

Before you start: Ensure your computer is running Windows 10 and you have administrative access.

How to improve the performance of Windows 10

Follow these steps to enhance your Windows 10 performance and resolve issues with slowness or unresponsiveness.

To update Windows, press Win + i to open Settings, then click Update & Security > Windows Update. If updates are available, click to download and install them. If no updates are listed, click Check for updates.
To update your drivers, open Device Manager, select the category that is slow, right-click a hardware element, and select Update driver. Repeat this for each component under the selected category.
To close background applications, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. Organize the CPU panel to display running programs by CPU usage, right-click the program you want to close, and select End task.
Reboot your computer to clear stored data that may be slowing it down.
To adjust Windows’ appearance and performance, press the Win key, type performance, and select “Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows.” In the Visual Effects tab, select Adjust for best performance and click Apply.
To use ReadyBoost, insert a USB flash drive or memory card, open File Explorer, right-click the removable drive, select Properties, click the ReadyBoost tab, and choose Use this device. Click OK.
To manage the paging file size automatically, tap the Win key, enter advanced system settings, and click View advanced system settings. In the Performance section, click Settings, then the Advanced tab, and select Change under Virtual memory. Ensure the option for Automatically manage paging file size for all drives is checked.
To pause syncing to OneDrive, click the OneDrive icon in the taskbar, select •••/Settings, and choose Pause Syncing. Restart your computer to check for improvements.
To disable startup programs, press the Windows key, type “Startup Apps,” and click the result. Toggle off programs marked as “High Impact” that you do not need at startup.
To run a scan with Windows Security, go to Settings > Privacy & security > Open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Quick scan. This will help identify adware and malware affecting performance.
To perform maintenance on your hard drive, search for disk cleanup, click Clean up system files, and follow the prompts to delete unnecessary files. You can also utilize Cleanup recommendations found under Settings > System > Storage.
To use a restore point, ensure system protection is enabled, search for restore point in the taskbar, and click “Create a restore point.” Select System Restore, choose an appropriate date, and follow the prompts to restore.

Pro tip: Regularly check for and install Windows updates to ensure optimal performance and security on your computer.

Improving the performance of your Windows 10 system can greatly enhance your productivity and overall user experience. By following the outlined steps, you can address common issues that lead to sluggish behavior.

Maintaining an optimized system not only prevents frustration but also extends the life of your hardware. Regular maintenance and updates are key to ensuring your device runs smoothly and securely.