How to Clean Up Computer to Run Faster Windows 10: Top Tips & Tricks

Does your Windows 10 computer feel slower than it used to be? Apps take ages to open, startup seems to drag on forever, and everything just feels sluggish? You’re not alone. Over time, every PC gathers digital clutter — temporary files, unused apps, bloatware, and background processes — that can slow down performance.

But here’s the good news: you don’t need to buy a new computer to get things running smoothly again. With a few smart clean-up techniques and optimization tricks, you can make your Windows 10 PC feel like new.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll show you how to clean up your computer to run faster on Windows 10, step by step. From deleting junk files and disabling startup programs to optimizing system settings, we’ll cover everything you need to know.

---

Why Your Windows 10 Computer Gets Slower Over Time

Your PC’s performance declines gradually for several reasons:

• Accumulated temporary files that take up space.

• Too many startup apps running in the background.

• Fragmented hard drives on older HDD systems.

• Bloatware preinstalled by manufacturers.

• Outdated drivers or software slowing down the system.

• Malware or unnecessary background processes consuming resources.

When these pile up, your system has less free memory and processing power, leading to slower performance.

---

How Cleaning Up Helps Boost Speed

Cleaning up your Windows 10 PC removes unnecessary clutter and optimizes system processes. You’ll notice:

✅ Faster boot times
✅ Quicker app launches
✅ More storage space
✅ Improved overall responsiveness
✅ Fewer crashes or freezes

Think of it like decluttering your desk — when everything’s tidy and organized, you work more efficiently. Your computer works the same way.

---

Step 1: Delete Temporary and Junk Files

Windows and apps constantly generate temporary files that can take up gigabytes of space.

Here’s how to delete them manually:

1. Press Windows + R, type %temp%, and hit Enter.

2. Select all files (Ctrl + A) and press Delete.

3. Confirm deletion — skip files that are in use.

4. Repeat the same with C:\Windows\Temp.

Use Disk Cleanup:

1. Search for Disk Cleanup in the Start menu.

2. Choose the drive (usually C:).

3. Select:

   • Temporary files

   • System cache

   • Recycle Bin items

4. Click OK → Delete Files.

💡 Pro Tip: Run Disk Cleanup as Administrator to remove system files like Windows Update leftovers.

---

Step 2: Uninstall Unused Programs and Bloatware

Too many programs slow your computer down — even those you rarely use.

Steps to remove unwanted software:

1. Go to Settings → Apps → Apps & Features.

2. Scroll through the list.

3. Click any unused app → Uninstall.

To remove built-in bloatware:

Open Windows PowerShell (Admin) and run:

To uninstall a specific app:

(Replace “xboxapp” with the name of the app you want to remove.)

🧹 Removing preinstalled apps you never use can free up space and memory.

---

Step 3: Manage Startup Programs

Too many startup programs can dramatically slow down boot time.

To disable them:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.

2. Click the Startup tab.

3. Right-click unnecessary programs → Disable.

Focus on apps like:

• Spotify

• Steam

• Adobe Updater

• OneDrive (if unused)

🚀 Only keep essential startup items like antivirus or system utilities.

---

Step 4: Clean and Optimize the Hard Drive

If you’re using a traditional HDD, it’s important to defragment it occasionally.

To defragment your drive:

1. Search Defragment and Optimize Drives.

2. Select your system drive (C:).

3. Click Optimize.

For SSD users: Defragmenting isn’t necessary — Windows automatically performs optimization tasks.

💾 SSD users can run “Trim” instead for better performance.

---

Step 5: Scan for Malware and Viruses

Malware or adware can silently consume resources and slow your computer.

Steps to clean malware:

1. Open Windows Security.

2. Go to Virus & Threat Protection → Quick Scan.

3. For deeper cleaning, choose Full Scan.

You can also use free third-party tools like:

• Malwarebytes Free

• AdwCleaner

• Kaspersky Security Cloud Free

🔒 Regular scans keep your system safe and fast.

---

Step 6: Update Windows and Drivers

Outdated drivers and system files can cause lags or hardware issues.

To update Windows:

1. Go to Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update.

2. Click Check for updates.

To update drivers:

• Open Device Manager → right-click a device → Update driver.

• Or use tools like Driver Booster or Snappy Driver Installer.

⚙️ Updated drivers = smoother performance and fewer system crashes.

---

Step 7: Disable Background Apps You Don’t Need

Windows 10 runs many apps in the background — even when you’re not using them.

Disable unnecessary background apps:

1. Open Settings → Privacy → Background apps.

2. Toggle off apps you don’t use.

This saves RAM and CPU resources instantly.

---

Step 8: Adjust Visual Effects for Better Performance

Windows 10 includes fancy animations and effects that can slow older PCs.

To adjust:

1. Right-click This PC → Properties.

2. Click Advanced system settings → Performance → Settings.

3. Choose Adjust for best performance.

4. (Optional) Re-enable important effects like Smooth edges of screen fonts.

🎨 You can balance speed and aesthetics by customizing which effects to keep.

---

Step 9: Empty Recycle Bin and Clear Browser Cache

To empty Recycle Bin:

1. Right-click Recycle Bin → Empty Recycle Bin.

To clear browser cache:

• Chrome: Settings → Privacy → Clear browsing data → Cached images/files.

• Edge: Settings → Privacy → Clear browsing data.

• Firefox: Options → Privacy → Cookies and Site Data → Clear.

🧠 Cached files pile up quickly — clear them monthly for smoother performance.

---

Step 10: Use Storage Sense for Automatic Clean-Up

Storage Sense is Windows 10’s built-in tool that automatically deletes junk files.

To enable it:

1. Go to Settings → System → Storage.

2. Turn on Storage Sense.

3. Click Configure Storage Sense or run it now.

4. Choose how often it runs and what it cleans.

You can make Storage Sense delete temporary files and recycle bin items automatically.

---

Step 11: Consider Upgrading Hardware for a Speed Boost

Sometimes, software cleanup isn’t enough — especially for older PCs.

Consider upgrading:

💡 Hardware upgrades offer the biggest long-term speed improvements.

---

Bonus: Best Free Tools to Clean and Speed Up Windows 10

⚠️ Avoid fake “registry cleaners” that promise miracles — some can harm your system.

---

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Up

• ❌ Deleting system or registry files manually

• ❌ Using too many “optimizer” apps at once

• ❌ Ignoring Windows Updates completely

• ❌ Forgetting to back up important files

• ❌ Not restarting after cleanup steps

Always proceed with caution — a quick backup before major changes can save you from future headaches.

---

Conclusion

Cleaning up your Windows 10 computer doesn’t have to be complicated. By following these simple yet powerful tips, you can restore your PC’s speed, boost performance, and free up valuable storage space.

From deleting junk files and disabling startup programs to using tools like Storage Sense, these steps will help your system run like new again.

So go ahead — give your PC the digital deep-clean it deserves and enjoy a faster, smoother Windows 10 experience.

---

FAQs

1. How often should I clean up my Windows 10 computer?

Ideally, once every 2–3 months. Regular maintenance prevents clutter buildup.

2. Is it safe to use CCleaner or similar tools?

Yes, but download from official sites and avoid registry cleaning unless necessary.

3. Will cleaning my computer delete important files?

No — if you follow system tools like Disk Cleanup or Storage Sense, only temporary files are removed.

4. Can upgrading RAM make my PC faster?

Absolutely. Upgrading RAM helps with multitasking and speeds up system performance.

5. How do I know what’s slowing down my PC?

Use Task Manager → Processes tab to see apps consuming CPU, memory, or disk space.

---

Key Takeaways

• 🧹 Regular cleanup improves performance, speed, and storage.

• ⚙️ Disable unnecessary startup apps and background processes.

• 💾 Use built-in tools like Disk Cleanup and Storage Sense.

• 🛡️ Scan for malware and keep drivers updated.

• 🚀 Consider hardware upgrades for long-term improvement.

---

Final Word:
Learning how to clean up your computer to run faster on Windows 10 is one of the best tech habits you can develop. Keep it clutter-free, and it will serve you efficiently for years to come!