The Microsoft Windows 10 operating system is quite efficient and performs well using default settings. However, it is possible to speed up Windows 10 even more and improve its performance. Try one or more of the following options to speed up your Windows 10 computer, and help reduce or eliminate potential errors.

Turn off shadowing and visual effects

The newer versions of Windows include some appealing look and feel features to program windows, text, icons, and other areas. While it may look nice and flashy, it comes at a cost. Those features, otherwise known as shadowing and visual effects, use up system resources that cause Windows to run slower.

  • Turn off shadowing and visual effects.
  • Adjust Windows power settings.
  • Run Windows System Maintenance.
  • Stop/remove TSRs and disable startup programs.
  • Clean the Windows registry.

To turn off these resource draining features, follow the steps below.

  • In the Search Windows text box, next to Start on the taskbar, type sysdm.cpl and press Enter.
  • In the System Properties window, click the Advanced tab.
  • On the Advanced tab, click the Settings button in the Performance section.
  • In the Performance Options window, select the Adjust for best performance option, then click the OK button.

Adjust Windows power settings

Computers use power, that is no secret. However, how and where computers use power is not something commonly known. By default, the Windows operating system often utilizes a power plan that results in slower computer performance. If you have a desktop computer, or a laptop computer connected to a power adapter, you can adjust the power plan used by Windows and increase the computer’s performance.

If you have picture files and want to see a thumbnails as the file icon, check the box for the Show thumbnails instead of icons option. Doing so results in the Custom option being selected instead of the Adjust for best performance option, which is okay.

To view and adjust the power plan in Windows, follow the steps below.

If you have a laptop and are using the battery instead of the power adapter, we recommend you do not adjust the power plan. The battery can be drained much faster if you adjust the power plan to allow for higher performance in Windows.

  • Open the Control Panel.
  • Find and click the Power Options utility.
  • In the Power Options window, select the High performance power plan, then close the window.

If you want to adjust or the settings of the High performance power plan, click the Change plan settings link next to that power plan option. You can adjust two power settings in the Edit Plan Settings window, or click the Change advanced power settings link to further adjust the power plan settings.

Run Windows System Maintenance

Windows 10 has a built-in maintenance utility that helps find and fix issues in the operating system. It can also identify and run processes that help improve computer performance.

To access and use the Windows System Maintenance utility, follow the steps below.

  • In the Search Windows text box, next to Start on the taskbar, type system maintenance, then press Enter.

  • In the Security and Maintenance window, click the Troubleshooting link towards the bottom of the window.

  • In the Troubleshooting window, under the System and security section, click the Run maintenance tasks link.

  • Click the Next button to run the Troubleshooter utility. If a message appears saying to run the Troubleshooter as an administrator, click the Try troubleshooting as an administrator option.

  • If any errors are found, or any suggestions are provided, follow the steps to fix the errors and issues, and implement the suggestions.

Stop/remove TSRs and disable startup programs

Programs and processes that run in the background, known as TSRs, use up memory on the computer and can cause the computer to run more slowly than it could. Some of these programs and processes are not essential to the operating of the computer and Windows operating system, and they can be turned off.

To turn off and disable TSRs and other programs that load with Windows, follow the steps provided on the web page linked below.

  • How to remove TSRs and startup programs.

If you’re unsure what programs and processes to turn off and disable, visit the Should I Block It website to search for the name. The Should I Block It website helps you determine if the process or program is needed or not for correct computer, Windows, or other software operation.

  • Should I Block It?

Clean the Windows registry

The Windows registry stores lots of information about the operating system, software, and files. If there is bad information, incorrect shortcuts to programs, or other problems, it can cause the computer to run slow. Issues in the registry can also cause errors, including blue screen of death errors.

Correcting problems in the registry helps to speed up a computer, allow it to run more efficiently, and eliminate errors. The registry is very complex and not something you want to fix manually, as it could cause even worse problems. Using a registry cleaner is a better option. Below are a couple registry cleaners that we recommend.

  • CCleaner - fixes many registry issues, and includes several additional tools to speed up a computer.
  • EasyCleaner - a basic, but powerful registry cleaner.
  • Glary Utilities - a powerful registry cleaner, and includes several additional tools to free up hard drive space and improve computer performance.
  • How to regain computer hard drive space.
  • How to install computer memory (RAM).
  • See our registry and TSR definitions for related information and links.