Boosting Windows Performance: Top Tips for Speeding Up the Latest Version of MS Windows

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Introduction

Windows is the most popular operating system for personal computers, but it can slow down over time due to various factors such as software clutter, background processes, and system updates. To ensure your Windows experience remains fast and smooth, you need to take action to optimize its performance. In this article, we’ll explore recommended tips to speed up the latest version of Microsoft Windows. We’ll include coding examples for advanced users and provide actionable steps for all skill levels.

Disable Startup Programs

One of the most common culprits behind a slow Windows startup is the numerous programs set to launch at boot. You can improve boot times by disabling unnecessary startup programs. Here’s how you can do it:

Via Task Manager:

  • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  • Navigate to the “Startup” tab.
  • Right-click on the programs you want to disable and select “Disable.”

Example code for programmatically disabling startup programs in PowerShell:

powershell
$registryPath = "HKLM:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run"
$programName = "UnwantedProgram"if (Test-Path “$registryPath\$programName”) {
Remove-ItemProperty -Path $registryPath -Name $programName
}

Clean Up Disk Space

A cluttered hard drive can significantly affect system performance. Regularly cleaning up disk space can help you reclaim valuable resources. Windows has a built-in tool for this:

Disk Cleanup:

  • Press Win + S, type “Disk Cleanup,” and select the app.
  • Choose the drive you want to clean and follow the on-screen instructions.

Automate disk cleanup with PowerShell:

powershell
# Define the drive you want to clean
$drive = "C:"# Run Disk Cleanup
Start-Process -Wait -FilePath “cleanmgr.exe” -ArgumentList “/d $drive”

Optimize Visual Effects

Windows provides various visual effects for a more appealing user experience. However, these effects can consume system resources. You can optimize Windows for better performance:

Via Performance Options:

  • Press Win + S, type “Performance Options,” and select the app.
  • Choose “Adjust for best performance” to disable all visual effects or customize which ones to keep.

Automate visual effects optimization using registry modifications:

powershell
$regPath = "HKCU:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\VisualEffects"
Set-ItemProperty -Path $regPath -Name "VisualFXSetting" -Value 2

Update Drivers

Outdated or incompatible device drivers can cause performance issues and system instability. Ensure your drivers are up to date for optimal performance.

Device Manager:

  • Press Win + X and select “Device Manager.”
  • Right-click on a device and choose “Update driver.”

Automate driver updates using PowerShell and the Chocolatey package manager:

powershell

choco install chocolatey

# Install a driver update utility
choco install snappy-driver-installer-repack

# Update drivers
SnappyDriverInstaller -t

Adjust Virtual Memory

Windows uses virtual memory (page file) to supplement RAM. You can optimize its settings to improve performance:

Virtual Memory Settings:

  • Right-click on “This PC” and select “Properties.”
  • Click “Advanced system settings.”
  • Under the “Performance” section, click “Settings.”
  • Go to the “Advanced” tab and click “Change” under Virtual Memory.

Example code to set virtual memory size via PowerShell:

powershell
# Define the drive and custom size for virtual memory
$drive = "C:"
$customSizeMB = 4096 # Set to your preferred value in MB# Set custom virtual memory size
Set-WmiInstance -Class Win32_PageFileSetting -Arguments @{ InitialSize = $customSizeMB; MaximumSize = $customSizeMB } -Namespace “root/cimv2”

Disable Unnecessary Services

Windows runs numerous background services that may not be needed for your specific usage. Disabling unnecessary services can free up system resources.

Services:

  • Press Win + R, type “services.msc,” and press Enter.
  • Right-click on a service, select “Properties,” and change the startup type to “Disabled” or “Manual.”

Automate disabling services using PowerShell:

powershell
# List services and their status
Get-Service | Format-Table -AutoSize# Disable a specific service
Set-Service -Name “ServiceName” -StartupType Disabled

Perform System Maintenance

Regular system maintenance can help keep Windows running smoothly. Windows has built-in tools for this:

Scheduled Maintenance:

  • Press Win + S, type “Security and Maintenance,” and select the app.
  • Under “Maintenance,” click “Start maintenance.”

Automate system maintenance using Task Scheduler and PowerShell:

powershell
# Create a scheduled task for system maintenance
$trigger = New-ScheduledTaskTrigger -AtStartup
$action = New-ScheduledTaskAction -Execute 'powershell' -Argument 'Start-Maintenance'
Register-ScheduledTask -TaskName 'SystemMaintenance' -Trigger $trigger -Action $action

Upgrade Hardware

Sometimes, improving Windows performance requires a hardware upgrade. Consider upgrading your RAM, replacing a hard drive with an SSD, or upgrading your CPU for a significant boost in performance.

Example code for checking your current hardware configuration in PowerShell:

powershell
# Check system information
Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_ComputerSystem
Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_Processor
Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_PhysicalMemory
Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_DiskDrive

Conclusion

Keeping your Windows system running smoothly is essential for a productive and frustration-free computing experience. By following these recommended tips and using the provided coding examples, you can enhance the performance of the latest version of MS Windows. From disabling startup programs to automating system maintenance, these steps will help you optimize your PC for peak performance. Whether you’re a novice or an advanced user, these tips can make a significant difference in your Windows experience. So, take the time to implement these improvements, and enjoy a faster, more responsive Windows operating system.