How to Improve PC Performance

A slow PC can affect everything—from daily work to gaming performance. The good news is that improving PC performance doesn’t always require new hardware. In many cases, adjusting system behavior, background activity, and resource usage can significantly speed things up.

This guide walks through the best ways to improve PC performance, covering general speed improvements, CPU optimization, and gaming-specific performance—without relying on outdated tricks.

How to Improve PC Performance

1. Prioritize Performance in Windows System Settings

One of the simplest ways to improve PC performance is to ensure Windows isn’t limiting your system by default. Both Windows 10 and Windows 11 balance power efficiency and speed, which can reduce performance on many PCs—especially during sustained, resource-heavy workloads.

Switching to a performance-focused power mode allows the CPU to run more consistently at higher speeds and reduces unnecessary power-saving limitations. This is particularly important for setups such as a dedicated streaming PC, systems built to build a PC for music production, or video workflows where you’re building a PC for video editing or working on compact setups like the best mini PCs for video editing.

How to apply this in Windows:

• Open Settings
• Go to System → Power & battery
• Under Power mode, select Best performance
• Restart the PC to apply changes

2. Control Background Activity That Slows Down Your PC

Many apps continue running in the background even when you’re not actively using them. These background processes consume CPU, memory, and disk resources, gradually slowing down the system and reducing overall responsiveness.

Reviewing which apps are allowed to run background tasks and restricting those that don’t need constant access is one of the most effective ways to speed up PC performance for everyday use, especially on laptops and mid-range systems. This becomes even more noticeable on systems built around a CPU for gaming, where background activity can directly impact frame stability and in-game performance.

How to reduce background app activity:

• Open Settings
• Go to Apps → Installed apps
• Select an app you don’t need running in the background
• Open Advanced options
• Set Background app permissions to Never

3. Improve CPU Performance Without Changing Hardware

If your system feels slow during work or multitasking, CPU behavior may be the bottleneck. Improving CPU performance on Windows 10 or Windows 11 often comes down to reducing throttling and ensuring the processor can operate as intended.

Keeping chipset drivers updated, minimizing background CPU usage, and avoiding unnecessary power limits can help stabilize CPU performance. On laptops and compact desk setups, managing thermal conditions also plays a role, as overheating can cause automatic performance reductions. Simple physical adjustments—such as improving airflow with an under desk computer mount—can help keep temperatures lower and allow the CPU to maintain consistent performance.

These optimizations help the processor deliver more consistent performance without upgrades.

4. Optimize Graphics and Display Settings for Smoother Performance

Graphics settings affect more than just visuals—they also influence overall system responsiveness. Windows allows you to manage how apps use GPU resources, which can improve performance across creative software, browsers, and games.

Assigning high-performance graphics preferences to demanding applications helps reduce stuttering and lag, especially for GPU-intensive workloads related to rent GPUs for AI scenarios or systems built around the best GPUs for machine learning and best GPUs for deep learning. 

Disabling unnecessary visual effects also lowers GPU and CPU workload, resulting in a smoother experience. This step is particularly helpful for users running multiple applications or working on high-resolution displays, where understanding GPU vs CPU for AI workloads helps ensure resources are allocated efficiently.

5. Boost PC Performance for Gaming Specifically

Gaming performance has unique requirements compared to general PC usage. To boost PC performance for gaming, it’s important to minimize anything that competes with the game for system resources and ensure hardware is used as efficiently as possible.

Ensuring games run with priority access to CPU and GPU resources helps stabilize frame rates and reduce input lag. These optimizations matter regardless of budget—whether you’re evaluating how much it costs to build a gaming PC, working with a $300 gaming PC, or planning a gaming PC under $500.

The same performance principles apply as budgets scale up. Systems like a gaming PC under $600, a 1000 dollar gaming PC, or even the best mini gaming PCs all benefit from disabling non-essential overlays, background recorders, and unused services to keep in-game performance smooth and consistent.

How to optimize Windows for gaming:

• Open Settings
• Go to Gaming → Game Mode
• Turn Game Mode On
• Go to System → Display → Graphics
• Select your game and set it to High performance

6. Reduce Performance Bottlenecks Caused by Memory and Storage

Limited memory and slow storage are common causes of PC slowdowns. When RAM is fully used, Windows relies more heavily on storage for temporary data, which can dramatically reduce performance.

Key memory and storage optimizations include:

• Managing multitasking habits to avoid exhausting RAM
• Closing unused applications that consume memory in the background
• Keeping sufficient free storage space for system operations
• Using faster storage to improve boot times and application launches

Understanding the trade-off between RAM vs SSD helps clarify where performance bottlenecks come from. Addressing memory and storage limitations is often one of the most effective ways to improve PC performance system-wide.

7. Clean Up System Clutter That Builds Up Over Time

Over time, Windows systems accumulate temporary files, unused services, and outdated components that aren’t automatically removed. This clutter can impact load times and background performance.

Regularly clearing temporary files and removing leftover system components helps keep Windows running efficiently. Unlike outdated cleanup methods, modern system maintenance focuses on reducing unnecessary system load rather than aggressive “optimization” tools.

A cleaner system runs faster and more reliably.

8. Understand Performance Differences Between Windows 10 and 11

Windows 10 and Windows 11 manage resources differently. Windows 11 adds background services and updated scheduling, which can affect performance. Keeping your system updated helps maintain efficiency - check for updates for guidance.

Understanding these differences helps users adjust expectations and settings accordingly. On newer systems, Windows 11 may deliver better efficiency and smoother display management, while older hardware may require additional optimization to maintain similar performance levels.

9. Know When Settings Alone Are No Longer Enough

While software optimization can significantly improve speed, there are clear signs when hardware becomes the limiting factor. Persistent high CPU usage, constant disk activity, or memory exhaustion often indicate that settings alone can’t resolve the issue.

Recognizing these limits helps users make smarter decisions about upgrades rather than endlessly tweaking settings. In many cases, targeted upgrades deliver far greater performance gains than further software adjustments, and pairing your system with the right PC accessories can also improve usability and efficiency.

FAQs

Does cleaning a PC improve performance?

Yes, cleaning a PC can improve performance by preventing overheating and thermal throttling. Removing dust from fans and vents helps the CPU and GPU maintain stable speeds during use.

Does factory resetting a PC improve performance?

A factory reset can improve PC performance by removing software clutter, background apps, and system conflicts. However, it does not fix hardware limitations like slow storage or insufficient RAM.

Does a graphics card improve PC performance?

A graphics card improves PC performance for gaming, video editing, and graphic-intensive tasks. It does not significantly speed up basic tasks like browsing or office work unless the system is GPU-limited.

How to improve PC performance without upgrading hardware?

You can improve PC performance without upgrades by optimizing Windows settings, reducing background processes, and keeping drivers up to date. These changes help the system use existing resources more efficiently.

How to improve PC performance for gaming on Windows 10 and 11?

To improve PC performance for gaming, enable Game Mode, assign high-performance GPU settings, and disable background overlays. These steps help stabilize frame rates and reduce input lag.

How to improve CPU performance on Windows 10?

Improving CPU performance on Windows 10 involves using performance power plans, reducing background CPU usage, and preventing thermal throttling. Updated chipset drivers also help maintain consistent CPU speeds.

How to speed up PC performance when it feels slow?

When a PC feels slow, limiting startup programs and background apps can quickly restore responsiveness. Freeing up system resources allows Windows to prioritize active tasks.

How to improve PC performance on Windows 11?

To improve PC performance on Windows 11, review power settings, manage background apps, and optimize graphics preferences. These adjustments help offset additional background services in Windows 11.

Is more RAM the best way to improve PC performance?

More RAM improves PC performance when multitasking or running memory-heavy applications. If the system is already memory-sufficient, faster storage often delivers bigger speed gains.

Does an SSD improve PC performance more than other upgrades?

Yes, an SSD significantly improves PC performance by reducing boot times, application loading, and system lag. It is often the most noticeable upgrade for older PCs.

Why is my PC still slow after optimizing settings?

A PC may remain slow due to hardware limits, overheating, or constant background activity. In such cases, performance issues are no longer software-related.

What is the best way to improve PC performance overall?

The best way to improve PC performance is to start with system and background optimizations, then address CPU, memory, or storage bottlenecks if needed. This approach delivers consistent results without unnecessary changes.

Conclusion

Improving PC performance today is about controlling how Windows uses system resources—not relying on outdated tricks. By adjusting performance settings, managing background activity, optimizing CPU and graphics behavior, and addressing memory or storage bottlenecks, users can noticeably speed up their PC on both Windows 10 and Windows 11.