Windows 10 has been developed to provide its users with a smooth and fast computing experience. However, with frequent updates and third-party installations, the system’s performance may depreciate over time, leading to slow boot and shut down speeds. Fortunately, there are several ways to speed up Windows 10 from boot to shut down. In this article, we’ll explore the best methods to optimize your system’s performance for better speed and productivity.

1. Disable programs that run on startup

Several programs run automatically when your computer starts, causing a bottleneck in your system’s start-up process. To speed up your boot-up speed, consider disabling unnecessary programs that run on startup. To do this, right-click on your taskbar and select ‘Task Manager’. Next, navigate to the ‘Start-up’ tab and turn off the programs that you do not need running on startup.

2. Uninstall programs you no longer need

Having too many programs installed on your computer can slow down its performance, affecting your system’s overall speed. Therefore, it’s important to take the time to clean up your system by uninstalling programs that you no longer use. To do this, go to the Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a program. Uninstall the applications that you no longer need.

3. Clean up your device with Disk Cleanup

Disk Cleanup is a utility tool built into Windows 10 that helps to clean up your system disk space by deleting temporary files, system files, and other unimportant files. To access Disk Cleanup, press the Windows key + S, type in ‘Disk Cleanup’, and select ‘Free up disk space by deleting unnecessary files’. Select the files you wish to delete and click the ‘OK’ button.

4. Defragment your hard drive

Disk fragmentation occurs when files on your system are not stored in contiguous units, causing your system to work harder to access the data, eventually leading to reduced access time to your files. To solve this problem, consider defragmenting your hard drive. To do this, go to ‘This PC’ or ‘My Computer’, right-click on your system drive, select ‘Properties’, and navigate to the ‘Tools’ tab. Click on the ‘Optimize’ button and select ‘Optimize’ again. This process may take some time, and it’s important to note that solid-state drives (SSD) do not require defragmentation.

5. Turn off animations and visual effects

Windows 10 comes with several visual effects that enhance its user interface. However, these effects can cause your system to lag and reduce your system speed. To turn off the animations, right-click on ‘This PC’ or ‘My Computer’, select ‘Properties’, and navigate to the ‘Advanced system settings’ tab. Click ‘Settings’ under the ‘Performance’ tab and select ‘Adjust for best performance.’ This will turn off unnecessary animations and visual effects, improving your system’s speed.

Conclusion

Optimizing your system’s performance is essential for better productivity and speed on your Windows 10 device. By following the tips mentioned above, you can significantly enhance your system speed from boot to shut down. Remember to keep your system regularly updated and maintain it to prevent performance issues in the future.