Perform a disk cleanup and defrag your drive
One of the simplest ways to free up space on your hard drive is by performing a disk cleanup. The option can be found in the “system tools” folder under “accessories.” This option consolidates temporary internet files, compressed files and tracking cookies, as well as anything that might be lingering around in the recycle bin and brings it front and center in one window. A quick click of the “delete” button will help to clear some of the dead weight floating around in your hard drive to speed up the computer as a whole. A follow-up process known as defragmentation will allow the computer to de-clutter itself by taking the empty gaps in recently deleted data and creating larger storage blocks for more streamlined storage.
Remove Spyware
Spyware uses up your computer’s memory and bandwidth. It also disables files, folders, programs and other essential processes the computer runs on a regular basis, causing you computer to crash or freeze up. Finally, it can use keyloggers to track key strokes and infect the computer with trojans, worms, and “back doors” that turn it in into a “host.” Host PCs are then vulnerable to becoming hubs that collect, analyze, and send data all over the world, mostly in the form of spam. By installing preventative programs like “Spyware Remover” or “Malware Bytes,” it’s entirely possible to keep these threats at bay and your computer safe from harm and slow-down.
Install more RAM
This is a hardware alternative to making your PC faster. By installing additional sticks of RAM (Random Access Memory) into the tower of your computer you can ensure faster processing times. Every program you open up consumes RAM. In short, if you have 128MB of RAM on your computer but the programs you’re using are taking up 200MB of RAM you will experience slower speeds. Upgrading RAM is a fairly inexpensive way to make a computer run faster.
Get an external hard drive
Another fairly simple fix is simply buying and installing an external hard drive. This is another quick fix that won’t break the bank. External drives come in a variety of memory options ranging 250GB or several TB. The installation is quick since most of the time all you have to do is hook it up to the USB port and the computer does the rest. This will provide you with an entirely new space to dump files, thus freeing up the primary drive inside your PC. By minimizing the stress on storage for your primary hard drive with an external, it frees up the computer’s memory to focus on speed.
Eliminate unnecessary startup applications when booting up
Using “MSCONFIG” from the “Run” option on your “Start” menu will allow you the option of shutting down programs that automatically start when you turn your computer on. These programs run in the background, so you might not notice this happening in the open. When this happens, the computer dedicates its memory and processing power to opening up these programs and applications instead of the primary loading processes. Turning off unused applications at start up will greatly increase the efficiency and speed of your machine.