The Definitive Guide to Optimizing Windows Performance
As avid Windows users, we know firsthand the frustration of a slow, laggy system. With some tweaks and optimizations, though, you can transform your PC into a speed demon. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide tips and tricks curated from IT professionals and power users for turbocharging Windows performance.
Clean Up Disk Space
A cluttered hard drive slows everything down. Here’s how to clean up space:
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Use Disk Cleanup to remove unnecessary Windows files.
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Uninstall unused programs.
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Move files like photos, videos, and music to an external drive.
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Delete System Restore points and shadow copies you don’t need.
Following these steps can free up tens of gigabytes!
Disable Visual Effects
Windows visual effects like transparency, animations, and shadows are pretty but resource-intensive. Disabling them can significantly improve performance, especially on lower-powered machines. Here’s how:
How do I sign out of Microsoft Store?
To sign out and sign back into the Microsoft Store to resolve downloading issues, use these steps: Open Microsoft Store. Click the profile icon from the top-right and click the Sign out button. Click the profile icon from the top-right and select the Sign in option. Select your Microsoft account from the list. Click the Continue button.
How do I fix a problem with a Windows 11 app?
If you’re in Windows 11 and you’re having problems with an app from Microsoft Store, consider these updates and fixes. First, sign in to your Microsoft account. Next, work through these possible solutions in the order presented. Select Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates. If there is an available update, select Install now.
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Open System Properties and click Advanced System Settings.
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On the Advanced tab, click Settings under Performance.
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Choose "Adjust for best performance" to disable all visual effects.
Stop Unneeded Services
Background services like printing, telephony, and the Xbox game bar waste CPU cycles and memory. Disable unneeded ones:
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Press Win + R and type "services.msc" to open the Services snap-in.
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Double-click services you don’t use and choose Disabled from the dropdown menu.
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Reboot to apply changes.
Be careful not to disable critical services!
Update Drivers
Outdated drivers can drag down game performance and cause system instability. Here’s how to update:
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Open Device Manager, expand categories, and right-click devices.
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Select "Update driver" and choose "Search automatically."
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For GPU drivers, visit your manufacturer’s website.
Keeping drivers updated ensures peak performance and compatibility.
Change Power Settings
Windows’ default power settings prioritize energy savings over performance. Changing them can significantly speed up your system:
Why can’t I download a Microsoft Store app?
The store app isn’t the most stable app that Microsoft has developed. It runs into problems and sometimes app don’t download at all. If you’re unable to download an app from the Microsoft Store, try the fixes below. 1. Run the Store troubleshooter Microsoft knows that store app acts up from time to time.
Does Windows 10 have a Store app?
That said, you will still find plenty of apps that you can only get from the Microsoft Store. The Microsoft Store app is a stock UWP app. It’s installed when Windows 10 and it uses the Microsoft account that you’ve added to Windows 10 to download apps. The store app isn’t the most stable app that Microsoft has developed.
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Go to Control Panel > Power Options > High performance.
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Disable CPU throttling and set minimum processor state to 100%.
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Set hard disk to "Never" turn off.
Tweaking power settings this way will keep your system running at full throttle.
Reinstall Windows
If your system is still sluggish, a clean Windows reinstall may be needed. Back up your data and:
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Boot from a Windows USB installer.
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Choose "Custom" installation and format your drive.
This will wipe everything and start fresh. Be sure to reinstall drivers, apps, and personal data afterwards.
Overclock your CPU
With an aftermarket CPU cooler, you can overclock to boost performance. It works best on unlocked "K" processors. Steps:
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Enter BIOS and find CPU frequency/multiplier settings.
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Gradually increase frequency in small increments.
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Stress test for stability.
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Add voltage if needed, but watch temperatures.
Done right, overclocking can increase CPU speed 15% or more!
Get More RAM
Upgrading system memory is an easy way to improve performance.
How to fix Microsoft Store errors?
Running Windows store troubleshooter often detects problems and fixes the problems the Microsoft store errors as it replaces the corrupted files along with fixing various issues. Follow the steps to run the Windows Store Troubleshooter: If it recommends some steps, quickly follow them and check if this method fixed Microsoft Store.
How to troubleshoot Windows Store apps?
Microsoft knows that store app acts up from time to time. It has a built-in troubleshooter for the Store app. Open the Settings app with the Win+I keyboard shortcut. Go to Update & security. Click Additional troubleshooters. Run the Windows Store Apps troubleshooter. Apply all fixes that it recommends. 2. Enable Windows Defender firewall
Why can’t I download or install from MS Store?
Looks like you’re unable to download or install from MS Store since the install button was greyed out. Which version of Windows are you using? (Please press Windows key+R and type winver and hit enter) 1.Refresh MS Store apps and settings. Then hit Enter, once the process is finished, restart the PC and check if the issue still persists.
How do I reinstall Microsoft Store on Windows 10?
See Repair or Remove programs in Windows. In Microsoft Store, select Library. Find the app you want to reinstall, and then select Install. If you can’t find Microsoft Store, see Trouble finding the Microsoft Store app in Windows. If you’re having trouble opening Microsoft Store, see Microsoft Store doesn’t launch.
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Check how many RAM slots your motherboard has.
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Get the fastest compatible DDR4 RAM you can afford.
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Install in dual/triple channel mode if supported.
More RAM means less disk swapping and better multitasking. Shoot for at least 8GB.
Get an SSD
A solid state drive is the best upgrade for overall system responsiveness.
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Pick a SATA III or PCIe NVMe SSD with good reads/writes.
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Clone your drive or do a clean Windows install.
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Make sure TRIM is enabled.
SSDs dramatically speed up boot, loading, and workflow. You’ll never go back!
The Need for Speed
Following the tips in this guide will turn a sluggish PC into a lean, mean speed machine. Try them yourself and leave a comment below describing your experience and any other performance tweaks we missed. Let’s compare notes and get our systems really flying! What tricks have worked for you? Let us know!
How do I update Microsoft Store on Windows 10?
Launch Microsoft Store, click the three-dot menu icon and select Downloads and updates. Click the Get updates button and wait for the Microsoft Store to scan your PC for outdated apps and games. This might take a minute or two. When the scan is complete, check if Microsoft Store is in the Updates or Download queue.
Why is my Microsoft Store not opening or greyed out?
In case your Microsoft Store is not opening or greyed out, you should check for any pending Windows updates. Here is how you can check for updates: 1: Go to the Windows search bar, type “ Settings ” and hit enter. 2: Now click on Update & Security . 3: You can click here on Check for updates .
How to fix greyed out download buttons?
Disconnect all external devices with the exception of a mouse or keyboard. Then, in Windows File Explorer, double click the ISO and then run Setup.exe and select the upgrade option. Power to the Developer! Was this reply helpful? Okay so I installed the 22h2 version of Windows and the problem of greyed out download buttons is still there
