Computer running slow?

Most of the time we observe that our system seems too gradually slow down. Here below I am listing five basic and easy steps that can help you speed up your Windows computer.

1. Clear the Prefetch Folder:

The Prefetch Folder contains files that keep getting stored on your computer whenever you launch any program or application. Deleting these files clears up space on your system that might have caused the slow down. Here is how you need to go about it.

1. 1. Click Start.
   2. Click Run
   3. Type in Prefetch and click ok.
   4. The prefetch folder will open. Press Ctrl and A together.
   5. This highlights the entire contents of the folder.
   6. Press the Delete key on the keyboard and confirm the deletion.
   7. Once done close the prefetch folder window.
   8. Now right click on the recycle bin icon on the desktop and right click and select empty recycle bin and then confirm the deletion.

2. Disable Startup Items:

Certain programs get initiated in the background as soon as your system starts causing the system to slow down. These programs are not required on startup but because they get initiated it affects the system performance. Here below i am listing the steps to take care of this issue. Please note this step is very effective and enhances your system startup speed significantly.

1. 1. Click Start
   2. Click Run
   3. Type msconfig and click Ok.
   4. The System Configuration utility window will open.
   5. Click on the Startup tab on the top right.
   6. Click on the disable all button. Once done, in the list above, you will see many options
      with checkboxes.
   7. Check any option that indicates your antivirus program software and internet service provider.
   8. Click Apply and Ok.
   9. Please restart the system once.
   10. Once the system reboots you will get a message coming up saying “You have used the system configuration utility….”
   11. Please check the option below that says,” Do not show this message again”
   12. Click OK.

3. Clear the Temporary Files Folder:

Certain temporary files get created as a cache of our activity on the system. Clearing these files from time to time also improves the system speed. Below are the steps for the same.

1. 1. Click Start.
   2. Click Run
   3. Type %temp%
   4. Click Ok.
   5. The temporary files folder opens.
   6. Press Ctrl and A together. This highlights the entire contents of the folder.
   7. Press the Delete key on the keyboard and confirm the deletion.
   8. Once done close the folder window.
   9. Now right click on the recycle bin icon on the desktop and right click and select empty recycle bin and then confirm the deletion.

4. Clear Cookies and Temp Internet Files: 

As you browse the internet the images of the pages you view get saved on the system occupying space on the system. Clearing these files increases your system performance while on the internet.

1. 1. Open Internet Explorer.
   2. Click on the Tools menu on the top right.
   3. Click Internet Options.
   4. Click on the delete button to delete cookies, files and browsing history.
   5. Click Apply and Click Ok.

5. Scan your system for infection: 

Your system might run slow in case it’s infected with virus, spyware, malware, adware, trojans etc. Here below I am listing a tool that you can download and run on the system. Its free of cost and is very effective. It scans your system and cleans up any infection. Click on the below link to download the tool. The link that opens also has a tutorial on running the tool in case you face any difficulty. 

With the above 5 steps, your system speed should surely be enhanced.