Let’s be honest: nothing’s more frustrating than a slow PC, especially when you’re trying to get work done or just browse the web. Over time, even a decent Windows 10 machine can start dragging its feet. Startup takes forever, apps lag, and you’re left staring at the screen, wondering what went wrong.
As someone who’s spent years testing office software and optimizing systems, I’ve seen this happen more times than I can count. The good news? You don’t need to be a tech wizard to get your PC back in shape.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the most effective ways to speed up Windows 10, from quick settings tweaks to meaningful upgrades that make a real difference. Whether you’re on a tight budget or ready to invest in your setup, there’s something here for everyone.
Part 1: Speed Up Windows 10 – Immediate Changes You Can Make (Settings Tweaks)
When a Windows 10 PC slows down, the first thing I look at isn’t the hardware, and it’s the settings. Often, the culprits are unnecessary background processes, bloated startup apps, and system clutter. Here’s how to tackle them right away:
Disable Startup Programs
One of the easiest wins? Trimming down your startup apps. Many programs sneak into your boot process, including OneDrive, Skype, and Adobe Updater, to name a few. They launch every time you start your PC, hogging memory and slowing down the boot sequence.
Step 1: Right-click the Taskbar and select Task Manager.
Step 2: Go to the Startup apps.
Step 3: Right-click and disable any app you don’t need right away (don’t worry, you can still launch them manually later).
Tip: Focus on apps with “High” impact in the Startup impact column.
Why it works: In tests by Tom’s Hardware, disabling just 5–10 startup items cut boot time by nearly 40%. I’ve personally seen this bring startup time down from 1 minute to under 30 seconds.
Disk Cleanup & Temporary Files Removal
Windows stores a surprising amount of temporary files that pile up over time: old Windows updates, cached thumbnails, and leftover installer files. Clearing them can reclaim several GBs and noticeably improve responsiveness.
Method 1: Using Built-in Disk Cleanup
Step 1: Press Windows + S, search for Disk Cleanup, and open it.
Step 2: Select your system drive (usually C:).
Step 3: Check options like Temporary files, System created Windows Error Reporting and Recycle Bin.
Step 4: Click OK and then Delete Files.
Method 2: Using CCleaner (Optional)
If you want more control, CCleaner is a solid-free tool. But here’s my advice: Avoid registry cleaning. It rarely helps and can cause unexpected issues.
I’ve used both tools regularly, and for most users, Windows’ built-in option is more than enough.
Visual Effects Tuning
Windows 10 adds a lot of visual polish, animations, fading menus, and translucent effects. But while they look nice, they also slow things down, especially on older machines.
Here’s how to tone it down:
Step 1: Press Windows + S, search for Performance, and click on Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows.
Step 2: In the Performance Options window, choose Adjust for best performance or manually uncheck effects like Animate windows when minimizing and maximizing.
Keep this in mind: This doesn’t just improve speed. It makes your system feel snappier. I always do this first thing on a new work laptop.
Part 2: Hardware Upgrades That Make a Big Difference (SSD, RAM)
If you've already adjusted your settings and your PC still feels sluggish, it might be time to consider a few physical upgrades. The good news? These don’t have to break the bank, and they deliver real, lasting performance boosts.
Upgrade to SSD (Solid State Drive)
Let me put this plainly: upgrading from an HDD to an SSD is the most effective way to speed up Windows 10.
A traditional HDD has moving parts, which makes it slower at reading and writing data. SSDs, on the other hand, use flash memory; they’re lightning-fast, quieter, and more durable.
Here’s what you can expect:
HDD Boot Time: 45–60 seconds
SSD Boot Time: 10–15 seconds
Even simple tasks like opening apps or switching between tabs become dramatically quicker.
Recommended SSDs:
Crucial MX500 – Reliable and budget-friendly
Samsung 870 EVO – Excellent performance and long-term value
I’ve upgraded dozens of machines over the years, and SSDs always feel like giving your old PC a second life. If you do one hardware upgrade, make it this.
Add More RAM
RAM (Random Access Memory) helps your system juggle multiple tasks at once. If your PC lags when you have multiple tabs open or while using Office apps, low RAM could be to blame.
So, how much do you need?
4GB – Bare minimum (not recommended)
8GB – Good for basic tasks and light multitasking
16GB – Ideal for professionals juggling browsers, spreadsheets, video calls, and more
Upgrade cost: In 2025, adding 8GB or even 16GB of DDR4 RAM can cost under $50 for most laptops — and the difference is night and day.
Tip: Always check your system’s max supported RAM and open slots before buying.
I recently upgraded my old ThinkPad from 8GB to 16GB, and the improvement in multitasking was instantly noticeable. No more lag when I had Excel, Chrome, and Zoom open together.
Both of these upgrades are relatively easy to install, and if you’re not confident doing it yourself, a local repair shop can usually handle the job quickly.
Part 3: Advanced Optimization Tips for Power Users
Once you’ve done the basics and possibly upgraded your hardware, there’s still more you can do, especially if you’re the type who likes full control over system performance. These tips are for the power users who want to squeeze every bit of speed out of Windows 10.
High-Performance Power Plan
By default, Windows 10 balances energy efficiency with performance. But if you're on a desktop or don’t mind using more power on your laptop, switching to the High Performance plan gives your system extra responsiveness.
Step 1: Open Control Panel → System and Security → Go to Power Options
Step 2: Select High performance. If it’s not visible, click Show additional plans.
Keep this in mind: You’ll likely notice better performance, especially during intensive tasks. Just remember, this setting can reduce battery life on laptops.
I always switch to High Performance when using WPS Office on heavy spreadsheets. It eliminates lag when working across multiple documents.
Windows Updates & Driver Refresh
Outdated drivers and system updates are a hidden cause of many slowdowns. Windows 10 relies heavily on up-to-date drivers, especially for graphics, storage, and motherboard chipsets.
Step 1: Go to Settings → Windows Update
Step 2: Click Check for updates
Step 3: For drivers, use Device Manager → Right-click key devices like Display Adapters and choose Update driver
Pro Tip: Consider visiting your laptop or motherboard manufacturer’s website for the latest chipset or GPU drivers. These are often newer than what Windows finds automatically.
I once updated my graphics driver on a sluggish system and saw immediate gains in both Office app rendering and video playback smoothness.
Malware Scans
Sometimes, performance issues aren’t technical. They’re security-related. Malware can hog system resources, spy on your activity, or even run hidden background processes.
Step 1: Open Windows Security → Go to Virus & threat protection
Step 2: Click Scan options and select Full scan
Step 3: Run the scan monthly or use tools like Malwarebytes for deeper detection
Tip: Don’t install sketchy “optimizer” apps; many are just disguised adware.
I run a full scan at least once a month, especially before noticing the system slowdown. It’s just good digital hygiene.
These tweaks may take a bit more time, but they provide ongoing stability and speed. If you're already comfortable with Windows settings, these should be part of your regular maintenance routine.
Part 4: Why WPS Office Complements a Faster Windows 10 Experience
Speeding up Windows 10 isn’t just about the system. It’s also about the software you use every day. As someone who’s tested countless productivity suites, I can say this with confidence: if you're looking for a lightweight, high-performance alternative to Microsoft Office, WPS Office is a smart pick, especially for slower or older machines.
Lightweight Design
One of WPS Office’s biggest advantages is how little system memory it consumes. According to internal benchmarks (2024), WPS uses up to 40% less RAM than Microsoft Office 365 on Windows 10.
I tested both on a mid-range laptop with 8GB RAM. Excel files opened faster in WPS Spreadsheets, and system responsiveness stayed smoother when switching between documents.
Cross-Device Compatibility
WPS isn’t just fast; and it’s flexible. You can start editing a document on your Windows 10 laptop and then continue seamlessly on an Android tablet or iOS device. Its unified interface makes it incredibly intuitive to switch across platforms.
Keep this in mind: You don’t need to re-learn layouts or hunt down features; WPS keeps them consistent.
Free Tier Savings
While Microsoft 365 requires a yearly subscription (around $99/year), WPS Office offers core editing features for free, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint alternatives. For students, freelancers, and small business owners, that’s a real financial relief.
Bonus: Even the premium version is affordable and includes tools like PDF editing and cloud storage.
Optimized for Modern Windows 10 Systems
WPS Office is built to run smoothly on Windows 10 and even newer systems. It supports key technologies like DirectWrite for crisp font rendering and is fully compatible with both older CPUs and newer chipsets.
On an aging laptop, I recently revived, switching from Microsoft 365 to WPS shaved seconds off app load times and reduced system heat buildup during long editing sessions.
If your goal is a faster, smoother Windows 10 experience from boot-up to daily use, pairing system optimizations with efficient software like WPS Office gives you the best of both worlds.
FAQs
Q1: Will cleaning my startup apps really make my PC boot faster?
Absolutely. Disabling unnecessary startup apps through Task Manager can reduce boot time by up to 50%, especially if your PC is launching tools like Skype, OneDrive, and Adobe services every time it starts.
I’ve seen sluggish systems boot in half the time after trimming startup entries. It’s one of the easiest wins.
Q2: Should I replace my HDD with an SSD if my PC is slow?
100% yes. An SSD upgrade is the single most impactful hardware change you can make. Boot times, app launches, and file transfers all become drastically faster.
Pro tip: If your budget is tight, even a smaller 256GB SSD for your OS drive can make a night-and-day difference.
Q3: Can free tools safely optimize Windows 10 without causing issues?
Yes, but only if you stick to trusted options like Windows’ built-in utilities or CCleaner (for file cleaning only). Avoid aggressive "registry cleaners" or suspicious optimization software.
If a tool promises to “boost performance by 300%,” I skip it.
Q4: How much RAM do I need for smoother multitasking on Windows 10?
For general use, 8GB is the baseline. If you’re doing office work, video calls, and web browsing all at once, 16GB is the sweet spot.
I’ve upgraded dozens of client machines, the jump from 8GB to 16GB always improves performance, especially with WPS Office and multiple tabs open.
Q5: Is WPS Office good for older, slower Windows 10 machines?
Yes. WPS Office is optimized for performance and uses significantly less RAM than Microsoft Office. It’s ideal for machines with limited resources and offers a familiar, professional interface.
Try WPS on a laptop you thought was “too slow.” You’ll be surprised how much better it runs.
Summary
A slow computer can derail your productivity, but with the right steps, even aging Windows 10 systems can feel brand new again. From disabling startup clutter and cleaning junk files to upgrading your hardware with an SSD or more RAM, each tweak adds up to a smoother, faster experience.
And while optimizing your system matters, so does choosing software that complements that speed. That’s where WPS Office shines. It’s lightweight, efficient, and perfect for users who want the features of Microsoft Office without the performance drag or the high cost.
Whether you’re handling work documents, managing spreadsheets, or preparing presentations, WPS helps you get things done faster, especially on resource-limited machines.
