Make Windows 10 Run Faster with No Lag or Errors

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Windows 10 offers a robust and versatile operating system, but over time, it may experience lag or performance issues due to various factors such as system clutter, background processes, or outdated drivers. To ensure a smooth and responsive computing experience, it’s essential to optimize your Windows 10 system. This guide provides practical solutions to make Windows 10 run faster and minimize lag or errors.

Windows 10 Run Faster

1. Manage Startup Programs

Reducing the number of programs that run at startup can significantly improve boot times and overall performance.

  • Open Task Manager:

    • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.

  • Access Startup Tab:

    • Click on the “Startup” tab to view a list of programs that launch on startup.

  • Disable Unnecessary Programs:

    • Identify programs that you don’t need at startup. Right-click on them and select “Disable” to prevent them from running automatically and consuming system resources.

2. Clean Up System Files

Removing temporary and unnecessary files can free up space and improve system performance.

  • Use Disk Cleanup:

    • Press Windows + S, type “Disk Cleanup,” and select the Disk Cleanup app.

  • Select Drive:

    • Choose the drive you want to clean (usually C:) and click “OK.”

  • Remove Unnecessary Files:

    • Check the boxes for categories such as “Temporary files,” “System error memory dump files,” and “Recycle Bin.” Click “OK” and then “Delete Files” to remove these items.

  • Enable Storage Sense:

    • Go to Settings > “System” > “Storage” and enable “Storage Sense” to automatically clean up temporary files and manage storage.

3. Adjust Visual Effects

Disabling or reducing visual effects can improve system responsiveness, especially on older hardware.

  • Open Performance Options:

    • Press Windows + R, type sysdm.cpl, and press Enter. Go to the “Advanced” tab and click “Settings” under the Performance section.

  • Adjust for Best Performance:

    • In the Performance Options window, select “Adjust for best performance” to disable all visual effects. Alternatively, choose “Custom” and manually select the effects you want to keep.

  • Apply Changes:

    • Click “Apply” and then “OK” to save your settings.

4. Update Drivers and Windows

Keeping your drivers and operating system up-to-date ensures compatibility and performance improvements.

  • Update Drivers:

    • Open Device Manager (press Windows + X and select “Device Manager”). Right-click on devices and select “Update driver.” Choose “Search automatically for updated driver software” to install the latest drivers.

  • Check for Windows Updates:

    • Go to Settings > “Update & Security” > “Windows Update” and click “Check for updates.” Install any available updates to ensure your system benefits from the latest improvements and security patches.

5. Optimize Power Settings

Adjusting power settings can help balance performance and energy efficiency.

  • Open Power Settings:

    • Go to Settings > “System” > “Power & sleep.”

  • Change Power Mode:

    • Under “Power mode,” select “Best performance” to prioritize performance over energy efficiency. This setting ensures your system operates at its maximum capability.

  • Configure Additional Settings:

    • For more control, click on “Additional power settings” to open the Power Options window. Select “High performance” or create a custom power plan tailored to your needs.

6. Scan for Malware

Malware and viruses can significantly impact system performance. Regular scans help keep your system secure and running smoothly.

  • Use Windows Security:

    • Go to Settings > “Update & Security” > “Windows Security” > “Virus & threat protection.” Click “Quick scan” or “Full scan” to check for malware.

  • Consider Third-Party Tools:

    • Use reputable third-party antivirus or anti-malware tools for additional scanning and protection.

7. Manage Background Apps

Limiting background apps can reduce resource usage and improve system performance.

  • Open Background Apps Settings:

    • Go to Settings > “Privacy” > “Background apps.”

  • Turn Off Unnecessary Apps:

    • Review the list of apps running in the background. Toggle off apps that you don’t need running in the background.

8. Defragment and Optimize Drives

Regularly defragmenting and optimizing your drives can enhance performance, especially for traditional HDDs.

  • Open Defragment Tool:

    • Press Windows + S, type “Defragment and Optimize Drives,” and select the tool.

  • Analyze and Optimize:

    • Select the drive you want to optimize (usually C:) and click “Optimize” to defragment and optimize the drive.

  • Schedule Regular Optimizations:

    • Click “Change settings” and set up a schedule to automatically optimize your drives periodically.

9. Check for System Errors

Running system diagnostics can identify and resolve underlying issues affecting performance.

  • Run System File Checker (SFC):

    • Open Command Prompt as Administrator (press Windows + X and select “Command Prompt (Admin)” or “Windows Terminal (Admin)”). Enter the command:
      sfc /scannow
    • Allow the scan to complete and follow any prompts to repair corrupted system files.

  • Run DISM Tool:

    • In the same Command Prompt window, enter:
      DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
    • Wait for the tool to complete its process, and then rerun SFC if needed.

10. Manage Startup Services

Disabling unnecessary services that start automatically can improve boot times and system performance.

  • Open Services Manager:

    • Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.

  • Review and Disable Unnecessary Services:

    • Review the list of services and their startup types. Right-click on services you don’t need, select “Properties,” and set the “Startup type” to “Manual” or “Disabled.”

Conclusion

Enhancing the performance of your Windows 10 system involves a combination of managing startup programs, cleaning up system files, adjusting settings, updating drivers, and maintaining security. By following these practical tips—optimizing startup programs, cleaning system files, adjusting visual effects, updating drivers, and more—you can minimize lag, improve responsiveness, and enjoy a faster, smoother computing experience. Regular maintenance and optimization will help keep your Windows 10 system running at its best, ensuring a more efficient and enjoyable user experience.