- 1). Disable excessive services from launching and running in the system. Click the "Start" menu and type "Msconfig" from the "Run" command. Press "Enter" to launch the System Configuration screen. Access the "Services" tab and check the box titled "Hide all Microsoft services." Deselect any optional services from launching simultaneously with your computer. Such services may include rarely used items or any unneeded third-party software.
- 2). Select the "Startup" tab from the System Configuration menu to clean additional applications in the System Tray. Deselect all optional applications from the list. These may include instant messenger software or additional third-party tools. These start-up programs are loaded next to the system clock at the bottom-right corner of the Windows Task Bar. Just like the services running, these programs consume valuable memory, which slows your computer's performance. Click "OK" when finished and restart your computer.
- 3). Download and install an anti-spyware program. Even after cleaning your computer from known services and processes, there may be additional hidden resources in the form of spyware. Their job is to collect user information and later present relevant advertisements via email or on-screen pop-ups. Accepted tools to fight such threats include Windows Defender, Spybot and Adaware Free Edition. Update your anti-spyware software through its built-in update feature, typically found on the program's main menu. Perform a full system scan at least once per week.
- 4). Clean optional and temporary files from your local hard disk drives. To further clean up a slow PC, launch "My Computer" from your desktop or "Start" menu. Right-click all available hard disk drives and select "Properties." Click "Disk Cleanup" to gather all inactive temporary files and remove them from the system. Click "OK" and restart your computer to complete the cleanup procedure.
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