After spending hundreds of pounds on a Windows PC, you expect it to last a number of years. But within a matter of months you find that the computer slows down. And it is simply not possible to buy a new PC every year.

The good news is that there are ways to regain some of that speed and make your computer faster.

1. “Clean up” your computer

If you don’t sweep your floor, dust collects in the corners. And if you don’t regularly clean your computer, it too collects junk.

When you browse the Internet, websites save tiny pieces of information called “cookies”. Normally these cookies perform useful tasks like remembering your computer so you don’t have to keep entering a password when visiting your favourite websites.

But some cookies are used to track you around the web, allowing advertisers to spy on what you are looking at. They then use this information to build a profile of your most private interests, before using those insights to show you more adverts.

These tracking cookies are not essential to how you use your computer – and they will slow it down too. Panda Cleanup is an excellent, easy way to help you manage cookies and other temporary files that affect PC performance.

2. Scan for malware

Malware and viruses are a massive drain on your PC’s resources. In fact poor performance is one of the first signs that your computer may be infected.

You should conduct regular anti-malware scans using a tool like Panda Dome Essential to detect and remove infections. Not only will your PC performance improve, but removing viruses is crucial to protecting your personal data from cybercriminals.

You can download a free trial of Panda Dome here

3. Re-install Windows

The Windows operating system relies on thousands of behind-the-scenes settings to perform optimally. Over time many of those settings change reducing overall speed. Re-installing Windows will restore these settings to “factory new” status, offering a decent performance boost.

If you are feeling really brave – and have a full backup of your important files and photos – you could re-install Windows from scratch. This means deleting and reinstalling all of your applications – a time consuming operation which can be quite difficult if you don’t know what you’re doing.

Whether you choose to reinstall Windows or completely erase and reinstall everything, you should check your PC manufacturer’s website for more details.

4. Upgrade hardware

Rather than buy a whole new computer, you may be able to upgrade some of the internal components. This will provide a marked speed improvement – but it is also more expensive than the options described above.

For the biggest performance gains, you should look at installing more RAM. Further performance gains can be made by replacing the hard disk drive with a new SSD drive. Again, you should refer to the documentation on your computer manufacturer’s website to see what is – and is not – possible, and how to fit these new components. Alternatively, speak to an IT tech expert who will be able to help.

Always start with the basics

A hardware upgrade provides the greatest speed boost – but it is also more expensive, disruptive and difficult. Using Panda Cleanup to remove junk is so simple anyone can do it – even if you’re not a confident computer user. And Panda Dome will stop malware and other junk installing itself in the first place.

The good news is that you can start with the basic ideas right now – so your PC could be running more quickly in just a matter of hours. Click here to lean more about Panda Cleanup.

Uninstall Programs You Don’t Use

  • Disable Startup Programs
  • Free Up Disk Space
  • Defragment Your Hard Disk

Panda Cleanup