[7 Ways] How to Make Old PC Faster in Windows 11/10

Can you make an old PC run faster?

Yes, it's possible to make an old PC run faster, but several factors come into play. Over time, hardware becomes outdated, and performance naturally declines. This can happen due to various reasons like the accumulation of unnecessary files, background processes consuming resources, and inefficient software running on the system. Additionally, the age of the components, such as the processor, RAM, and hard drive, significantly affects performance. As software evolves, it demands more resources, which older hardware struggles to meet.

However, it's important to consider the limitations of older PCs. Some upgrades or tweaks can provide temporary relief, but at a certain point, the system may reach its maximum potential. While it’s possible to get some improvements, the speed gains might not be as dramatic as a new machine. Ultimately, the feasibility of improving performance depends on the age of the PC, its hardware specifications, and the types of tasks it's being used for.

How to make old PC faster for Windows system

When your PC starts feeling sluggish, it can be frustrating. However, there are several ways to speed up an old computer and restore its performance.

Method 1. Run Disk Cleanup

Disk Cleanup is a handy tool for getting rid of junk and temporary files that build up over time. These unnecessary files can pile up and gradually slow down your system's performance if left unattended.

Step 1. Open the search bar, type Disk Cleanup, and launch the tool.

Step 2. Select the C: drive and click OK.

Step 3. Click Clean up system files, choose the same drive, and select the files you wish to delete.

Step 4. Confirm by clicking OK.

Method 2. Defragment the hard drive

A fragmented hard drive can significantly slow down your PC, especially on older laptops equipped with HDDs. To improve performance, you can defragment your HDD by following these steps:

Step 1. Open the search bar, type Defragment and Optimize Drives, and launch the tool.

Step 2. Choose the drive you want to optimize and click Optimize to begin the defragmentation process.

Step 3. Regularly defragmenting your HDD helps keep your system running smoothly.

Method 3. Scan for viruses and malware

Malware infections are another common culprit behind sluggish laptop performance. Scanning for and removing potential threats can help restore your computer’s speed.

Step 1. Go to "Settings" > "Update & Security" > "Windows Security" > "Open Windows Security" > "Virus & threat protection" > "Scan options".

Step 2. Select Microsoft Defender Offline scan, and then choose Scan now.

Method 4. Disable visual effects

Visual effects can consume significant system resources, placing an extra load on an older laptop. Disabling these effects can free up resources and improve performance, especially when running heavy tasks.

Step 1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box, type sysdm.cpl, and press Enter to access System Properties.

Step 2. Navigate to the Advanced tab and click Settings… under the Performance section.

Step 3. Choose Adjust for best performance, then click Apply and OK.

Method 5. Update your system and drivers

Outdated drivers can hinder your PC's performance, and keeping them up to date is crucial for smooth operation. Similarly, an updated system is essential for optimal functionality.

Step 1. Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and select Check for updates.

Step 2. Download and install any available updates. If your system is already up to date, click View optional updates and expand the Driver updates section.

Step 3. Select all available options and click Download & install.

Method 6. Add more RAM

Upgrading your laptop's RAM is an effective way to boost its performance. Since RAM plays a significant role in system speed, it’s essential to select a compatible memory module based on your laptop's specifications. Consider key factors like voltage, speed, and RAM type (DDR2, DDR3, or DDR4) when making a purchase.

Step 1. Open Task Manager, navigate to the Performance tab, and check your current RAM type and the number of used slots.

Step 2. Purchase suitable RAM based on this information and install it on your laptop.

Method 7. Upgrade laptop HDD to SSD

If your laptop is still using an HDD as the system drive, upgrading to an SSD is a highly effective way to boost performance. SSDs are significantly faster than HDDs, allowing your system and applications to load quickly while delivering an overall smoother experience.

To simplify the process, use a reliable tool like AOMEI Partition Assistant. This software supports HDD-to-SSD cloning, including sector-by-sector cloning, and allows you to transfer only the Windows system if desired.

With AOMEI Partition Assistant, upgrading your drive is straightforward and efficient, making it an excellent choice for enhancing your laptop's performance.

Step 1. Connect the new SSD to your laptop. Install and launch AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional. Click "Clone" and then select "Clone Disk".

Step 2. Choose the hard disk that you want to replace as the source disk and click "Next".

Step 3. Select the new drive as the destination disk, and then click "Next".

Step 4. Then, you can check the source and destination disk in the next window or change to "Sector to Sector clone", and click the "Confirm" button to continue if there is no problem.

Here, you can also click the "Settings" button to adjust the partition size on the destination disk or tick "4k alignment" to improve the reading and writing speed of the SSD. 

Step 5. After returning to the main interface, check the pending operation and click "Apply" and "Proceed" to commit the operation.

Conclusion

By now, you should have a clear understanding of how to revitalize an old laptop and restore its performance to near-new levels. The methods outlined above are effective across various Windows versions, including Windows 11, 10, 8, and 7. Simply apply these fixes step by step to see noticeable improvements.

For those needing to upgrade from HDD to SSD on a Windows Server, AOMEI Partition Assistant Server is an excellent tool for seamless drive cloning and enhanced system performance.