Technology · Translation published October 17, 2026 · Original article April 25, 2026
How to clean up a PC and improve Windows performance
A slow PC can have several causes: low disk space, heavy background apps, pending updates or aging hardware. Start by identifying the bottleneck; cleanup alone does not guarantee a speed increase.
Start with a diagnosis
Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager. On Processes, compare CPU, memory and disk use while the slowdown is happening; on Performance, inspect the broader resource picture. High usage is a clue, not proof that an app is unnecessary. Close only apps you recognize and are not using.
Free space carefully
Open Settings > System > Storage. Review Temporary files, Cleanup recommendations and Storage Sense. Read each category before removing it: Downloads and previous Windows installations can contain files you still need. Low free space can affect performance, but deleting temporary files is not a universal speed fix. There is no need to run a fixed 15-day cleanup schedule.
Review startup apps
In Task Manager, open Startup apps and check each app’s name and startup impact. Disable only software you recognize and do not need immediately after signing in; keep security, accessibility, device and work-critical utilities enabled when needed. You can also review Settings > Apps > Startup.
Update Windows and check security
Open Settings > Windows Update and install relevant updates when convenient, then restart if requested. If you suspect malware, run a scan through Windows Security > Virus & threat protection. A slow computer alone does not establish that it has malware. Avoid installing multiple real-time antivirus products.
Optimize the drive with Windows
Search for Defragment and Optimize Drives, select a drive and choose Optimize. Windows applies the appropriate optimization for the drive type and schedules maintenance automatically; do not manually defragment an SSD.
Avoid risky “tweaks”
Do not apply a universal page-file formula such as 1.5 times RAM. Leave virtual memory system-managed unless a documented workload or qualified support gives you a reason to change it. Avoid registry cleaners and “one-click speed” promises; they can cause problems and cannot diagnose every bottleneck.
When the slowdown remains
Check whether CPU, memory or disk stays near full use, whether the device is unusually hot, and whether the drive reports errors. Back up important files before hardware service or a reset. Older hardware may not improve substantially through software cleanup; an SSD or more memory may help only after confirming compatibility and the actual bottleneck.
Frequently asked questions
Does removing temporary files always make a PC faster? No. It mainly frees storage; the effect on speed depends on the cause and available space.
Should I disable every startup item? No. Review items individually and keep software needed for security, accessibility, devices or work.
Should I set virtual memory to a fixed amount? Usually not as a generic tweak. Windows can manage it; needs depend on workload and system configuration.
Does Windows defragment SSDs? Use Optimize Drives and let Windows handle the correct maintenance; do not manually run traditional defragmentation on an SSD.
Sources and method
The instructions were checked against Microsoft Support pages for performance troubleshooting, storage management, startup apps and drive optimization. Menu labels may vary by Windows version.
Editorial note
The useful promise of this guide is a safer diagnosis, not a guaranteed transformation. If a single resource remains saturated, identify the process or hardware limit before deleting files or changing advanced settings. The steps follow Microsoft’s current Windows guidance and may appear under slightly different labels by version.