🧰 5 Simple Ways to Make Your Computer Run Faster

A slow computer can turn even the easiest task into a frustrating chore. Whether it’s for work, school, or everyday browsing, keeping your computer optimized can save you time — and maybe even money.

Here are five simple ways to speed up your PC or laptop without replacing your hardware.

⚙️ 1. Clean Up Startup Programs

Many apps automatically start running when you turn on your computer — even if you don’t need them right away.
Disabling unnecessary startup programs can dramatically improve boot time.

How to check:

• On Windows, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc, go to the Startup tab, and disable unneeded apps.
• On Mac, go to System Settings → General → Login Items and remove apps you don’t need at startup.

🧹 2. Clear Temporary Files

Over time, temporary files, caches, and logs build up and take valuable space.
Regularly clearing them can improve performance and free up gigabytes of storage.

Use built-in tools like:

• Windows Disk Cleanup or Storage Sense
• macOS Storage Management under About This Mac → Storage

For a deeper clean, apps like CCleaner (Windows) or CleanMyMac can safely automate the process.

💾 3. Uninstall Unused Software

Old software and trial apps can slow things down and eat disk space.
Take a few minutes each month to review your installed programs — if you haven’t used it in 6 months, uninstall it.

Bonus tip: Watch for bundled browser extensions that install alongside other apps — they often slow down web browsing.

🔄 4. Keep Your System and Drivers Updated

Software updates don’t just bring new features — they often fix bugs and improve performance.
Ensure that:

• Your operating system (Windows/macOS) is up to date.
• Drivers (especially graphics, network, and storage) are current.

Outdated drivers can cause slow performance, app crashes, or even security issues.

🔋 5. Restart Regularly

Leaving your computer running for weeks without a restart can cause sluggish performance.
Restarting clears memory leaks and resets processes that may be hogging resources.
It’s a simple step that often makes a big difference.

💡 Bonus Tip: Upgrade Your Hardware

If your computer is still slow after cleaning it up, consider:

• Replacing your hard drive with an SSD
• Adding more RAM
• Reinstalling your operating system for a fresh start

These upgrades can extend your machine’s life for years — often at a fraction of the cost of a new computer.

⚡ Final Thoughts

You don’t need to be a tech expert to keep your computer running smoothly.
A few regular maintenance habits can prevent most slowdowns and keep things running like new.

If you’d rather have a professional take a look, J++ Tech offers remote and on-site support for PC optimization, repairs, and smart home setup in Arlington Heights and nearby suburbs.