Diagnosing performance issues on Windows 10 can be difficult. This guide will take you, step by step, through Microsoft-recommended checks and fixes to help make sure your computer is performing as best it can.
2. Check for Updates
Open the Start menu and select Settings.
Select Update and Security.
Select Windows Update on the left, then select Check for updates.
Once the system has finished checking for updates, it will automatically download and install the latest applicable updates.
The system also may prompt you to restart, if it does, please do so at your earliest convenience, otherwise the update process will not complete.If you system was already recently updated, chances are that no further updates are available and your Update status will indicate: Your device is up to date.
3. Disk Cleanup
Windows needs about 2 GB free space, at minimum, to function. In order to properly update and perform other functions, around 5 GB free space is recommended.
A simple way to help free up space is to remove temporary files; files that were useful during an update or other working of the computer, but now simply take up space.
This will guide you through safely clearing those temporary files.
Open the Start menu and select Settings.
Select System.
Select Storage on the left, then select Temporary files on the right.
Place a checkmark next to each item, then select Remove files.
4. Uninstall an App
You may need to remove an app because you need the space or simply don't need it anymore. The following steps show you how to easily remove an app.
Click Start then Settings.
Next, Select Apps.
Scroll down and locate the app you wish to remove, and click on Uninstall.
Carefully read any prompts in case there are special instructions. Proceed until the application is removed.
Some applications may require that you reboot.
5. Restart Your PC
Before your restart or shut down your PC, make sure to save all necessary work to prevent data loss.
Using the Mouse
Select the Start menu.
By default it is in the lower left corner of your screen.
Select Power, then select Restart.
Using the Keyboard
Press the Windows and X keys at the same time. This minimizes any open windows you may have.
Press the Alt and F4 keys at the same time. This tells Windows to close the desktop.
Select Restart, then OK.
6. Check Memory Usage
Your computer's performance can suffer if it is facing limitations caused by system memory (or RAM). Checking how much memory your computer has physically installed, and how much of that memory your system is using will help diagnose a potential memory issue that is affecting your system's performance.
In general, Windows 10 requires 2 GB of memory to work, but performance and stability will be limited. Windows 10 runs better with 4 GB. If you use a lot of programs at the same time, or very large programs (such as games), you may require more memory, such as 6 GB or 8 GB or more.
You can choose to use fewer programs, or add more memory to your computer if you find yourself regularly using up all available memory.
Press the CTRL + ALT + DEL keys on your keyboard at the same time.
Select Task Manager.
Select More Details at the bottom.
Select the Performance tab at the top, then select Memory on the left.
Look at the amount of memory you have on your computer, and how much is in use.
Total Memory
In the top-right corner, you'll see how much memory is physically installed in your computer.
Memory In Use
In the list at the bottom, you'll see how much is in use by Windows, and the programs you have open.
In general, you want 1GB to 2GB available while you have most of your regular programs open.
You can check this information when you have your normal programs open. Open a few programs you usually use, and return to this window. See if you're using more memory than you have; this indicates Windows is using some of your hard drive space as memory, which is very slow.
This is a physical part of your computer, not something you can download or modify through software. If you want to add more memory to your computer, contact the company you purchased your computer from, or a local technical support service.
Virtual Memory or Your Paging File
The paging file is a hidden file on your computer's hard drive that Windows 10 uses as memory, and acts as an overflow of the system memory that holds the data needed for applications currently running on your computer. Increasing the size of your paging file can help with speed issues.
In the search bar, type "Control Panel" and select it.
Select System and Security.
Select System.
Select AdvancedSystemSettings.
Under the Advanced panel select Settings within Performance.
Select the Advanced tab and under Virtual Memory select Change.
To set your own Paging File size, clear the automatically manage paging file size for all drives selection.
Select Custom Size to set your own Virtual Memory limits. Click Set to finalize your sizes.
The minimum size of the Page file can be up to 1.5 times the amount of physical memory (RAM) you have installed. The maximum size can be 4 times the amount of the physical memory. For example, if your computer has 1GB of RAM, the minimum Page file size can be 1.5GB, and the maximum size of the file can be 4GB.
7. System Restore
Turning the system off while System Restore is running can cause corruption. If your device is battery-operated, connect it to a power outlet first as System Restore may take time and should not be interrupted.
System restore will remove any programs installed and settings made after the selected date.
Open the Start Menu, type "rstrui" in the search box and then click rstrui.
System Restore will open. Click Next.
Select a date before the issue started, you may see more than 1 restore point. Click Next afterwards.
Confirm your restore point by clicking Finish. Click Back if you wish to change the restore point.
The process will take some time to finish. The system will also reboot shortly.
8. Startup Check
After checking on what your computer is doing during normal use, you may have spotted some things actively running that you don't use or need running 100% of the time. Most times, programs are set to be launched and run as soon as your machine boots up. This process will help you disable unnecessary programs from starting up with your computer.
Press the CTRL + ALT + DEL keys on your keyboard at the same time.
Select Task Manager.
Select More Details at the bottom.
Select the Startup tab at the top.
Look carefully through this list. If you see an item you do not want to startup whenever you turn on your computer, highlight it, and choose Disable at the bottom.
9. Restart Your PC
Before your restart or shut down your PC, make sure to save all necessary work to prevent data loss.
Using the Mouse
Select the Start menu.
By default it is in the lower left corner of your screen.
Select Power, then select Restart.
Using the Keyboard
Press the Windows and X keys at the same time. This minimizes any open windows you may have.
Press the Alt and F4 keys at the same time. This tells Windows to close the desktop.
Select Restart, then OK.
10. Repair Windows Image (DISM)
Make sure you are connected to the Internet before beginning these steps.
Choose the Start menu, and type PowerShell into the search.
Using your right mouse button, right click on PowerShell in the list above. A special menu will open. Choose Run as Administrator.
Windows will ask if PowerShell may make changes, click Yes.
At the prompt, enter the following command, then press enter on your keyboard:
dism.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
Windows will automatically go through every system file, make sure they are valid, and replace any corrupted files.
11. Adjust For Best Performance
Select the Start menu, search for Performance. Then, select Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows from the menu.
Select Adjust for best performance at the top, then click OK at the bottom.
12. Restart Your PC
Before your restart or shut down your PC, make sure to save all necessary work to prevent data loss.
Using the Mouse
Select the Start menu.
By default it is in the lower left corner of your screen.
Select Power, then select Restart.
Using the Keyboard
Press the Windows and X keys at the same time. This minimizes any open windows you may have.
Press the Alt and F4 keys at the same time. This tells Windows to close the desktop.
Select Restart, then OK.
13. Reset Windows
Performing a Windows 10 Reset keeps your personal files, settings, and apps that came installed on your machine in-tact.
For portable devices: Before proceeding with a Reset, make sure the device is connected to a power outlet to avoid power loss during the reset process.
Open the Start Menu, and select the Settings icon.
Scroll down and select Update & Security.
Select Recovery.
Click Get started under Reset this PC.
Select Keep my files.
Take note of any apps that will need to be reinstalled. Click 'Next'.
If prompted with a Warning, click 'Next'.
At this point, the system is ready to be reset. This process may take quite a while, and the system will automatically restart when needed. Click Reset when ready.
Windows 10 will start the reset process and may reboot several times while running. Follow any on-screen instructions that may require your attention.
Once the process is complete, you may use your system again.
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