20 ways to optimize Windows 10 for free through system settings

20 ways to optimize Windows 10 for free through system settings

Windows 10 is one of the most popular operating systems in the world, but its performance may decline over time. The reasons can be different: unnecessary background processes, running services, a full disk, or even untimely driver updates. Fortunately, there are plenty of free ways to optimize your system without the need to install third-party apps.

In this article, we'll take a look at 20 effective methods to help you make your Windows 10 faster and more stable. By following these tips, you can improve your computer's performance at no additional cost.

1. Clearing startup

1. Prss Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the "Task Manager".
2. Go to the "Startup" tab.
3. Disable unnecessary programs that start when the system starts (right-click > "Disable").

2. Disabling redundant effects and animations

1. Press Win + R, type sysdm.cpl and press Enter.
2. In the "Advanced" tab, under "Performance", click "Options".
3. In the "Visual Effects" section, select "Get the best performance" or adjust manually by disabling unnecessary effects.

3. System and driver updates

1. Enable automatic updates through Windows Update (Win + I > Update and Security).
2. Download the latest versions of drivers from the official websites of hardware manufacturers.

4. Disabling unnecessary services

1. Press Win + R, type services.msc and press Enter.
2. Find services that are not used (for example, "Print Service" if you are not using a printer).
3. Right-click on the service, select "Properties" and change the startup type to "Manual" or "Disabled".

5. Setting Power Settings

1. Go to "Control Panel" > "Power Supply".
2. Select "High Performance" or create your own power plan.

6. Disk Cleanup

1. Type "Disk Cleanup" in Windows Search.
2. Select a disk (usually C:), check the items to be cleaned (temporary files, cache).

7. Disabling search indexing

1. Press Win + R, type services.msc and press Enter.
2. Find the "Windows Search" service, right-click > "Properties".
3. Set the startup type to "Manual" or "Disabled".

8. Checking and defragmenting the disk

1. Right-click on the disk (in "This computer") > "Properties".
2. Go to the "Tools" tab and use the disk check and optimization functions.

9. Uninstalling redundant apps

1. Go to Control Panel > Programs and Features.
2. Uninstall apps you no longer use.

10. Disabling Windows telemetry

1. Click Win + I > "Privacy".
2. In the "Diagnostics and Feedback" section, select "Basic Data".

11. Enabling Game Performance Mode

1. Press Win + I > "Games" > "Game Mode".
2. Turn on Game Mode to improve performance.

12. Virtual memory management (paging file)

The paging file can optimize RAM usage.

1. Press Win + R, type sysdm.cpl, and press Enter.
2. In the "Advanced" tab, under "Performance", click "Options".
3. In the "Advanced" tab, click "Change".
4. Disable the "Automatically select paging file size" option.
5. Set "Custom size" (it is usually recommended to specify 1.5-2 times the size of RAM).

13. Cleaning the registry (carefully)

Sometimes a lot of unnecessary entries accumulate in the registry.

You can use tools to clean it, but always make a backup.

• Recommended programs: CCleaner (or alternatives).

14. Reduce background usage

Some apps run in the background using system resources.

1. Press Win + I > "Apps" > "Apps in the background".
2. Disable apps that are not needed.

15. Updating the BIOS or UEFI

Modern versions of the BIOS/UEFI can optimize hardware performance.
1. Find the official website of your motherboard manufacturer.
2. Download the latest BIOS update and follow the instructions (do this carefully).

16. Using lightweight antiviruses

Heavy antiviruses can slow down your system.

Instead, use:

• Built-in Windows Defender antivirus (lightweight and effective).
• Low-resource antivirus, such as ESET NOD32.

17. Disable OneDrive backup (if not in use)

1. Right-click on the OneDrive icon in the tray.
2. Go to "Settings" > "Account".
3. Disable reservations or unlink the account.

18. Control driver updates via Windows Update

Sometimes new drivers may conflict with the system.

1. Press Win + I > "Update & Security".
2. See the "Advanced Options" > "View Update History" section.
3. Uninstall or block problematic updates if necessary.

19. Deactivating Cortana

Cortana can consume a significant amount of resources, even if you don't use it.
1. Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc (Pro and Enterprise versions only).
2. Go to: "Computer Configuration" > "Administrative Templates" > "Windows Components" > "Search".
3. Enable the "Disable Cortana" policy.

20. Setting up DNS for faster internet

Internet speed may affect the operation of the OS.

1. Go to the "Network and Sharing Center" > "Change adapter settings".
2. Select the connection, right-click > "Properties".
3. Enable IPv4, click "Properties" and enter the DNS servers:
• Google: 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4.
• Cloudflare: 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1.

These methods will help optimize Windows 10 for better performance. But if you observe problems with the functionality or speed of its operation while working on the device, this does not always indicate the need to configure the system. Often the process of failure of device parts is long and is accompanied by a deterioration in the speed of work, freezes and other non-obvious symptoms of a breakdown.