How To Clean Up A Computer To Run Faster

If your PC is running slowly, the following suggestions might help speed things up. The tips are listed in order, and then commencement with the kickoff ane, see if that helps, and and then go on to the adjacent 1 if it doesn't.

One of the best ways to get the about out of your PC is to make sure you lot have the latest version of Windows 11 installed. When yous check for updates, your PC will also search for the latest device drivers, which can also help meliorate your PC'due south performance.

To check for updates

Select the Start button, so select Settings > Windows Update >Check for updates.
Check for Windows updates
Do one of the following:
- If the status says "You're upward to date," go on and check for optional updates.
- If the status says "Updates are bachelor," select Install now.
Select the updates you desire to install, then select Install.
Restart your PC and see if it seems to run better.

Sometimes an optional update, like a new non-critical driver, will exist bachelor that may help.

To check for optional updates

Select the Offset button, then select Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates.
If additional updates are available, select them and and so select Download & install.
Restart your PC and see if it seems to run meliorate.

For more info about updates, including how you can have them installed automatically, meet the Windows Update FAQ.

For Windows Update troubleshooting info, see Update Windows and Troubleshoot issues updating Windows.

If your PC still runs slowly, continue to the next tip.

Having many apps, programs, web browsers, so on open at once can slow downwards your PC. Having a lot of browser tabs open at once can also slow it down quite a bit. If this is happening, close any apps, browser tabs, etc., that you don't need and come across if that helps speed upward your PC. If it doesn't seem to help, restart your PC and then open simply the apps, programs and browser windows y'all need.

To restart your PC

Select the Start button, and then select Power > Restart.
Later your PC restarts, open simply the apps yous need, then close them when you're done.

Sometimes apps that were made for an before version of Windows will still run on Windows 11, merely they might irksome down your PC. If this happens subsequently you open a sure program, bank check the software company's website for an updated version, or run the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter.

To run the Plan Compatibility Troubleshooter

Select Search, type troubleshoot in the search box, then select Troubleshoot settings > Other troubleshooters.
Under Other, select the Run push next toPlan Compatibility Troubleshooter.
Select the program that you're having problems with, and so select Next and go along through the troubleshooter.

PC still running slowly? Continue to the adjacent tip.

ReadyBoost lets y'all employ a removable bulldoze, like a USB wink bulldoze, to improve your PC's performance without opening your PC and adding more memory (RAM). To use ReadyBoost, you'll demand a USB flash drive or a memory bill of fare that has at least 500 MB gratis and a high data transfer rate.

To use ReadyBoost

Insert the USB flash drive into a USB port on your PC.
Select File Explorer from the taskbar.
Press and agree (or correct-click) the USB flash drive (or SD card if you used one instead), then select Backdrop.
Select the ReadyBoost tab, then select Use this device.
Windows determines if the device can use ReadyBoost. If information technology can't, it'll permit you know.
After Windows determines how much free infinite to utilize to optimize retention, select OK to reserve this infinite then ReadyBoost can use it.

When you expect at the contents of the USB flash drive in File Explorer, you'll see a file named ReadyBoost.sfcache on the flash drive. This file shows how much space is reserved for ReadyBoost.

Note:ReadyBoost can't be used if Windows is installed on a solid country bulldoze (SSD). An SSD is already fast, and ReadyBoost won't exist able to improve its performance.

The paging file is an area on your hard disk that Windows uses like memory. There'south a setting in Windows 11 that manages the page file size automatically, which tin help improve your PC's operation.

To brand sure automated page file direction is turned on

Select Search on the taskbar, type advanced system in the search box, and then select View avant-garde system settings, which has Control console listed underneath it.
In System Properties, select the Avant-garde tab, so select Settings in the Functioning area.
In Performance Options, select the Avant-garde tab, and then select Change in the Virtual memory area.
Brand sure the Automatically manage paging file size for all drives check box is selected. If it is, go along to the next tip. If it's non, select it and and then restart your PC past selecting the Start > Power > Restart.

Use your PC and run across if information technology'south running better. If it'south not, try the next tip.

You lot may amend functioning if you costless some disk space on your PC.

To cheque for depression deejay infinite

Select the Offset push, then select Settings> System > Storage.
Open Storage settings
Your drives will be listed in the Storage area. Annotation the amount of free space and full size for each drive.

Note:If your PC is not low on space, endeavour the next tip.

You tin can use Storage Sense to delete unnecessary or temporary files from your device, which can as well gratis up infinite.

If you plow on Storage Sense, Windows will automatically free upwards space by getting rid of unnecessary files—including files in your recycle bin—when you're low on disk infinite or at intervals you specify. The instructions below show y'all how to delete temporary files and how to turn on and configure Storage Sense.

If you can't find Storage Sense on your device using the following steps, see the "Free up space with Deejay cleanup" section beneath instead.

Note:You may non want to delete temporary files to improve performance. While these files may not exist used at the moment, they help your apps load and run faster.

To delete temporary files with Storage Sense

Open Settings, then select System > Storage.
Open Storage settings
Select Temporary files in the storage breakdown. Note: If you don't see Temporary files listed, select Show more categories.
Windows volition take a few moments to determine what files and apps are taking up the nearly space on your PC.
Select the items you desire to delete, and so select Remove files.

To meet what's in your Recycle Bin before you empty it, open up it from your desktop. If you don't see the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop, in the search bar on the taskbar, type recycle bin, then select Recycle Bin from the list of results.

Notation:Windows moves files you delete to the Recycle Bin in case yous alter your mind and need them over again in the futurity. Y'all might be able to complimentary upwardly a meaning amount of space by deleting Recycle Bin files to permanently remove files you've previously deleted.

To plow on and configure Storage Sense

Open up Settings, then selectSystem> Storage.
Open Storage settings
In the Storage management expanse, turn on Storage Sense.
Select the > for Storage Sense to configure it.
Under Cleanup of temporary files, ensure Proceed Windows running smoothly by automatically cleaning up temporary system and app files is checked.
Under Configure cleanup schedules, choose how ofttimes you desire Storage Sense to run.
For the files you want Storage Sense to delete (your choices are files in your Recycle Bin and in your Downloads folder), select the preferred time intervals, or select Never if you lot want Storage Sense to leave those types of files lonely.
Scroll down and select Run Storage Sense now.
Windows will take a few moments to make clean up your files, and and so you'll see a bulletin indicating how much disk space has been freed upward.

If your organization doesn't have Storage Sense, you tin employ the Disk Cleanup tool to delete temporary files and arrangement files from your device.

To run Disk Cleanup

Select Search, type disk cleanup, then select Disk Cleanup from the list of results.
Select the checkbox next to the type of files you want to delete. (To view a description of each type of file, select the name.) By default, Downloaded Program Files, Temporary Cyberspace Files, and Thumbnails are selected. Be sure to articulate those check boxes if yous don't desire to delete those files.
To free upward even more space, select Clean up arrangement files. Deejay Cleanup will take a few moments to calculate the amount of space that a can be freed up.

Note:If information technology's been fewer than 10 days since you upgraded to Windows 11, your previous version of Windows volition be listed as a arrangement file you can delete. If you lot need to complimentary up bulldoze space, you tin delete it, but keep in mind that you'll exist deleting your Windows.quondam folder, which contains files that give you the option to go back to your previous version of Windows. If y'all delete your previous version of Windows, this can't be undone. (You won't exist able to go back to your previous version of Windows.)
Select the types of files you want to delete, select OK, so select Delete files in the confirmation window to outset the cleanup.

If your PC notwithstanding runs slowly, effort uninstalling apps you don't use anymore.

To uninstall apps you don't apply anymore

Select the Outset button, and then select Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
Open up Apps & features settings
Search for a specific app or sort them to see which ones are using the most infinite.
When you discover an app to remove, select the More than icon next to information technology and, if possible, select Uninstall.
Restart your PC and run into if performance has improved.

If your PC still runs slowly, endeavor moving files to another drive.

If you have photos, music, or other files that you desire to proceed but don't use often, consider saving them to removable media, like a USB drive. You lot'll still be able to use them when the bulldoze is connected, but they won't take upwardly space on your PC.

To motion files to some other drive

Connect the removable media to your PC.
Select File Explorerfrom the taskbar and detect the files yous desire to move.
Select the files, become toHabitation, so select Move to > Choose location.
Select your removable media from the location list, then select Move.
Restart your PC and see if performance has improved.

Get more than info well-nigh freeing drive space in Windows.

If your PC still runs slowly, try the side by side tip.

Windows xi includes many visual effects, such as animations and shadow effects. These expect great, but they tin likewise employ additional organisation resource and tin can slow down your PC. This is especially true if you take a PC with a smaller corporeality of retentiveness (RAM).

To arrange the visual effects in Windows

Select Search, type performance, then select Accommodate the appearance and performance of Windows in the list of results.
On the Visual Furnishings tab, select Adjust for best operation > Apply.
Restart your PC and see if that speeds up your PC.

If your PC nevertheless runs slowly, continue to the next tip.

Your PC settings let you lot choose where files will be saved past default. You tin salve files on your PC or to OneDrive by default and sync files between the two locations. This lets yous get to your files from whatsoever device that tin can connect to the internet, and it helps make sure your files are backed up in case your PC is ever damaged or lost. However, files must sync between your PC and OneDrive, and syncing tin slow down your PC. You tin pause OneDrive syncing temporarily and see if it helps meliorate your PC operation.

To pause syncing to OneDrive

On the taskbar, look forOneDrive near the notification area.
SelectOneDrive > Help & Settings > Interruption syncing,and and then cull how long you want to interruption syncing your files.
Restart your PC and run across if your performance issues have improved with syncing paused.
To resume syncing your files, select OneDrive > Help & Settings> Resume syncing.

You tin can also visit Set OneDrive sync issues to check for any sync issues.

When you plow on your PC, some programs starting time automatically and run in the background. You lot tin can disable these programs and so they don't run when your PC starts.

Many programs are designed to start automatically when Windows does. Yous don't realize they're running, but they'll open quickly when you lot become to use them. This is helpful for programs you utilize a lot, but not for programs you don't utilize oft considering information technology increases the fourth dimension it takes Windows to start.

Find the programs that start automatically

Sometimes you lot can decide which programs outset automatically by looking at the programme icons in the notification area on the far right of the taskbar. Check there first to see if in that location are whatever programs running that you don't want to start automatically. To try to discover out the name of the program, point to the icon with your mouse pointer. Make sure you select Testify hidden icons , so you lot don't miss any programs.

Even after yous check the notification area, you might however miss some programs that run automatically at startup. Here'due south how you can find all the programs that start automatically, and stop the ones that you don't want to start automatically when Windows starts.

To cease a program from starting automatically

Select the Commencementbutton, then selectSettings >Apps>Startup.
Open Startup Apps settings
In the Startup Apps area, find the program you want to cease from starting automatically and set it toOff.

Note:If you turn off a program and it continues to beginning automatically when Windows starts, you should browse for viruses and malware. See the side by side section for more info.

A virus, malware, or malicious software could crusade your PC to run slowly. Other symptoms include unexpected pop-up messages, programs that unexpectedly start automatically, or the sound of your hard disk constantly working.

The all-time way to handle viruses and malicious software is to attempt to prevent them past running antimalware and antivirus software and keeping it up to date. However, even if you accept precautions, your PC can still go infected.

You can scan your PC for viruses or other malicious software by using Windows Security (formerly Windows Defender Security Center), which is included in Windows eleven. For more info, see How to protect your Windows PC.

Notes:

If you're using other antivirus or anti-malware software, run across the documentation for that programme to learn how to scan for viruses. Too, make sure multiple antivirus programs aren't running at the same fourth dimension. If they are, choose the ane you want to run, and then disable or uninstall any others.
If you have another antivirus program installed and turned on, Windows Security will exist turned off past default.

To scan for viruses using Windows Security

Select Commencement > Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Security,and and then selectOpen up Windows Security.
Open Windows Security settings
Select V irus & threat protection, then select Protection updates under Virus & threat protection updates.
On the Protection updates screen, select Check for updates to make sure you have the most recent updates.
Select Virus & threat protection, then select Quick scan.

Await for Windows Security to finish scanning for viruses and malware.
Exercise one of the following, depending on the results of the scan:
- Run the recommended avant-garde scan. This scan takes longer but searches more extensively for threats on your PC.
- If Windows Security finds a virus or malware and tin can't remove or quarantine it, contact Microsoft Back up for help.
- If no viruses are found, restart your PC and try to reproduce the performance problem you were having with your PC.

Note:If Windows Security doesn't open, can't update the definition file, or tin can't finish scanning for viruses, try running Microsoft Defender Offline, which is explained beneath.

To scan for malware and viruses with Microsoft Defender Offline

Salve whatsoever documents or anything else you lot might accept open on your PC.
SelectStart > Settings> Privacy & security > Windows Security, and and then selectOpen Windows Security.
Open up Windows Security settings
Select Virus & threat protection, and and so nether Current threats, select Scan options > Microsoft Defender Offline scan > Scan now.

Your PC volition restart, and Microsoft Defender Offline will run and browse for viruses and malware. The scan might take fifteen minutes or so, and your PC will restart again afterward that.
Try to reproduce the operation issue.

If your PC withal runs slowly, continue to the next tip.

Restoring your PC undoes recent changes that might be causing problems. If yous think a recently installed app, driver, or update for Windows could be causing problems, you might get things running normally again by restoring your PC to an earlier point, called a restore point.

Notes:

Restoring from a restore point won't bear upon your personal files, but it will remove apps, drivers, and updates that were installed after the restore signal was created.
System restore works for changes made in the final 7 to 14 days.

To restore your PC from a restore point

Select Search on the taskbar, blazon avant-garde system, and so select View advanced system settings from the list of results.
On the System Protection tab, select System Restore.
Select Recommended restore to get with the most recent restore point Windows has made automatically, or Choose a unlike restore point to select one yourself, then selectNext.
If you chose to select a different restore point, select one, and then select Side by side. Either way, select Finish to begin restoring.
Once the restore is completed, restart your PC and see if performance has improved.

If you don't see any restore points, it might be because organization protection isn't turned on.

To plow on organization protection

In the search box on the taskbar, type create a restore point, then select Create a restore point from the list of results.
On the Organization Protection tab, select Configure.
Select Turn on system protection > OK.

If your PC is running slowly, the following suggestions might help speed things upward. The tips are listed in order, then get-go with the first one, see if that helps, and then continue to the next one if it doesn't.

One of the all-time ways to go the virtually out of your PC is to make sure y'all have the latest version of Windows 10 installed. When you lot check for updates, your PC will also search for the latest device drivers, which can also assist improve your PC's performance.

To check for updates

Select the Start push button, and then select Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates.
Cheque for Windows updates
Exercise one of the following:
- If the status says "You're upwardly to appointment," become to the next tip.
- If the status says "Updates are bachelor," select Install at present.
Select the updates yous want to install, then select Install.
Restart your PC and see if information technology seems to run better.

For more info about updates, including how you can have them installed automatically, run into the Windows Update FAQ.

For Windows Update troubleshooting info, see Update Windows ten and Troubleshoot bug updating Windows 10.

If your PC still runs slowly, proceed to the next tip.

Having many apps, programs, web browsers, and so on open at once can slow down your PC. Having a lot of browser tabs open up at once tin likewise slow it down quite a bit. If this is happening, shut any apps, browser tabs, etc., that you don't need and encounter if that helps speed up your PC. If information technology doesn't seem to assist, restart your PC and then open just the apps, programs and browser windows you demand.

To restart your PC

Select the Kickoff push button, then select Power > Restart.
After your PC restarts, open up just the apps you need, then close them when you lot're washed.

Sometimes apps that were made for an before version of Windows will all the same run on Windows 10, only they might slow downward your PC. If this happens later on yous open a certain program, check the software visitor's website for an updated version, or run the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter.

To run the Programme Compatibility Troubleshooter

In the search box on the taskbar, type troubleshoot, then select Troubleshoot settings, which has System settings listed underneath it.
In the list of troubleshooters, select Programme Compatibility Troubleshooter > Run the troubleshooter.
Select the program that you lot're having problems with, and then select Next and continue through the troubleshooter.

PC still running slowly? Continue to the next tip.

ReadyBoost lets you utilise a removable drive, like a USB flash bulldoze, to ameliorate your PC's performance without opening your PC and adding more memory (RAM). To employ ReadyBoost, you'll need a USB flash drive or a memory card that has at least 500 MB free and a loftier data transfer rate.

To use ReadyBoost

Insert the USB flash drive into a USB port on your PC.
Select File Explorer from the taskbar.
Press and hold (or right-click) the USB flash drive (or SD card if you used i instead), then select Properties.
Select the ReadyBoost tab, and then select Use this device.
Windows determines if the device can use ReadyBoost. If it tin't, it'll let you know.
After Windows determines how much free space to use to optimize memory, select OK to reserve this space and then ReadyBoost tin use it.

When you expect at the contents of the USB wink drive in File Explorer, you'll see a file named ReadyBoost.sfcache on the flash bulldoze. This file shows how much infinite is reserved for ReadyBoost.

Annotation:ReadyBoost can't be used if Windows is installed on a solid land bulldoze (SSD). An SSD is already fast, and ReadyBoost won't be able to improve its operation.

The paging file is an area on your hd that Windows uses like memory. There'due south a setting in Windows x that manages the folio file size automatically, which can aid improve your PC'due south functioning.

To make sure automatic folio file management is turned on

In the search box on the taskbar, blazon advanced system, then select View advanced organisation settings, which has Control panel listed underneath information technology.
In System Properties, select the Advanced tab, then select Settings in the Performance area.
In Performance Options, select the Advanced tab, then select Change in the Virtual retention expanse.
Brand sure the Automatically manage paging file size for all drives cheque box is selected. If it is, continue to the next tip. If it'southward non, select information technology and then restart your PC by selecting the Start push > Ability > Restart.

Use your PC and see if information technology's running meliorate. If it'due south not, endeavour the side by side tip.

You may meliorate functioning if y'all complimentary some deejay space on your PC.

To cheque for depression disk space

Select the Start push button, so select Settings > Organization > Storage .
Open Storage settings
Your drives volition exist listed in the Storage expanse. Note the amount of free space and total size for each drive.

Notation:If your PC is not low on infinite, try the side by side tip.

Yous can use Storage Sense to delete unnecessary or temporary files from your device, which can besides free up infinite.

If you lot turn on Storage Sense, Windows will automatically costless up infinite by getting rid of unnecessary files—including files in your recycle bin—when you're low on disk space or at intervals you specify. The instructions below show you how to delete temporary files and how to plough on and configure Storage Sense.

If you can't find Storage Sense on your device using the following steps, see the "Costless upwardly space with Deejay cleanup" section below instead.

Note:You may not desire to delete temporary files to improve performance. While these files may not be used at the moment, they assistance your apps load and run faster.

To delete temporary files with Storage Sense

Select the Kickoff button, then select Settings > Organization > Storage .
Open Storage settings
Select Temporary files in the storage breakup. Notation: If yous don't see Temporary files listed, select Bear witness more than categories.
Windows will take a few moments to make up one's mind what files and apps are taking upwardly the nearly infinite on your PC.
Select the items you want to delete, and and so select Remove files.

To see what'southward in your Recycle Bin before you empty it, open up information technology from your desktop. If you lot don't see the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop, in the search bar on the taskbar, type recycle bin, so select Recycle Bin from the list of results.

Notation:Windows moves files you lot delete to the Recycle Bin in example you change your mind and need them once again in the future. You might exist able to gratis up a meaning amount of space by deleting Recycle Bin files to permanently remove files you've previously deleted.

To turn on and configure Storage Sense

Select the Start button, then select Settings > Arrangement > Storage .
Open Storage settings
In the Storage expanse, plough on Storage Sense.
Select Configure Storage Sense or run it at present.
In theStorage Sense expanse, choose how oft you want Storage Sense to run.
In the Temporary Files area, select Delete temporary files that my apps aren't using.
Select which files y'all want Storage Sense to delete (your choices are files in your Recycle Bin and in your Downloads folder), then select the corresponding fourth dimension intervals.
Whorl down and select Clean now.
Windows will accept a few moment to make clean up your files, and then y'all'll see a bulletin indicating how much disk space has been freed up.

If your system doesn't accept Storage Sense, you can use the Disk Cleanup tool to delete temporary files and system files from your device.

To run Disk Cleanup

In the search box on the taskbar, type disk cleanup, then select Disk Cleanup from the list of results.
Select the checkbox next to the blazon of files you lot desire to delete. (To view a description of each blazon of file, select the name.) By default, Downloaded Programme Files, Temporary Cyberspace Files, and Thumbnails are selected. Be sure to articulate those check boxes if y'all don't want to delete those files.
To free up fifty-fifty more space, select Make clean upward arrangement files. Disk Cleanup volition take a few moments to calculate the corporeality of space that a can be freed up.

Note:If it's been fewer than 10 days since yous upgraded to Windows 10, your previous version of Windows will exist listed as a organisation file you tin can delete. If you need to free up drive space, you can delete information technology, just keep in mind that you'll exist deleting your Windows.erstwhile folder, which contains files that requite you the pick to get dorsum to your previous version of Windows. If yous delete your previous version of Windows, this can't be undone. (You won't be able to go back to your previous version of Windows.)
Select the types of files you desire to delete, select OK, so select Delete files in the confirmation window to start the cleanup.

If your PC withal runs slowly, effort uninstalling apps you don't use anymore.

To uninstall apps you don't use anymore

Select the Start button, then select Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
Open Apps & features settings
Search for a specific app or sort them to see which ones are using the almost space.
When you notice an app to remove, choose it from the list and select Uninstall.
Restart your PC and see if performance has improved.

If your PC still runs slowly, attempt moving files to another drive.

If you accept photos, music, or other files that you want to keep but don't utilise often, consider saving them to removable media, like a USB drive. You'll notwithstanding be able to employ them when the bulldoze is continued, but they won't take up infinite on your PC.

To motion files to some other bulldoze

Connect the removable media to your PC.
Select File Explorer from the taskbar and find the files yous desire to move.
Select the files, go toDwelling, and then select Move to > Choose location.
Select your removable media from the location listing, so select Move.
Restart your PC and see if performance has improved.

Get more info about freeing drive space in Windows 10.

If your PC withal runs slowly, endeavour the next tip.

Windows 10 includes many visual effects, such every bit animations and shadow furnishings. These wait slap-up, merely they tin as well use additional arrangement resources and can slow downwards your PC. This is especially true if you have a PC with a smaller corporeality of memory (RAM).

To arrange the visual effects in Windows

In the search box on the taskbar, type operation, and then select Accommodate the appearance and performance of Windows in the list of results.
On the Visual Furnishings tab, select Adjust for best performance > Apply.
Restart your PC and come across if that speeds up your PC.

If your PC still runs slowly, continue to the next tip.

Your PC settings let you choose where files will be saved by default. You can save files on your PC or to OneDrive by default and sync files betwixt the ii locations. This lets y'all get to your files from any device that can connect to the net, and it helps make sure your files are backed up in case your PC is e'er damaged or lost. However, files must sync between your PC and OneDrive, and syncing can slow downward your PC. You can pause OneDrive syncing temporarily and see if information technology helps improve your PC performance.

To pause syncing to OneDrive

On the taskbar, look forOneDrive near the notification expanse.
SelectOneDrive >More than > Pause syncing,and then choose how long you want to suspension syncing your files.
Restart your PC and see if your operation bug have improved with syncing paused.
To resume syncing your files, select OneDrive >More> Resume syncing.

You can also visit Fix OneDrive sync issues to cheque for whatsoever sync bug.

Notes:

If you take Window 10 version 1709 or higher, you can utilise OneDrive Files On-Need to cull which files y'all want to sync and ever continue on your PC. This tin help amend PC performance if yous reduce the number of files that are synced to your PC. To see which version of Windows 10 your device is currently running, select the Start push button, and so select Settings > System > About.
Open Near settings
For more info on OneDrive Files On-Need, run into Learn about OneDrive Files On-Demand.

When y'all plow on your PC, some programs start automatically and run in the background. Y'all can disable these programs so they don't run when your PC starts.

Many programs are designed to get-go automatically when Windows does. You don't realize they're running, but they'll open up quickly when yous go to use them. This is helpful for programs y'all apply a lot, simply non for programs you don't employ often because it increases the fourth dimension it takes Windows to start.

Find the programs that get-go automatically

Sometimes you tin can determine which programs starting time automatically by looking at the programme icons in the notification area on the far right of the taskbar. Cheque there first to see if there are any programs running that you don't want to offset automatically. To try to detect out the name of the plan, point to the icon with your mouse pointer. Make certain you lot select Show hidden icons , and then y'all don't miss any programs.

Show hidden icons in the notification area

Notification area with mouse pointing to show subconscious icons

Fifty-fifty after y'all check the notification area, you might still miss some programs that run automatically at startup. Here's how you can notice all the programs that get-go automatically, and stop the ones that you don't want to beginning automatically when Windows starts.

To stop a program from starting automatically

Select the Offset button, then selectSettings >Apps >Startup .
Open Startup Apps settings
In the Startup Apps area, observe the programme you lot want to terminate from starting automatically and set it toOff.

Notes:

If y'all turn off a program and it continues to start automatically when Windows starts, yous should scan for viruses and malware. Run into the next section for more info.
To utilise the procedure to a higher place to stop a plan from starting automatically, you need to take Windows 10 (Version 1803 or college) installed. To see which version of Windows 10 your device is currently running, select the Start push, and so select Settings > Arrangement > Well-nigh.
Open up About settings
If you lot have Windows 10 (Version 1709 or earlier) installed, press Ctrl + Alt + Delete, select Task Manager, select Startup, select the plan you want to end from starting automatically, then select Disable.

A virus, malware, or malicious software could crusade your PC to run slowly. Other symptoms include unexpected pop-up letters, programs that unexpectedly start automatically, or the sound of your hard disk constantly working.

The all-time fashion to handle viruses and malicious software is to effort to forestall them by running antimalware and antivirus software and keeping it upwards to date. Withal, even if you have precautions, your PC can yet become infected.

You can scan your PC for viruses or other malicious software by using Windows Security (formerly Windows Defender Security Middle), which is included in Windows 10. For more info, see How to protect your Windows x PC.

Notes:

If y'all're using other antivirus or anti-malware software, see the documentation for that program to learn how to scan for viruses. Also, make sure multiple antivirus programs aren't running at the same time. If they are, cull the one you want to run, and and then disable or uninstall any others.
If yous have another antivirus program installed and turned on, Windows Security will exist turned off by default.

To scan for viruses using Windows Security (Windows 10 Version 1809 or later)

Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security and then selectOpen Windows Security.
Open Windows Security settings
Select V irus & threat protection, and so select Check for updates under Virus & threat protection updates.
On the Protection updates screen, select Check for updates to make sure you accept the near contempo updates.
Select Virus & threat protection, then select Quick scan.

Wait for Windows Security to cease scanning for viruses and malware.
Do one of the following, depending on the results of the browse:
- Run the recommended avant-garde browse. This scan takes longer but searches more extensively for threats on your PC.
- If Windows Security finds a virus or malware and can't remove or quarantine information technology, contact Microsoft Support for help.
- If no viruses are found, restart your PC and try to reproduce the performance problem you were having with your PC.

Notes:

If Windows Security doesn't open, can't update the definition file, or can't end scanning for viruses, effort running Windows Defender Offline, which is explained below in To scan for malware and viruses with Windows Defender Offline (Windows 10 Version 1809 or later).
To meet which version of Windows 10 your device is currently running, select the Start push, then select Settings > System > About.
Open up About settings

To scan for viruses using Windows Defender Security Center (Windows 10 Version 1803)

SelectGet-go > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security and then select Open Windows Defender Security Centre.
Open up Windows Security settings
Select Virus & threat protection, then select Virus & threat protection updates > Check for updates to make sure y'all have the latest definition file.
Select theVirus & threat protection tab, so select Browse now.

Await for Windows Defender Security Heart to finish scanning for viruses and malware.
Do one of the following, depending on the results of the browse:
- Run the recommended advanced scan. This scan takes longer just searches more extensively for threats on your PC.
- If Windows Defender Security Center finds a virus or malware and tin can't remove or quarantine it, contact Microsoft Support for help.
- If no viruses are constitute, restart your PC and try to reproduce the performance problem you were having with your PC.

Notes:

If Windows Defender Security Heart doesn't open, tin't update the definition file, or can't stop scanning for viruses, try running Windows Defender in Offline Mode, which is explained below in To scan for malware and viruses with Windows Defender Offline (Windows x Version 1803).
To meet which version of Windows ten your device is currently running, select the Outset button, then select Settings > Organisation > Almost.
Open About settings

To scan for malware and viruses with Windows Defender Offline (Windows x Version 1809 or after)

Save any documents or annihilation else you might have open on your PC.
SelectShowtime > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security and and then selectOpen Windows Security.
Open Windows Security settings
Select Virus & threat protection, and and then under Electric current threats, select Scan options > Windows Defender Offline scan > Scan now.

Your PC will restart, and Windows Defender Offline will run and scan for viruses and malware. The scan might take xv minutes or so, and your PC volition restart again after that.
Endeavor to reproduce the performance issue.

If your PC even so runs slowly, continue to the next tip.

To scan for malware and viruses with Windows Defender Offline (Windows 10 Version 1803)

Save whatsoever documents or anything else you might have open on your PC.
SelectStarting time > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security and and so selectOpen up Windows Defender Security Center.
Open Windows Security settings
Select Virus & threat protection, and so select Run a new advanced scan > Windows Defender Offline browse > Scan now.

Your PC will restart, and Windows Defender Offline volition run and browse for viruses and malware. The scan might take 15 minutes or so, and your PC will restart again subsequently that.
Attempt to reproduce the performance issue.

If your PC still runs slowly, continue to the next tip.

Restoring your PC undoes contempo changes that might be causing problems. If you lot think a recently installed app, driver, or update for Windows could be causing problems, you might get things running unremarkably again by restoring your PC to an before indicate, chosen a restore point.

Notes:

Restoring from a restore point won't touch on your personal files, but information technology will remove apps, drivers, and updates that were installed after the restore point was created.
System restore works for changes fabricated in the last seven to 14 days.

To restore your PC from a restore betoken

In the search box on the taskbar, type restore indicate, then select Create a restore point from the listing of results.
On the System Protection tab, select System Restore.
Select Next, then choose the restore indicate related to the app, driver, or update that might exist causing the trouble. So selectNext > Finish.
Restart your PC and run into if performance has improved.

If y'all don't see any restore points, it might exist because organization protection isn't turned on.

To turn on organisation protection

In the search box on the taskbar, blazon restore point, so select Create a restore point from the listing of results.
On the Organization Protection tab, select Configure.
Select Plough on organization protection > OK.