How To Get The Most Out Of Windows 10

If your PC is running slowly, the following suggestions might assistance speed things up. The tips are listed in club, so start with the first i, see if that helps, and and so continue to the next one if information technology doesn't.

Ane of the best ways to get the most out of your PC is to make sure yous accept the latest version of Windows xi installed. When yous check for updates, your PC will also search for the latest device drivers, which tin besides aid improve your PC's performance.

To cheque for updates

Select the Outset button, then select Settings > Windows Update >Cheque for updates.
Cheque for Windows updates
Do i of the following:
- If the status says "You're up to date," continue and check for optional updates.
- If the status says "Updates are available," select Install at present.
Select the updates yous want to install, then select Install.
Restart your PC and see if it seems to run improve.

Sometimes an optional update, like a new not-disquisitional driver, will be available that may help.

To cheque for optional updates

Select the Showtime push button, then select Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates.
If additional updates are available, select them and and then select Download & install.
Restart your PC and run into if it seems to run better.

For more info nigh updates, including how yous tin take them installed automatically, encounter the Windows Update FAQ.

For Windows Update troubleshooting info, see Update Windows and Troubleshoot issues updating Windows.

If your PC withal runs slowly, proceed to the side by side tip.

Having many apps, programs, web browsers, and and then on open at one time can irksome downwards your PC. Having a lot of browser tabs open at once can also deadening information technology downwardly quite a bit. If this is happening, close any apps, browser tabs, etc., that you don't need and see if that helps speed upwardly your PC. If it doesn't seem to assistance, restart your PC and and so open just the apps, programs and browser windows you need.

To restart your PC

Select the Beginning button, and then select Power > Restart.
After your PC restarts, open just the apps you demand, and so close them when you lot're done.

Sometimes apps that were fabricated for an earlier version of Windows volition still run on Windows xi, but they might tiresome down your PC. If this happens after you open a certain plan, cheque the software company'due south website for an updated version, or run the Plan Compatibility Troubleshooter.

To run the Plan Compatibility Troubleshooter

Select Search, type troubleshoot in the search box, then select Troubleshoot settings > Other troubleshooters.
Nether Other, select the Run button next toProgram Compatibility Troubleshooter.
Select the programme that you're having problems with, and then select Side by side and continue through the troubleshooter.

PC still running slowly? Continue to the side by side tip.

ReadyBoost lets you lot use a removable drive, like a USB flash drive, to improve your PC's performance without opening your PC and adding more memory (RAM). To use ReadyBoost, y'all'll demand a USB flash drive or a retentiveness card that has at to the lowest degree 500 MB gratis and a loftier information transfer charge per unit.

To use ReadyBoost

Insert the USB wink drive into a USB port on your PC.
Select File Explorer from the taskbar.
Printing and concord (or right-click) the USB wink drive (or SD card if you used i instead), then select Backdrop.
Select the ReadyBoost tab, then select Utilize this device.
Windows determines if the device can utilise ReadyBoost. If it tin't, it'll let you know.
After Windows determines how much free space to use to optimize memory, select OK to reserve this space then ReadyBoost can use information technology.

When yous await at the contents of the USB flash drive in File Explorer, you lot'll see a file named ReadyBoost.sfcache on the flash bulldoze. This file shows how much infinite is reserved for ReadyBoost.

Note:ReadyBoost can't be used if Windows is installed on a solid state bulldoze (SSD). An SSD is already fast, and ReadyBoost won't be able to meliorate its operation.

The paging file is an area on your hard disk that Windows uses similar memory. There's a setting in Windows 11 that manages the folio file size automatically, which can help amend your PC's performance.

To make certain automatic page file direction is turned on

Select Search on the taskbar, type advanced system in the search box, so select View advanced system settings, which has Control panel listed underneath it.
In Arrangement Properties, select the Advanced tab, then select Settings in the Functioning surface area.
In Functioning Options, select the Advanced tab, so select Change in the Virtual memory area.
Brand sure the Automatically manage paging file size for all drives cheque box is selected. If it is, continue to the side by side tip. If it'south non, select information technology and then restart your PC by selecting the Starting time > Power > Restart.

Use your PC and see if it's running meliorate. If information technology's not, endeavor the adjacent tip.

You may improve operation if you costless some deejay space on your PC.

To cheque for low disk space

Select the Start push button, and so select Settings> System > Storage.
Open Storage settings
Your drives will exist listed in the Storage area. Notation the amount of costless space and total size for each drive.

Note:If your PC is not low on space, try the adjacent tip.

You lot can utilize Storage Sense to delete unnecessary or temporary files from your device, which tin as well costless upwards space.

If you turn on Storage Sense, Windows will automatically gratis upward space past getting rid of unnecessary files—including files in your recycle bin—when you're low on disk space or at intervals you specify. The instructions below show y'all how to delete temporary files and how to turn on and configure Storage Sense.

If you tin't discover Storage Sense on your device using the following steps, see the "Free upward space with Disk cleanup" department below instead.

Note:You may not want to delete temporary files to ameliorate performance. While these files may not be used at the moment, they help your apps load and run faster.

To delete temporary files with Storage Sense

Open up Settings, then select System > Storage.
Open Storage settings
Select Temporary files in the storage breakdown. Note: If you don't see Temporary files listed, select Show more categories.
Windows will take a few moments to determine what files and apps are taking up the most space on your PC.
Select the items you want to delete, and then select Remove files.

To see what's in your Recycle Bin before yous empty it, open it from your desktop. If you don't run into the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop, in the search bar on the taskbar, blazon recycle bin, then select Recycle Bin from the list of results.

Note:Windows moves files you lot delete to the Recycle Bin in instance you modify your mind and need them once more in the future. You might be able to free upwardly a significant amount of space by deleting Recycle Bin files to permanently remove files y'all've previously deleted.

To turn on and configure Storage Sense

Open Settings, so selectSystem> Storage.
Open Storage settings
In the Storage management expanse, plough on Storage Sense.
Select the > for Storage Sense to configure it.
Under Cleanup of temporary files, ensure Go along Windows running smoothly past automatically cleaning up temporary system and app files is checked.
Under Configure cleanup schedules, choose how often y'all desire Storage Sense to run.
For the files you want Storage Sense to delete (your choices are files in your Recycle Bin and in your Downloads folder), select the preferred time intervals, or select Never if you want Storage Sense to go out those types of files alone.
Scroll downwards and select Run Storage Sense at present.
Windows will accept a few moments to clean up your files, and and then you lot'll see a message indicating how much deejay space has been freed up.

If your organization doesn't accept Storage Sense, you lot tin use the Disk Cleanup tool to delete temporary files and system files from your device.

To run Disk Cleanup

Select Search, type disk cleanup, and then select Disk Cleanup from the listing of results.
Select the checkbox next to the blazon of files you want to delete. (To view a description of each blazon of file, select the name.) By default, Downloaded Program Files, Temporary Net Files, and Thumbnails are selected. Be sure to articulate those check boxes if y'all don't want to delete those files.
To gratis up even more space, select Clean upwards system files. Deejay Cleanup volition take a few moments to calculate the amount of space that a can exist freed up.

Note:If information technology's been fewer than x days since y'all upgraded to Windows eleven, your previous version of Windows volition be listed as a organisation file you tin delete. If you demand to gratis up bulldoze space, y'all can delete it, merely proceed in mind that you'll be deleting your Windows.old binder, which contains files that give you the pick to get back to your previous version of Windows. If you delete your previous version of Windows, this can't be undone. (Yous won't be able to get dorsum to your previous version of Windows.)
Select the types of files you want to delete, select OK, then select Delete files in the confirmation window to outset the cleanup.

If your PC all the same runs slowly, effort uninstalling apps you don't use anymore.

To uninstall apps y'all don't utilise anymore

Select the Commencement button, and then select Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
Open up Apps & features settings
Search for a specific app or sort them to see which ones are using the most space.
When you find an app to remove, select the More icon next to information technology and, if possible, select Uninstall.
Restart your PC and come across if operation has improved.

If your PC notwithstanding runs slowly, try moving files to another bulldoze.

If you have photos, music, or other files that you want to keep but don't use oft, consider saving them to removable media, like a USB drive. You'll still be able to use them when the drive is connected, simply they won't have up infinite on your PC.

To move files to another drive

Connect the removable media to your PC.
Select File Explorerfrom the taskbar and find the files you want to motion.
Select the files, go toAbode, then select Move to > Choose location.
Select your removable media from the location listing, then select Motion.
Restart your PC and see if functioning has improved.

Get more info about freeing bulldoze space in Windows.

If your PC still runs slowly, try the side by side tip.

Windows 11 includes many visual effects, such as animations and shadow effects. These await great, but they can also utilize boosted system resources and can slow down your PC. This is especially true if you have a PC with a smaller corporeality of retentiveness (RAM).

To adjust the visual effects in Windows

Select Search, type performance, then select Accommodate the advent and performance of Windows in the listing of results.
On the Visual Effects tab, select Adjust for best performance > Apply.
Restart your PC and run across if that speeds up your PC.

If your PC still runs slowly, continue to the next tip.

Your PC settings allow you choose where files will be saved by default. You can save files on your PC or to OneDrive by default and sync files between the ii locations. This lets you get to your files from whatsoever device that tin can connect to the internet, and it helps make sure your files are backed up in example your PC is ever damaged or lost. Still, files must sync betwixt your PC and OneDrive, and syncing can slow downward your PC. You tin can pause OneDrive syncing temporarily and see if it helps improve your PC performance.

To pause syncing to OneDrive

On the taskbar, look forOneDrive about the notification area.
SelectOneDrive > Assist & Settings > Pause syncing,and then cull how long you lot want to pause syncing your files.
Restart your PC and see if your operation problems have improved with syncing paused.
To resume syncing your files, select OneDrive > Help & Settings> Resume syncing.

You tin can as well visit Fix OneDrive sync problems to check for any sync issues.

When you turn on your PC, some programs beginning automatically and run in the groundwork. Y'all can disable these programs and then they don't run when your PC starts.

Many programs are designed to starting time automatically when Windows does. You don't realize they're running, only they'll open quickly when you go to employ them. This is helpful for programs you apply a lot, but not for programs yous don't use oftentimes because it increases the time it takes Windows to kickoff.

Discover the programs that outset automatically

Sometimes you can determine which programs commencement automatically by looking at the program icons in the notification area on the far correct of the taskbar. Check there kickoff to see if there are any programs running that you don't desire to outset automatically. To attempt to detect out the name of the program, betoken to the icon with your mouse pointer. Make sure you select Show hidden icons , so you don't miss any programs.

Even afterwards you check the notification expanse, y'all might still miss some programs that run automatically at startup. Here'south how you can observe all the programs that start automatically, and stop the ones that you don't want to start automatically when Windows starts.

To stop a program from starting automatically

Select the Startbutton, and so selectSettings >Apps>Startup.
Open Startup Apps settings
In the Startup Apps area, find the programme you lot want to finish from starting automatically and set it toOff.

Annotation:If you lot turn off a program and it continues to first automatically when Windows starts, you lot should scan for viruses and malware. See the next section for more info.

A virus, malware, or malicious software could cause your PC to run slowly. Other symptoms include unexpected pop-up messages, programs that unexpectedly starting time automatically, or the sound of your hd constantly working.

The all-time way to handle viruses and malicious software is to try to forestall them by running antimalware and antivirus software and keeping it up to date. However, even if you have precautions, your PC can however become infected.

You lot can browse your PC for viruses or other malicious software by using Windows Security (formerly Windows Defender Security Heart), which is included in Windows 11. For more info, see How to protect your Windows PC.

Notes:

If you're using other antivirus or anti-malware software, come across the documentation for that program to learn how to scan for viruses. Also, make sure multiple antivirus programs aren't running at the same time. If they are, choose the one you desire to run, and and then disable or uninstall whatsoever others.
If y'all take another antivirus program installed and turned on, Windows Security will exist turned off past default.

To scan for viruses using Windows Security

Select Start > Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Security,and then selectOpen Windows Security.
Open Windows Security settings
Select V irus & threat protection, then select Protection updates nether Virus & threat protection updates.
On the Protection updates screen, select Cheque for updates to make sure you lot accept the near recent updates.
Select Virus & threat protection, then select Quick scan.

Wait for Windows Security to stop scanning for viruses and malware.
Practice one of the following, depending on the results of the scan:
- Run the recommended advanced scan. This scan takes longer simply searches more than extensively for threats on your PC.
- If Windows Security finds a virus or malware and can't remove or quarantine information technology, contact Microsoft Back up for assistance.
- If no viruses are found, restart your PC and endeavour to reproduce the functioning problem yous were having with your PC.

Note:If Windows Security doesn't open, can't update the definition file, or can't cease scanning for viruses, try running Microsoft Defender Offline, which is explained below.

To scan for malware and viruses with Microsoft Defender Offline

Relieve whatever documents or annihilation else you might have open up on your PC.
SelectStart > Settings> Privacy & security > Windows Security, and so selectOpen Windows Security.
Open Windows Security settings
Select Virus & threat protection, and then nether Electric current threats, select Scan options > Microsoft Defender Offline scan > Scan at present.

Your PC will restart, and Microsoft Defender Offline volition run and scan for viruses and malware. The scan might take xv minutes or so, and your PC will restart once more afterward that.
Try to reproduce the performance event.

If your PC still runs slowly, proceed to the side by side tip.

Restoring your PC undoes recent changes that might exist causing problems. If you lot think a recently installed app, driver, or update for Windows could be causing bug, you might go things running normally again by restoring your PC to an earlier point, called a restore point.

Notes:

Restoring from a restore indicate won't affect your personal files, but it will remove apps, drivers, and updates that were installed after the restore betoken was created.
Organisation restore works for changes made in the last 7 to 14 days.

To restore your PC from a restore signal

Select Search on the taskbar, type advanced system, and then select View avant-garde system settings from the list of results.
On the System Protection tab, select System Restore.
Select Recommended restore to become with the most recent restore point Windows has fabricated automatically, or Choose a unlike restore point to select one yourself, then selectNext.
If you lot chose to select a unlike restore bespeak, select ane, then select Adjacent. Either way, select Stop to begin restoring.
Once the restore is completed, restart your PC and see if performance has improved.

If you don't see whatever restore points, it might be because organization protection isn't turned on.

To plow on organization protection

In the search box on the taskbar, type create a restore signal, then select Create a restore point from the listing of results.
On the Arrangement Protection tab, select Configure.
Select Turn on organization protection > OK.

If your PC is running slowly, the following suggestions might aid speed things up. The tips are listed in order, so offset with the first one, run across if that helps, and then continue to the side by side ane if it doesn't.

One of the all-time means to get the most out of your PC is to make sure you have the latest version of Windows 10 installed. When yous check for updates, your PC will also search for the latest device drivers, which can also help meliorate your PC's performance.

To cheque for updates

Select the Start push, and so select Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates.
Cheque for Windows updates
Do one of the following:
- If the status says "You're upward to date," go to the next tip.
- If the condition says "Updates are available," select Install now.
Select the updates you want to install, and then select Install.
Restart your PC and meet if it seems to run better.

For more than info about updates, including how you can have them installed automatically, see the Windows Update FAQ.

For Windows Update troubleshooting info, run across Update Windows 10 and Troubleshoot problems updating Windows 10.

If your PC still runs slowly, continue to the next tip.

Having many apps, programs, web browsers, and so on open at once can slow downwards your PC. Having a lot of browser tabs open at in one case can likewise slow it down quite a chip. If this is happening, close any apps, browser tabs, etc., that you don't demand and see if that helps speed upwardly your PC. If it doesn't seem to help, restart your PC and then open up just the apps, programs and browser windows you need.

To restart your PC

Select the Beginning push, and then select Power > Restart.
Afterward your PC restarts, open only the apps yous need, then close them when yous're washed.

Sometimes apps that were fabricated for an earlier version of Windows will all the same run on Windows 10, but they might slow downwards your PC. If this happens after you open a certain program, bank check the software visitor's website for an updated version, or run the Programme Compatibility Troubleshooter.

To run the Programme Compatibility Troubleshooter

In the search box on the taskbar, type troubleshoot, and so select Troubleshoot settings, which has System settings listed underneath it.
In the list of troubleshooters, select Plan Compatibility Troubleshooter > Run the troubleshooter.
Select the plan that you're having problems with, then select Next and go along through the troubleshooter.

PC withal running slowly? Continue to the side by side tip.

ReadyBoost lets you utilize a removable drive, like a USB flash drive, to improve your PC'southward operation without opening your PC and adding more memory (RAM). To use ReadyBoost, you'll need a USB flash bulldoze or a retentiveness card that has at to the lowest degree 500 MB free and a loftier data transfer rate.

To use ReadyBoost

Insert the USB flash drive into a USB port on your PC.
Select File Explorer from the taskbar.
Printing and agree (or right-click) the USB flash drive (or SD carte if you lot used one instead), and so select Properties.
Select the ReadyBoost tab, then select Use this device.
Windows determines if the device can use ReadyBoost. If information technology can't, it'll let you know.
Afterwards Windows determines how much free space to use to optimize retentivity, select OK to reserve this space so ReadyBoost tin use information technology.

When you wait at the contents of the USB flash drive in File Explorer, you'll see a file named ReadyBoost.sfcache on the flash bulldoze. This file shows how much infinite is reserved for ReadyBoost.

Note:ReadyBoost can't be used if Windows is installed on a solid country bulldoze (SSD). An SSD is already fast, and ReadyBoost won't be able to improve its performance.

The paging file is an area on your hard disk that Windows uses like retentivity. There's a setting in Windows 10 that manages the page file size automatically, which tin can aid amend your PC's functioning.

To make sure automatic page file management is turned on

In the search box on the taskbar, type advanced organization, and then select View avant-garde system settings, which has Control panel listed underneath it.
In Organisation Backdrop, select the Advanced tab, and then select Settings in the Performance area.
In Performance Options, select the Advanced tab, and so select Change in the Virtual retentiveness area.
Make certain the Automatically manage paging file size for all drives check box is selected. If information technology is, continue to the side by side tip. If it's not, select it and and then restart your PC by selecting the Start push button > Power > Restart.

Use your PC and run across if information technology's running better. If it's not, endeavor the next tip.

Yous may improve operation if you free some deejay infinite on your PC.

To check for low disk space

Select the Start button, then select Settings > System > Storage .
Open Storage settings
Your drives volition exist listed in the Storage area. Note the amount of free space and full size for each drive.

Note:If your PC is not low on space, try the next tip.

You can utilize Storage Sense to delete unnecessary or temporary files from your device, which tin can as well free upwardly space.

If you plow on Storage Sense, Windows will automatically free upwardly infinite past getting rid of unnecessary files—including files in your recycle bin—when you lot're low on disk space or at intervals yous specify. The instructions beneath testify you how to delete temporary files and how to turn on and configure Storage Sense.

If you tin can't find Storage Sense on your device using the following steps, run across the "Gratuitous upwards infinite with Disk cleanup" section below instead.

Notation:Y'all may not want to delete temporary files to improve performance. While these files may non be used at the moment, they aid your apps load and run faster.

To delete temporary files with Storage Sense

Select the Start push button, so select Settings > System > Storage .
Open up Storage settings
Select Temporary files in the storage breakdown. Note: If you don't see Temporary files listed, select Bear witness more than categories.
Windows will have a few moments to determine what files and apps are taking up the about infinite on your PC.
Select the items yous want to delete, and then select Remove files.

To see what's in your Recycle Bin before you empty it, open it from your desktop. If y'all don't see the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop, in the search bar on the taskbar, type recycle bin, then select Recycle Bin from the listing of results.

Notation:Windows moves files y'all delete to the Recycle Bin in case yous change your mind and need them again in the future. You lot might be able to costless up a pregnant amount of space past deleting Recycle Bin files to permanently remove files you lot've previously deleted.

To plow on and configure Storage Sense

Select the Start push, and then select Settings > System > Storage .
Open Storage settings
In the Storage area, turn on Storage Sense.
Select Configure Storage Sense or run it at present.
In theStorage Sense area, choose how often you want Storage Sense to run.
In the Temporary Files surface area, select Delete temporary files that my apps aren't using.
Select which files you lot desire Storage Sense to delete (your choices are files in your Recycle Bin and in your Downloads folder), and so select the corresponding time intervals.
Curlicue down and select Make clean now.
Windows will have a few moment to clean up your files, and so you'll see a bulletin indicating how much deejay space has been freed upwards.

If your system doesn't accept Storage Sense, you can utilize the Deejay Cleanup tool to delete temporary files and organization files from your device.

To run Disk Cleanup

In the search box on the taskbar, type disk cleanup, so select Disk Cleanup from the list of results.
Select the checkbox side by side to the type of files you want to delete. (To view a clarification of each blazon of file, select the proper name.) By default, Downloaded Program Files, Temporary Internet Files, and Thumbnails are selected. Be sure to clear those bank check boxes if y'all don't want to delete those files.
To gratis upwardly fifty-fifty more infinite, select Clean upwards organization files. Disk Cleanup will accept a few moments to calculate the amount of infinite that a can exist freed upward.

Annotation:If it's been fewer than 10 days since y'all upgraded to Windows 10, your previous version of Windows will be listed equally a organization file you can delete. If you need to free up bulldoze space, you lot can delete it, but go along in listen that y'all'll be deleting your Windows.old folder, which contains files that give you the option to go back to your previous version of Windows. If you delete your previous version of Windows, this tin can't be undone. (You won't be able to go back to your previous version of Windows.)
Select the types of files you desire to delete, select OK, then select Delete files in the confirmation window to start the cleanup.

If your PC yet runs slowly, try uninstalling apps you don't apply anymore.

To uninstall apps you lot don't use anymore

Select the Start push button, then select Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
Open up Apps & features settings
Search for a specific app or sort them to see which ones are using the about space.
When y'all detect an app to remove, choose it from the list and select Uninstall.
Restart your PC and run across if performance has improved.

If your PC still runs slowly, try moving files to another drive.

If you take photos, music, or other files that y'all desire to keep simply don't use often, consider saving them to removable media, like a USB bulldoze. You lot'll notwithstanding exist able to use them when the drive is connected, but they won't have upward space on your PC.

To movement files to some other drive

Connect the removable media to your PC.
Select File Explorer from the taskbar and observe the files you want to motion.
Select the files, go toAbode, then select Move to > Choose location.
Select your removable media from the location list, and then select Movement.
Restart your PC and see if performance has improved.

Get more info about freeing drive space in Windows ten.

If your PC still runs slowly, try the next tip.

Windows 10 includes many visual furnishings, such as animations and shadow effects. These look cracking, but they can also use additional system resources and can slow downward your PC. This is peculiarly true if you accept a PC with a smaller corporeality of retention (RAM).

To conform the visual effects in Windows

In the search box on the taskbar, type performance, then select Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows in the list of results.
On the Visual Effects tab, select Adjust for best performance > Utilize.
Restart your PC and see if that speeds up your PC.

If your PC still runs slowly, continue to the next tip.

Your PC settings let you choose where files will be saved by default. Yous tin save files on your PC or to OneDrive by default and sync files between the two locations. This lets you get to your files from any device that can connect to the internet, and it helps make certain your files are backed up in case your PC is ever damaged or lost. However, files must sync between your PC and OneDrive, and syncing can slow down your PC. You can break OneDrive syncing temporarily and see if it helps improve your PC performance.

To pause syncing to OneDrive

On the taskbar, look forOneDrive nigh the notification area.
SelectOneDrive >More > Pause syncing,and and then choose how long you desire to pause syncing your files.
Restart your PC and come across if your functioning issues have improved with syncing paused.
To resume syncing your files, select OneDrive >More than> Resume syncing.

You lot can also visit Fix OneDrive sync problems to cheque for any sync issues.

Notes:

If you have Window 10 version 1709 or higher, you can use OneDrive Files On-Demand to choose which files you lot want to sync and always go along on your PC. This tin can assistance improve PC performance if you reduce the number of files that are synced to your PC. To run across which version of Windows x your device is currently running, select the Start button, then select Settings > Organization > About.
Open About settings
For more info on OneDrive Files On-Demand, see Learn about OneDrive Files On-Demand.

When you turn on your PC, some programs starting time automatically and run in the background. You can disable these programs so they don't run when your PC starts.

Many programs are designed to kickoff automatically when Windows does. You don't realize they're running, but they'll open chop-chop when you go to use them. This is helpful for programs you use a lot, but not for programs you don't use often because information technology increases the time it takes Windows to start.

Observe the programs that get-go automatically

Sometimes yous can determine which programs beginning automatically past looking at the program icons in the notification surface area on the far correct of the taskbar. Cheque in that location first to come across if in that location are any programs running that you don't desire to offset automatically. To try to notice out the name of the programme, point to the icon with your mouse arrow. Make sure yous select Show hidden icons , so you don't miss any programs.

Show hidden icons in the notification area

Notification area with mouse pointing to testify subconscious icons

Even later you cheque the notification area, yous might all the same miss some programs that run automatically at startup. Here's how you lot tin can discover all the programs that first automatically, and stop the ones that yous don't want to showtime automatically when Windows starts.

To cease a program from starting automatically

Select the Commencement push, then selectSettings >Apps >Startup .
Open Startup Apps settings
In the Startup Apps area, notice the program y'all want to stop from starting automatically and ready it toOff.

Notes:

If you lot plough off a program and it continues to start automatically when Windows starts, you should scan for viruses and malware. See the side by side section for more than info.
To apply the procedure higher up to cease a plan from starting automatically, you lot need to have Windows ten (Version 1803 or higher) installed. To see which version of Windows 10 your device is currently running, select the Start button, and so select Settings > Organization > Almost.
Open Virtually settings
If y'all have Windows 10 (Version 1709 or earlier) installed, press Ctrl + Alt + Delete, select Task Managing director, select Startup, select the program y'all want to stop from starting automatically, then select Disable.

A virus, malware, or malicious software could cause your PC to run slowly. Other symptoms include unexpected pop-upwardly letters, programs that unexpectedly offset automatically, or the sound of your hard disk constantly working.

The best way to handle viruses and malicious software is to try to forbid them by running antimalware and antivirus software and keeping it up to engagement. However, even if you lot take precautions, your PC tin still become infected.

Yous can scan your PC for viruses or other malicious software by using Windows Security (formerly Windows Defender Security Center), which is included in Windows x. For more info, see How to protect your Windows ten PC.

Notes:

If you're using other antivirus or anti-malware software, see the documentation for that program to learn how to scan for viruses. As well, make sure multiple antivirus programs aren't running at the same time. If they are, choose the one you desire to run, so disable or uninstall whatsoever others.
If y'all have another antivirus programme installed and turned on, Windows Security will be turned off by default.

To scan for viruses using Windows Security (Windows x Version 1809 or later)

Select Beginning > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security and then selectOpen Windows Security.
Open Windows Security settings
Select Five irus & threat protection, then select Check for updates under Virus & threat protection updates.
On the Protection updates screen, select Check for updates to make sure y'all accept the most recent updates.
Select Virus & threat protection, and then select Quick scan.

Wait for Windows Security to cease scanning for viruses and malware.
Do one of the following, depending on the results of the scan:
- Run the recommended advanced scan. This scan takes longer but searches more extensively for threats on your PC.
- If Windows Security finds a virus or malware and can't remove or quarantine it, contact Microsoft Support for help.
- If no viruses are found, restart your PC and try to reproduce the operation problem you were having with your PC.

Notes:

If Windows Security doesn't open, can't update the definition file, or can't finish scanning for viruses, attempt running Windows Defender Offline, which is explained below in To scan for malware and viruses with Windows Defender Offline (Windows x Version 1809 or later).
To see which version of Windows 10 your device is currently running, select the Beginning button, then select Settings > Organisation > Nearly.
Open up About settings

To browse for viruses using Windows Defender Security Middle (Windows ten Version 1803)

SelectStart > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security and so select Open up Windows Defender Security Middle.
Open Windows Security settings
Select Virus & threat protection, so select Virus & threat protection updates > Bank check for updates to make sure you have the latest definition file.
Select theVirus & threat protection tab, then select Scan now.

Expect for Windows Defender Security Centre to finish scanning for viruses and malware.
Practise ane of the post-obit, depending on the results of the scan:
- Run the recommended advanced scan. This browse takes longer but searches more extensively for threats on your PC.
- If Windows Defender Security Heart finds a virus or malware and tin can't remove or quarantine it, contact Microsoft Support for help.
- If no viruses are found, restart your PC and try to reproduce the performance problem y'all were having with your PC.

Notes:

If Windows Defender Security Center doesn't open, can't update the definition file, or can't finish scanning for viruses, effort running Windows Defender in Offline Mode, which is explained below in To scan for malware and viruses with Windows Defender Offline (Windows ten Version 1803).
To see which version of Windows x your device is currently running, select the Start button, then select Settings > Organization > About.
Open About settings

To scan for malware and viruses with Windows Defender Offline (Windows x Version 1809 or afterwards)

Save any documents or anything else y'all might have open up on your PC.
SelectStart > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security and so selectOpen up Windows Security.
Open Windows Security settings
Select Virus & threat protection, and and then under Current threats, select Browse options > Windows Defender Offline scan > Browse now.

Your PC will restart, and Windows Defender Offline will run and browse for viruses and malware. The scan might have 15 minutes or so, and your PC will restart again after that.
Try to reproduce the performance result.

If your PC even so runs slowly, continue to the next tip.

To scan for malware and viruses with Windows Defender Offline (Windows 10 Version 1803)

Save any documents or annihilation else you lot might accept open on your PC.
SelectOffset > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security and then selectOpen Windows Defender Security Center.
Open Windows Security settings
Select Virus & threat protection, and so select Run a new advanced browse > Windows Defender Offline browse > Scan now.

Your PC will restart, and Windows Defender Offline will run and scan for viruses and malware. The scan might take 15 minutes or and then, and your PC volition restart again after that.
Attempt to reproduce the performance issue.

If your PC still runs slowly, continue to the adjacent tip.

Restoring your PC undoes contempo changes that might be causing problems. If you think a recently installed app, driver, or update for Windows could exist causing problems, you might go things running normally once more by restoring your PC to an earlier signal, called a restore point.

Notes:

Restoring from a restore signal won't affect your personal files, but it volition remove apps, drivers, and updates that were installed later the restore bespeak was created.
System restore works for changes made in the concluding 7 to 14 days.

To restore your PC from a restore point

In the search box on the taskbar, type restore point, and so select Create a restore betoken from the listing of results.
On the System Protection tab, select System Restore.
Select Next, and so choose the restore point related to the app, driver, or update that might exist causing the problem. Then selectNext > Stop.
Restart your PC and meet if functioning has improved.

If you lot don't run into any restore points, it might be because organisation protection isn't turned on.

To turn on system protection

In the search box on the taskbar, type restore point, then select Create a restore bespeak from the listing of results.
On the System Protection tab, select Configure.
Select Plow on system protection > OK.