The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Start with free, reversible checks: find what is using your PC’s resources, install available Windows updates, scan for malware, free system-drive space, and reduce unnecessary startup activity. These steps can help when software or storage is the bottleneck, but they cannot guarantee a speed boost: Microsoft cautions that older PCs with outdated hardware may not improve significantly.
First, find out what is making the PC feel slow
“Slow” can mean a long startup, sluggish apps, pauses when opening files, or general lag. Different causes call for different fixes: startup apps affect boot and background load, low free space can hinder updates, and high CPU, memory, or disk use can point to a busy app or a hardware limit.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
- Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager.
- On Processes, look for apps using unusually high CPU, memory, or disk. Close an app you recognize and are not using; save your work first.
- Open Performance to check resource use and Startup apps to review what launches when you sign in.
- Note whether the problem is mainly startup, a particular app, or persistent high resource use. Recheck after making a change rather than applying every tweak at once.
Microsoft lists limited storage, startup apps, outdated software, and hardware that no longer meets modern needs among possible causes. Its Windows performance guidance does not promise a particular improvement.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Try the low-risk software fixes
Install offered Windows updates and scan for malware
Open Settings > Windows Update, check for updates, and install those offered. Windows updates can include fixes and performance improvements; an optional driver update may sometimes help. Use Windows Update rather than third-party driver-updater utilities.
#1 Best Overall
- SPEED UP COMPUTER: The fanxiang 1TB SSD 2.5 Inch SATA SSD achieves blazing read and write speeds of 520MB/s, facilitating rapid file and data transfers
- UPGRADE YOUR COMPUTER: Compared to HDDs, the 1TB SATA SSD boots up at least 50% faster, enabling instant productivity or gaming sessions
- LONG-LASTING DURABILITY: The 2.5 SATA SSD 1TB incorporates 3D NAND TLC chips, offering a longer lifespan in writes compared to QLC, ensuring a more reliable data storage solution
- EXTENSIVE COMPATIBILITY: The S101 1TB SATA III SSD is compatible with desktops, laptops, all-in-one PCs, supporting various operating systems like Windows, Linux, and Mac OS, meeting the needs of diverse devices
- 3-Year Service: Fanxiang S101 1TB SSD solid state drive provides 3 years after-sales service and lifetime technical support. If you have any questions, please contact us and we will sincerely and professionally solve the problem for you
Then open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Quick scan and run a scan. Malware can consume processor and disk resources. If the scan finds a threat, follow Windows Security’s instructions.
Disable only startup apps you recognize
In Task Manager, open Startup apps. Disable entries you recognize and do not need to launch at sign-in. This can reduce boot-time delay and background activity. Leave unfamiliar entries and system services alone; if you are unsure what an item does, do not disable it.
Rank #2
- Upgrade your laptop or desktop computer and feel the difference with super-fast OS boot times and application loads
- Exceptional performance offering up to 535MB/s seq. Read and 500MB/s seq. Write speeds
- Superior performance as compared to traditional hard drives (HDD)
- Ultra-low power consumption
- Backwards compatible with SATA II 3GB/sec
Reduce background activity and visual effects selectively
Some apps offer background-permission controls in Settings; availability and labels vary by Windows version and app. Turn off background activity only for apps you do not need running when closed. You can also reduce visual effects if appearance matters less to you than responsiveness.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Windows may offer a Best performance power mode. It prioritizes performance over power efficiency, so on a laptop it can use more battery and generate more warmth. Consider it when plugged in or when maximum responsiveness matters more than battery life.
Rank #3
- SPEED UP COMPUTER: The SSD 512GB SATA achieves blazing read and write speeds of 500MB/s, facilitating rapid file and data transfers
- UPGRADE YOUR COMPUTER: Compared to HDDs, the 512GB SATA SSD boots up at least 50% faster, enabling instant productivity or gaming sessions
- LONG-LASTING DURABILITY: The 2.5 SSD 512GB incorporates 3D NAND TLC chips, offering a longer lifespan in writes compared to QLC, ensuring a more reliable data storage solution
- EXTENSIVE COMPATIBILITY: The S101 512GB internal SSD drive is compatible with desktops, laptops, all-in-one PCs, supporting various operating systems like Windows, Linux, and Mac OS, meeting the needs of diverse devices
- Quality Assurance: fanxiang S101 512GB SSD comes with a 3-year quality assurance, providing lasting protection and confidence for your purchase
Free system-drive space without deleting files blindly
In Windows 11, open File Explorer > This PC to check available space. For cleanup options, go to Settings > System > Storage and review Storage Sense or Cleanup recommendations. Labels and availability differ across Windows versions; Disk Cleanup is also available on some systems.
- Review what Windows proposes before removing anything. If you want to keep large personal files, sort files by size and move suitable items to external storage.
- Storage Sense works on the system drive by default. Check its settings and which drive is being cleaned.
- Deleting Windows.old can remove the option to roll back to the previous Windows version. Do not remove it unless you have decided you no longer need that rollback option.
Microsoft estimates that feature updates typically need 6 GB–11 GB or more of free space, while quality updates typically need 2 GB–3 GB or more. These are estimates that vary with the update path and device—not a permanent target for good performance. Microsoft also documents a temporary external-storage route for updates that requires an external device with at least 10 GB free. See its Windows update storage guidance.
Rank #4
- GROUNDBREAKING READ/WRITE SPEEDS: The 990 EVO Plus features the latest NAND memory, boosting sequential read/write speeds up to 7,250/6,300MB/s. Ideal for huge file transfers and finishing tasks faster than ever.
- LARGE STORAGE CAPACITY: Harness the full power of your drive with Intelligent TurboWrite2.0's enhanced large-file performance—now available in a 4TB capacity.
- EXCEPTIONAL THERMAL CONTROL: Keep your cool as you work—or play—without worrying about overheating or battery life. The efficiency-boosting nickel-coated controller allows the 990 EVO Plus to utilize less power while achieving similar performance.
- OPTIMIZED PERFORMANCE: Optimized to support the latest technology for SSDs—990 EVO Plus is compatible with PCIe 4.0 x4 and PCIe 5.0 x2. This means you get more bandwidth and higher data processing and performance.
- NEVER MISS AN UPDATE: Your 990 EVO Plus SSD performs like new with the always up-to-date Magician Software. Stay up to speed with the latest firmware updates, extra encryption, and continual monitoring of your drive health–it works like a charm.
Restart and let Windows optimize the drive
After updates or cleanup, restart the PC and see whether the original symptom changes. You can also open Start, search for Defragment and Optimize Drives, and run the built-in tool. Windows handles drive types differently: it defragments hard disk drives (HDDs) and trims solid-state drives (SSDs). Use this Windows tool; do not apply blanket advice to manually defragment an SSD. Details are in Microsoft’s drive optimization guidance.
When to consider a reset—or a hardware limit
Reset only after simpler steps
Reset this PC reinstalls Windows and can remove apps, settings, and, depending on the option, personal files. Back up important files first. If device encryption is enabled, locate your BitLocker recovery key before starting.
Best Value
- 【Intel Ultra 7 255H Processor & Graphics Performance】Powered by the Intel Ultra 7 255H processor and paired with integrated Intel Arc 140T GPU, the ASUS NUC 15 PRO Mini PC delivers smooth performance for professional tasks—from office work and content creation to digital signage. Its graphics unit also supports high-resolution output, making it ideal for detailed photo editing and multimedia content.
- 【Memory & Storage: Flexible & High-Performance】Equipped with 32GB RAM, the device supports DDR5 RAM up to 96GB for expanded multitasking power. For storage, it features two M.2 slots: one M.2 2280 slot comes preinstalled with a 1TB SSD, while the M.2 2280 slot supports up to 8TB SSD and the M.2 2242 slot up to 2TB SSD. This ensures fast data access and ample storage for multitasking and large datasets.
- 【OS & Multi-Display Support: Windows 11 Pro & Multi-Screen Capability】The NUC 15 PRO Mini Computer ships with preinstalled Windows 11 Pro, providing a secure, efficient workspace. Thanks to HDMI 2.1 and Thunderbolt 4, you can connect up to four 4K monitors or high-resolution displays at once—perfect for productive multitasking in offices or digital signage setups.
- 【Network & Wireless Connectivity: Fast & Stable】For connectivity, the device includes Intel Wi-Fi 7 BE201 (Gig+) and Bluetooth 5.4, delivering future-ready wireless connections. It also features a 2.5G Ethernet port (Intel Ethernet Controller I226-LM), ensuring stable wired data transfer for applications like POS systems and office networks.
- 【Design & Mounting Options: Compact & Practical】Measuring just 117mm × 112mm × 54mm and weighing 618g, the NUC 15 PRO is ultra-compact. It comes with a VESA mount, letting you attach it behind a monitor or on a wall to save desk space. A Kensington lock slot on the side adds extra protection against theft.
- Keep my files: keeps personal files but removes apps and settings.
- Remove everything: removes personal files, apps, and settings.
A reset is a consequential troubleshooting step, not routine cleanup. Review Microsoft’s Reset your PC instructions before choosing an option.
Check the drive type before thinking about an upgrade
If the PC still has an HDD, storage may be a meaningful bottleneck. Microsoft says HDD-based devices are typically slower to use than devices with faster SSD or eMMC storage, and notes that storage speed can matter more than capacity. A compatible internal SSD may be an option if the rest of the PC is suitable, but compatibility and any speed improvement depend on the exact computer.
Before buying a drive, confirm the PC model, drive interface and physical size, whether its storage is upgradeable, and how you will back up and migrate or reinstall Windows. An external USB drive can help move files off a crowded system drive or support an update; it is not a direct speed upgrade.
Keep performance separate from Windows 10 support
Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. Microsoft says Windows 10 no longer receives free Windows Update software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes; the PC continues to work, and Microsoft recommends moving to Windows 11. Cleaning up a Windows 10 PC does not restore security support. Check Microsoft’s Windows 10 support notice for the lifecycle information.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
