How to Speed Up Your Windows 10/11 PC Without Software – Ultimate Guide [2025]

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🖥️ Introduction

Is your Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC running slow lately? You’re not alone. Over time, even powerful systems start to lag due to unnecessary background processes, startup programs, and system clutter.

But here’s the good news: you don’t need any third-party software to boost your PC’s speed. This ultimate guide will show you step-by-step methods to speed up your Windows PC manually, safely, and for free.

🛠️ Step-by-Step Tips to Speed Up Your Windows PC Without Software

✅ 1. Disable Startup Programs

Too many apps launching at startup can significantly slow down boot time.

Steps:

  • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
  • Go to the Startup tab
  • Disable apps with high startup impact

Pro Tip: Only disable non-essential programs (like Spotify, Zoom, etc.), not Windows services.

✅ 2. Uninstall Unused Apps

Old software and unused apps take up space and resources.

Steps:

  • Open Settings > Apps > Installed Apps
  • Sort by size or install date
  • Uninstall any app you don’t use

Note: Keep essential system apps untouched.

✅ 3. Clean Up Temporary Files

Windows stores a lot of temporary data which slows performance.

Steps:

  • Press Win + R, type temp → Delete all files
  • Repeat with %temp% and prefetch

Alternative: Use built-in Disk Cleanup tool

  • Type Disk Cleanup in search
  • Select drive → Check all options → Clean up system files

✅ 4. Adjust Visual Effects for Performance

Fancy animations can slow down older PCs.

Steps:

  • Right-click This PC > Properties
  • Click Advanced system settings > Performance > Settings
  • Choose Adjust for best performance
  • Or, manually disable unneeded effects

✅ 5. Disable Background Apps

Some apps run even when you’re not using them.

Steps:

  • Go to Settings > Privacy > Background apps
  • Turn off apps you don’t need running in background

✅ 6. Enable Fast Startup

This hybrid shutdown feature reduces boot time.

Steps:

  • Open Control Panel > Power Options > Choose what power buttons do
  • Click Change settings that are currently unavailable
  • Check Turn on fast startup

✅ 7. Update Windows and Drivers

Keeping Windows and hardware drivers updated ensures performance and security.

Steps:

  • Go to Settings > Windows Update
  • Check for updates
  • Use Device Manager to update display and storage drivers manually

✅ 8. Defragment Your Hard Drive (HDD only)

If you’re still using a hard drive (not SSD), defragging improves file access speed.

Steps:

  • Search for Defragment and Optimize Drives
  • Select your HDD
  • Click Optimize

Note: Never defrag SSDs – they don’t need it and it can reduce lifespan.

✅ 9. Free Up Disk Space Using Storage Sense

Storage Sense automatically removes junk files.

Steps:

  • Go to Settings > System > Storage
  • Turn on Storage Sense
  • Set automatic cleanup schedule

✅ 10. Restart Your PC Regularly

Keeping your PC on for too long slows it down.

Tip: Restart your PC every few days to clear memory and stop background processes.

🚀 Bonus: Use Lightweight Alternatives

If performance is still an issue:

  • Use Brave or Edge instead of Chrome
  • Use VLC instead of heavy media players
  • Use Notepad++ instead of large code editors (for coding/text work)

📊 Final Thoughts

Speeding up your Windows 10 or 11 PC doesn’t always require expensive software or technical knowledge. With these manual, built-in system tweaks, you can boost performance and make your computer feel brand new — without spending a single rupee.

Apply just 4–5 of these changes and you’ll notice an immediate improvement.

❓ FAQs

Q1. Does Disk Cleanup delete important files?

No, it only removes junk, cache, and temp files. You can review files before deleting.

Q2. How often should I clean temp files?

Every 1–2 weeks is ideal, especially if you use your PC daily.

Q3. Can I apply these methods on low-end PCs?

Yes, especially disabling startup apps, visual effects, and background processes.

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