9 ways to make your old computer run like new

It's natural for computers to slow down over time, but it doesn't have to be that way. From running Disk Cleanup and adjusting your power usage to deleting unnecessary apps and files, here are some things you can do to keep your Windows computer running like new.

1. Run the Disk Cleanup tool

Over time, your computer accumulates unnecessary files, such as old system files, temporary files, and cached data. These files not only take up valuable hard drive space, but can also affect your computer's performance.

Running Windows' built-in Disk Cleanup tool can help you remove these files and make your computer run better by improving speed and storage efficiency. By using this tool regularly - ideally every few months - you can maintain smooth performance and prevent clutter from slowing down your system.

2. Limit the number of startup applications

When you install new software on your computer, some programs may automatically add themselves to the startup list. While applications like antivirus software or cloud storage services need to run at startup, having too many startup applications can slow down your system.

This is because each application launched uses valuable resources, such as RAM and CPU power , resulting in longer startup times and reduced overall performance.

To solve this issue, open Task Manager  by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc , then navigate to the Startup apps tab .

Here you will see a list of programs that are set to launch when your PC starts. Review the list and disable any unnecessary applications by right-clicking on them and selecting Disable . Your PC will then boot up faster, just like when you first bought it.

3. Uninstall unwanted apps, programs, and extensions

Another thing you can do to keep your PC running like new is to uninstall any programs you no longer use. This includes junkware that comes pre-installed by the manufacturer. Not only do these unnecessary programs take up valuable storage space, they can also negatively impact performance by running in the background and using up system resources.

You can use the Control Panel or Settings app to remove these apps. After uninstalling, make sure to delete any files or registry entries the software left behind. You can also use third-party tools like CCleaner to ensure a thorough cleanup.

In addition to apps and programs, browser extensions can also affect your PC's performance. This is especially true if they are outdated or poorly optimized. You should review your browser extensions and remove any that are unnecessary or causing problems.

4. Turn on "Best Performance" power saving mode

By default, Windows uses the "Balanced" power saving mode, which aims to balance performance and power consumption. This setting is ideal for everyday tasks but can limit your PC's full potential during more power-intensive activities. If you notice lag or reduced responsiveness during tasks like gaming or multimedia editing, switch to the "Best Performance" power saving mode.

To do this, open Settings > System > Power & battery and click the drop-down menu next to Power mode to select Best performance . While it may slightly increase power consumption, especially on laptops, this mode can make your PC significantly more responsive.

5. Run a malware scan

Even if you're careful, malware like viruses, spyware, and adware can still sneak into your system over time. These harmful programs often run silently in the background, consuming system resources and causing performance issues that may not be immediately noticeable.

To combat this, it is essential to run regular malware scans using the Windows Security app or a trusted third-party antivirus software. It is also a good idea to set up weekly scans to detect potential threats early. You should also check other security options in Windows to keep your PC running at its best.

6. Install pending system and driver updates

Updates, whether for the operating system or drivers, are essential to maintaining your PC's performance and security. Windows updates often include important bug fixes, new features, and fixes for known issues. All of these can help your PC run more efficiently.

Likewise, driver updates ensure your hardware—like graphics, sound, and networking components—works smoothly with the latest software, increasing speed and stability.

By regularly updating both your system and drivers, you can ensure your PC runs like new – or even better – thanks to the enhanced functionality and optimizations that come with each update.

7. Defragment your hard drive

As you use your computer, files are saved in scattered pieces on your hard drive, creating a condition called fragmentation.

When this happens, your hard drive has to work harder to retrieve data from multiple locations, slowing down performance. This problem is more common with traditional HDDs and can make your computer slower than when it was new.

Defragmentation reorganizes fragmented files by arranging them into contiguous blocks on the hard drive. This process reduces the time it takes for the hard drive to locate files. Defragmentation can improve overall performance and speed up load times. The good news is that defragmenting a hard drive in Windows is quite simple using the built-in "Optimize Drives" tool.

8. Reinstall Windows

No matter how many software optimization tricks you try, nothing beats reinstalling Windows. This is a surefire way to get your PC running like new again.

A clean reinstall of Windows will completely wipe everything, fix these issues, and restore your PC to its original speed and stability. While reinstalling Windows requires backing up your files and reinstalling your applications, the benefits make it well worth the effort.

9. Add RAM

One final but important step to improving your computer’s performance is adding RAM. As you probably know, RAM is essential for your computer to be able to multitask. The more RAM your computer has, the more data it can process at once. If you want faster load times and a smoother multitasking experience, consider increasing your RAM to at least 16GB.

Before upgrading, it is essential to check your PC's specifications to determine the maximum amount of RAM your system can support. Most modern computers allow for easy RAM upgrades, and the process is relatively quick.

Keeping your PC running smoothly doesn't have to be complicated. Sometimes, simply checking for updates and uninstalling apps you don't use can help breathe new life into your machine. Other times, you may need to completely wipe Windows. Either way, using the steps outlined above should get your PC running smoothly again.