Does it feel like your computer is not running as snappily as it used to? Don’t worry; over the course of a few years, computers become cluttered with leftover software and junk files that can hamper their performance. In this article, we look at a few simple fixes (many of which you can perform yourself right now) and make your computer feel fast again.
Beware of articles and websites that cajole you into paying for software that will make your computer faster! Too many of these ‘useful tools’ are disguised malware. Try these simple steps first; if you don’t feel a marked improvement, speak to IT professional services in Oakville about your next steps.
Remove old apps
Many users think uninstalling an app/software on a Windows or Mac machine removes all traces of it from the system – not true! A lot of apps leave behind saved files, preferences, and bits and pieces of their software. The worst offenders can even leave useless registry files, services, and processes running in the background. Make no mistake; these have a very noticeable impact on performance. These need to be removed by an experienced IT support professional.
Be wary of apps that claim to remove junk services – they can terminate essential services or install viruses!
Empty the Recycle Bin and delete junk
The fuller your storage is, the bigger an impact it can have on computer performance – particularly during search and startup. Start by emptying out the Recycle Bin (or Trash). Even these deleted files will continue to hog precious storage till they are deleted permanently.
A lot of apps like web browsers, content creation tools, and the like create large cache files (which can easily run into gigabytes of space). Most of these can be deleted safely, making your computer and the app itself run faster. Search for ‘temporary files’ in Windows or for ‘cache’ in the app itself.
Want to learn more about the essential business software on your computer? Talk to a member of our managed IT services team.
Turn off startup apps
One of the most noticeable slowdowns occurs when the computer becomes slow to boot up. This is a sign that a lot of apps are trying to load when the computer is turned on. Turning non-essential apps off, or delaying their launch, can reduce boot up times dramatically. Again, an IT support professional is the best person to help you with this, but Windows 10 offers a convenient way to see and toggle startup apps. Simply search for “startup apps” in Windows and look for the settings panel that controls them. Note this setting will likely not affect your computer if it is being woken up from sleep. Also, it is advisable to let anti-virus and cybersecurity apps launch at startup.
Still looking for the disk defragmenter? SSDs don’t need to be defragmented, and defragmenting has become largely cursory today.
Time for an upgrade
‘Working like new’ often translates into ‘feeling fast.’ Check with our managed IT services to find out if your computer can be upgraded. A solid-state drive, faster networking adapter, RAM, and CPU upgrades can dramatically improve speed in day-to-day tasks. For content creation and video-related work, a GPU upgrade or a capture card will have a huge impact on performance.
IT professional services in Oakville & Toronto
At NUMENTIS, we are firm believers in reducing e-waste. Modern technology has a long life, and regular maintenance can keep workstations running like new. System upgrades, physical cleaning, and streamlined cybersecurity can all help your computers feel fresh for years – and save the cost of having to replace them unnecessarily. Speak to our IT professional services team today.