How to optimize your PC

If you are a gamer or an editor, or just someone who hates being stuck behind loading screens, this guide is specially for you. Even if you don't any performance issues, it is recommended that you follow most of the steps in this guide to make sure that your PC is not doing stuff that is not required.

This guide also contains 

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1. Clean Up Drive Space

Using a cluttered drive is like trying to run in a narrow isle, definitely possible, just very sluggish. especially if it is crowded.

This analogy applies to computers in the form that storage drives(especially ones with your operating system) work better with breathing room.

 
This is not because they struggle to find your files, but while an operating system is running, it is constantly writing, reading and deleting, it is the writing that causes the bottleneck because the storage drive takes longer to find an unoccupied location on the storage drive.

• Why it matters: A cluttered drive can slow down your PC like dragging an overloaded cart uphill.
• How to fix:
  • Delete junk files: Use tools like CCleaner or Windows’ built-in Storage Sense.
  • Uninstall unused programs: Go to Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a program and say goodbye to stuff you don’t use.
  • Clear temporary files: Press Windows + R, type temp and delete everything in there. Do the same for %temp%.

Pro tip: Keep at least 15-20% of your drive free for breathing room.

2. Update Everything (Yes, Everything!)    

• Drivers: Especially graphics drivers. NVIDIA/AMD’s control panels make updating easy.
• Windows: Run those updates! New patches can boost performance and fix bugs.
• BIOS/UEFI: Check your motherboard manufacturer’s website for updates. Be careful with this one, though—read the instructions!

Pro tip: Use tools like Driver Booster to keep your system up to date automatically.

3. Manage Your Startup Apps

• Why it matters: Too many apps starting with Windows = slower boot times and sluggish performance.
• How to fix:
  • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  • Go to the Startup tab and disable anything unnecessary (right-click > disable).

Pro tip: Only keep essentials, like your antivirus and drivers.

4. Optimize Your Power Settings

• Why it matters: Balanced power plans = meh performance.
• How to fix:
  • Go to Control Panel > Power Options.
  • Set it to High Performance or Ultimate Performance (requires tweaking in some versions).

Pro tip: On laptops, plug in your charger for consistent performance.

5. Tweak Graphics Settings

• For Gamers:

  • In your GPU’s control panel (NVIDIA/AMD), set Performance Mode over Quality.
  • Turn off V-Sync unless tearing bothers you, and enable features like DLSS (NVIDIA) for smoother frames.

• In-Game Settings: Lower shadows, textures, and post-processing effects like motion blur. Resolution scaling can also help without ruining visuals.

Pro tip: Use tools like GeForce Experience for optimized game settings tailored to your system.

6. Upgrade Your Hardware (When You’re Ready)

If your PC is still struggling, it might be time for an upgrade:

• Add more RAM: 16GB is the sweet spot for most users; go for 32GB if you’re a power user.
• Switch to an SSD: SSDs are WAY faster than HDDs. Put your OS and most-used apps here.
• Upgrade your GPU or CPU: If gaming or editing feels laggy, these upgrades can be game-changers.

Pro tip: Monitor your hardware temps with tools like HWMonitor—overheating can bottleneck performance.

7. Clean Your PC (Physically!)

• Why it matters: Dust = heat = slower performance.
• How to fix:
  • Get a can of compressed air and blow out the dust from your fans and vents.
  • Make sure airflow isn’t blocked—your PC should have intake and exhaust fans working properly.

Pro tip: Check thermal paste on your CPU every 2-3 years—it can dry out and cause overheating.

8. Overclock (For Advanced Users)

• Why it matters: Squeeze every drop of performance from your CPU/GPU.
• How to do it:
  • Use BIOS/UEFI for CPU overclocking.
  • Tools like MSI Afterburner are great for GPUs.

Pro tip: Test stability after overclocking using benchmarks like Cinebench or Heaven Benchmark.

9. Turn Off Background Services

• Open Services (Windows + R, type services.msc).
• Disable unnecessary stuff like Fax Service (who uses fax anymore?) or Xbox Services if you’re not into gaming on Microsoft.

Pro tip: Be careful! Don’t disable things you don’t understand—Google them first.

10. Antivirus and Malware Scans

• Use lightweight antiviruses like Windows Defender.
• Run a deep scan with Malwarebytes once in a while to clean up nasty stuff.

Pro tip: Avoid pirated software. It’s often loaded with junkware.

11. Virtual Memory/Pagefile Tweaks

• If you’re low on RAM, increase your pagefile size:
  • Go to System > Advanced system settings > Performance > Advanced tab > Virtual memory.
  • Set custom size: Initial Size = 1.5x your RAM, Max Size = 3x your RAM.

Pro tip: Pagefile is no substitute for real RAM. Upgrade if you’re maxing out memory.

12. Game Mode and Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling

• Enable Game Mode in Windows settings for smoother gaming.
• Turn on Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling in Graphics settings (requires a newer GPU).

13. Stay Organized

• Use a second monitor or apps like Fences to keep your desktop clean.
• Backup regularly—an external drive or cloud storage can save you from losing data.

That’s it!