How to Speed Up Windows 10 (and Windows 11) on a Slow Business PC

A slow computer costs your team time every day. Files open late, programs freeze, and people stare at a spinning circle instead of working.

The good news is that many slow PCs can be sped up with a few free changes. This guide walks through them for both Windows 10 and Windows 11. It also covers something Windows 10 users need to know: Microsoft ended support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. For many offices, the lasting fix is not another tweak. It is moving to a supported system.

A quick word on Windows 10 support

Windows 10 still starts and runs after support ended. But Microsoft no longer provides regular security updates or fixes for it as part of normal support. Microsoft has offered a limited Extended Security Updates program for people who need more time. Check Microsoft’s current terms to see what applies to you.

Why does this matter for speed? Because an old system that no longer gets regular updates is a poor base to keep building on. Tuning can help today. It does not solve the bigger risk of running software that is no longer maintained.

Start with the easy checks

Before changing settings, try these basics.

• Restart the PC. Many people leave computers on for weeks. A restart clears out memory and finishes pending updates.
• Install pending updates. Open Settings, go to Windows Update, and install what is waiting. Updates often include fixes for performance problems.
• Check free storage. When a drive is almost full, Windows slows down. Try to leave a healthy amount of free space.
• See what is using your resources. Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager. On the Processes tab, sort by CPU, Memory, and Disk. If one program is using most of a resource, you have found a good place to start.

9 steps to speed up Windows 10 and 11

The menu names can change between Windows versions and updates. If you do not see an exact option, use the Settings search box or check the current settings on your PC.

1. Stop programs from launching at startup

Many programs start with Windows and keep running even when you do not need them. This slows down how fast your PC becomes usable after you sign in.

1. Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Click the Startup tab (or Startup apps in newer versions).
3. Look at the “Startup impact” column.
4. Right-click programs you do not need at startup and choose Disable.

Disabling a program here does not uninstall it. You can still open it when you need it. If you are not sure what an item is, leave it alone or look it up first. Do not disable anything related to security software.

2. Uninstall programs you no longer use

Old trial software, toolbars, and apps nobody remembers installing take up space. Some also run in the background.

1. Open Settings and go to Apps.
2. Open the installed apps list.
3. Select a program you no longer use and choose Uninstall.

On a work PC, check with your IT contact before removing anything that might be needed for a business system.

3. Free up disk space

Windows has built-in tools for clearing temporary files and other clutter.

• Search for Storage settings or Storage Sense in the Start menu and review the suggestions.
• Search for Disk Cleanup to remove temporary files, old update files, and items in the Recycle Bin.
• Empty your Downloads folder of files you no longer need.

Read the list before you delete. Only remove what you are sure you do not need.

4. Turn off background apps you do not need

Some apps keep running in the background so they can send notifications or update themselves. In Settings, look under Apps or Privacy for background app options. The location differs between Windows versions, so use the search box if needed. Turn off background activity for apps you rarely use.

5. Scan for malware

A PC that suddenly slows down may have unwanted software on it. Open Windows Security from the Start menu and run a scan. If you use another security product that your IT provider set up, run its scan too. If a scan finds something serious, stop and get IT help before continuing.

6. Reduce visual effects

Animations and shadows look nice, but they use resources on older PCs.

1. Search for Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows.
2. Choose Adjust for best performance, or pick which effects to keep.
3. Click Apply.

The screen will look a little plainer. On an older machine, it may feel snappier.

7. Check your power settings

On some computers, especially laptops, a battery saver or power saver mode limits performance. Open Settings, find Power (or Power & battery), and check the power mode. Choosing a balanced or performance mode can help when the computer is plugged in.

8. Trim your web browser

For many office workers, the browser is the main program. Too many open tabs and too many extensions use a lot of memory.

• Close tabs you are not using.
• Remove browser extensions you do not need.
• Update the browser to the current version.
• Clear the cache if pages load strangely.

9. Keep drivers and software updated

Out-of-date drivers and old software can cause crashes and slow performance. Windows Update handles many drivers. For others, such as graphics or printer drivers, check the maker’s support site. Download only from the manufacturer’s official site.

When tuning is not enough

If you have done the steps above and the PC is still slow, the cause is often hardware. Two upgrades can make a big difference on some machines.

Solid-state drive (SSD). If your PC still uses an older spinning hard drive, switching to an SSD can make startup and file opening much faster. Many newer PCs already have one.

More memory (RAM). If Task Manager shows memory near its limit during normal work, the PC may not have enough. Some computers allow you to add RAM. Many thin laptops do not.

Check whether the machine can be upgraded before you buy parts. If a computer is many years old, the cost and effort of upgrading may not make sense. A newer replacement may be the better choice.

Why upgrading is the real fix for Windows 10

Cleaning up a PC treats the symptoms. For Windows 10, the bigger issue is that the system is no longer in regular support. Here is what that means for a business.

• Security risk. Without regular security updates, newly found weaknesses may stay open. Business PCs often hold customer data, financial files, and email access.
• Software support. Over time, software makers may stop supporting older versions of Windows. Check with the makers of the programs you rely on.
• Performance and features. Newer versions of Windows are built for newer hardware and security features.

Moving to Windows 11 on a compatible PC is the usual path. It also gives you a fresh start, since a clean setup removes years of clutter.

Can your PC run Windows 11?

Windows 11 has stricter hardware requirements than Windows 10. These include a supported processor, enough memory and storage, and certain security features. Microsoft’s PC Health Check app can tell you whether a specific PC qualifies. You can also check Windows Update in Settings, which may show whether the upgrade is offered for that PC.

Before you upgrade:

1. Back up important files.
2. Make a list of the business programs on the PC and confirm they work with Windows 11.
3. Install all current Windows updates.
4. Plan the upgrade for a quiet time, since it takes a while and needs restarts.

If your PC cannot run Windows 11

Some older computers do not meet the requirements. You have a few options.

• Replace the computer. For most offices, this is the cleanest long-term answer. Start with the PCs that are oldest or hold the most sensitive data.
• Use Microsoft’s Extended Security Updates, if you qualify. This is a short-term bridge, not a permanent plan. Check Microsoft’s current terms and eligibility.
• Limit what the old PC does. If you must keep one for a while, avoid using it for email, banking, or sensitive files. Keep it off the main network where possible, and ask your IT provider for advice.

If you manage a whole office of PCs

Doing this on one computer is simple. Doing it across ten or fifty is harder. You need to know which machines can upgrade, which need replacing, and which software must be tested first.

Through our IT partners, we can arrange managed IT services to help plan and carry out upgrades. If you are not sure how exposed your office is, a cybersecurity assessment arranged through those partners can help you see where the gaps are.

A simple plan to follow

1. Restart and install updates today.
2. Disable startup programs and remove unused apps.
3. Clear disk space and scan for malware.
4. Check whether the PC can run Windows 11.
5. If it can, back up and upgrade. If it cannot, plan a replacement.

A faster PC saves your team time, and a supported one helps keep your business safer.

Frequently asked questions