Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsIf an older Windows PC feels sluggish, try disabling startup apps you do not need, reducing visual effects, and switching to Best performance when battery life is not the priority. These built-in settings target common sources of delay and resource use, but they are not guaranteed to make every PC faster. Microsoft notes that outdated hardware may limit the improvement.
1. Stop unnecessary apps from launching at startup
Apps that launch automatically can slow startup and keep using resources in the background. In Windows 11, press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager, select Startup apps, and disable apps you do not need to start with Windows. Leave unfamiliar items enabled until you know what they do; this is a selective cleanup, not a reason to turn off every entry. See Microsoft’s Tips to improve PC performance in Windows.
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2. Reduce Windows visual effects
Animations and other visual effects use system resources. On a resource-limited PC, reducing them may make Windows feel more responsive, though Microsoft does not publish a specific speed gain for this change.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstall- Search Windows for Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows.
- Open the matching performance options and select the Visual Effects tab.
- Choose Adjust for best performance, then apply the change.
This setting favors performance over visual polish, so the interface may look plainer.
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3. Choose Best performance when power use is acceptable
In Windows 11, open Settings > System > Power & battery > Power mode and select Best performance. Microsoft describes this mode as maximizing performance, but it uses more power. On a laptop, expect battery life to drop faster and the device to become warmer; it is most useful while plugged in or when runtime is not the priority. Details are in Microsoft’s power mode guidance.
Check whether low storage is contributing
A nearly full drive can contribute to slow performance and make updates harder to install. Windows’ built-in Storage Sense and Cleanup recommendations can help identify temporary files and large or unused items. Review what Windows proposes before deleting anything. If personal files are filling the drive, Microsoft also suggests moving files to external storage, such as a USB drive or SD card. A drive can free space; it is not itself a speed setting or a guaranteed upgrade.
Rank #2
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- CRISP DISPLAY - This laptop features a 16" WUXGA (1920x1200) IPS touchscreen, coupled with 400-nit, anti-glare technology and Eyesafe Certified 2.0 for crisp, comfortable viewing. It supports workspace expansion to 3 external monitors via HDMI (max 4K@60Hz) or Thunderbolt 4 (max 8K@60Hz) without a docking station. Plus, the 5MP IR camera with privacy shutter supports facial recognition and delivers clear video quality for virtual meetings
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY - Equipped with 2x Thunderbolt 4, 2x USB-A 3.2, USB-A 2.0, Ethernet (RJ-45), HDMI 2.1, and a headphone/mic combo jack, it also features Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 for fast, reliable wireless connectivity. Besides, it boosts security with a fingerprint reader and TPM 2.0, and includes a backlit keyboard for comfortable typing in any lighting condition, while a numeric keypad facilitates efficient data entry and calculations
- OPERATING SYSTEM - Pre-installed with Microsoft Windows 11 Pro, offering enterprise-grade security with BitLocker and Remote Desktop, designed to support demanding professional applications and enhanced by AI Copilot for smarter, more efficient productivity across business and creative tasks
See Microsoft’s Storage Sense guidance and steps to free up drive space.
When settings are not enough
If the PC remains slow after these changes, check whether the slowdown is persistent and what resource is under pressure. Long startup or shutdown, slow everyday tasks, low storage, or consistently high CPU, memory, or disk use can point to limits beyond a few settings. Microsoft notes that older PCs with outdated hardware may not improve significantly from performance adjustments. Its guidance on how to know it’s time for a new PC can help frame the decision.
Rank #3
- AI-POWERED PERFORMANCE - The ThinkPad E16 Gen 3 laptop is built for dynamic professionals. Powered by AMD Ryzen 200 Series processors, it easily handles demanding tasks, and its AI-driven optimization further boosts productivity. Meeting MIL-STD 810H standards, it blends military-grade durability with a sleek, compact design for seamless mobility. Whether you're working or traveling, this laptop is built to keep pace with your demands
- POWERFUL PERFORMANCE - Powered by the AMD Ryzen 7 250 Processor (8 cores, up to 5.1 GHz) and AMD Radeon 780M Graphics, this laptop delivers seamless multitasking and superior performance while ensuring you experience AI-assisted productivity. Features 32GB of DDR5 RAM and a 2*512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD (Dual 512GB SSDs separate the system and storage drives, helping keep the system more stable while improving file management and multitasking performance)
- CRISP DISPLAY - Features a 16" WUXGA (1920x1200) touchscreen, 300nit, anti-glare, and TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light certification for comfortable viewing. It supports expanding the workspace with 3 external monitors via HDMI (max 4K@60Hz) or Thunderbolt 4 (max 8K@60Hz), without a docking station. Plus, a 1080p IR webcam with privacy shutter meets the needs of daily video chats and conferences
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY - Equipped with Thunderbolt 4, USB-C, 2x USB-A, Ethernet (RJ-45), HDMI 2.1, and a Audio combo jack for broad, flexible connectivity. It also features Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 for ultra-fast, stable wireless connectivity. Besides, it enhances security with a fingerprint reader and TPM 2.0.
- OPERATING SYSTEM - Pre-installed with Microsoft Windows 11 Pro, offering enterprise-grade security with BitLocker and Remote Desktop, designed to support demanding professional applications and enhanced by AI Copilot for smarter, more efficient productivity across business and creative tasks
Do not assume a RAM or storage upgrade will work without checking the specific PC model and its upgrade compatibility. If considering a replacement, confirm that it supports Windows 11 and choose hardware suited to your actual workload.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Windows 10 support status
Microsoft ended Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025. After that date, Windows Update no longer provides free software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10. The performance suggestions above cover Windows 10 and Windows 11, but this support status matters when deciding whether to keep using an older PC. Check Microsoft’s Windows performance guidance for the applicable version details.
Quick Recap
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Rank #4
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