10 Tricks to Make Your Old Computer Run Faster

An old computer doesn’t have to feel slow. These ten practical, time-tested tricks — from simple maintenance to hardware upgrades — will help you get better performance without guessing or risky shortcuts.

Overview

This guide gives step-by-step advice that applies to most older PCs. It covers software cleanup, system settings, simple commands, and practical hardware upgrades that provide the best performance per dollar.

1. Remove Unnecessary Programs and Bloatware

Old machines often carry software that runs in the background or launches at startup. Uninstall programs you no longer use and remove toolbars or trial software.

Windows quick steps

Settings → Apps → Apps & features → Uninstall unwanted programs

For a command-line approach:

winget list
> winget uninstall "Program Name"

2. Reduce Startup Programs

Startup items consume RAM and CPU during boot. Disable non-essential startup programs.

Windows

Right-click taskbar → Task Manager → Startup → Disable

3. Clean Temporary Files and Storage

Free disk space improves virtual memory and reduces fragmentation on HDDs.

Windows Disk Cleanup

cleanmgr /sageset:1
cleanmgr /sagerun:1

Also use the built-in storage settings to remove temporary files and old downloads.

4. Replace HDD with an SSD (Best Single Upgrade)

Switching from a mechanical hard drive to a solid-state drive (SSD) yields the largest perceived speed improvement: faster boot, quicker application launches, and snappier overall responsiveness.

If budget permits, prioritize a SATA or NVMe SSD depending on your machine’s compatibility. Clone the drive or perform a fresh install for best results.

5. Add More RAM

Limited RAM forces systems to swap to disk frequently. Adding RAM reduces paging and improves multitasking. Check your system’s maximum supported RAM and buy compatible modules.

6. Optimize Virtual Memory (Pagefile)

On systems with limited RAM, setting an appropriate pagefile helps stability. For SSDs, keep the pagefile but avoid disabling it entirely.

Windows example

Control Panel → System → Advanced system settings → Performance → Settings → Advanced → Virtual memory → Change

7. Run System Checks and Repair Tools

Use built-in tools to check system files and disk health.

Windows commands

sfc /scannow
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

These commands repair corrupted system files and can resolve performance issues caused by software problems.

8. Update Drivers and the Operating System

Outdated drivers can cause slowdowns or inefficient hardware usage. Update graphics, storage and chipset drivers from the vendor. Keep the OS updated for performance improvements and bug fixes.

9. Tune Power and Performance Settings

Power plans can throttle CPU or limit background activity. Use a balanced or high-performance plan for better responsiveness, especially on desktops or plugged-in laptops.

Windows example

Control Panel → Power Options → Choose a power plan → High performance

10. Maintain Cooling and Storage Health

Overheating reduces performance as CPUs throttle to avoid damage. Clean dust, verify fans, and ensure good airflow. Check SMART data for drive health — failing drives can slow everything down.

Extra Tips and Low-Risk Tweaks

  • Disable visual effects: Search for "Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows" and turn off unnecessary effects.
  • Limit background services: Use msconfig responsibly and avoid disabling essential services.
  • Browser cleanup: Remove unused extensions, clear cache, and consider a lightweight browser for older hardware.
  • Consider a lightweight OS or fresh OS install if software clutter is extreme.

Practical Example: Fast, Budget Upgrade Path

If your system uses an HDD and has 4–8 GB of RAM, this sequence gives the best result-per-dollar:

  1. Clone HDD to a 500GB SSD and set it as boot drive.
  2. Upgrade RAM to the next supported tier (e.g., 8→16 GB).
  3. Disable heavy startup apps and run the system checks listed above.

When to Consider a Replacement

Hardware limits (very old CPU, unsupported chipset) or repeated hardware failures justify replacing the machine. Use the upgrades above first — they often extend useful life significantly.

Conclusion

Older computers can often be revitalized with targeted maintenance and a few affordable upgrades. Start with software cleanup, reduce startup load, and then evaluate SSD and RAM upgrades for the best impact. Try one change at a time, measure results, and decide what delivers the performance you need.

Try two of these tricks today — uninstall one heavy program and run sfc /scannow — then observe the improvement. Small, consistent steps lead to a much faster experience.