When you install any new software, always choose the manual installation process. This way you will be able to see beforehand what’s about to be installed and remove unnecessary items that would sneak in otherwise (extra programs, toolbars, etc. ).
Some programs can be automatically included in your startup. However, not all hard manufacturer software is necessary. For example, many HP computers come with a lot of HP software pre-installed which isn’t necessary for your computer to run. Search each program listed online to determine if it is necessary to keep installed. [1] X Research source
Nothing in the list is an essential service for Windows. Windows will boot just fine with nothing checked, though some of your peripherals may not start without the correct software loaded. If you don’t know what something is, search both the “Startup Item” name and the program listed in the “Command” column.
You can check how large your hard disk is by pressing ⊞ Win+E and selecting your hard drive. It is more important to keep free space on your Windows hard disk if you have more than one installed. You can check how much RAM you have installed by pressing ⊞ Win+Pause.
Click here for detailed instructions on removing toolbars.
Click here for detailed instructions on deleting these files. You can quickly access the Delete Cache window in most browsers by pressing Ctrl+⇧ Shift+Del.
Click here for instructions on installing (and reinstalling) Chrome. Click here for instructions on installing (and reinstalling) Firefox.
Click here for detailed instructions on installing an antivirus program.
Some of the most popular programs includes Malwarebytes’ Antimalware, Spybot Search & Destroy, Adwcleaner, and Lavasoft Ad-Aware. Unlike antivirus programs, you can and should have multiple antimalware programs installed.
To boot into Safe Mode, restart your computer and hit F8 before Windows loads. Select “Safe Mode” from the Advanced Startup menu. Click here for more detailed instructions.
Unchecking “Enable transparent glass” will give you one of the biggest performance increases. If you don’t care about visual effects at all, select “Adjust for best performance” to turn everything off.
Reformatting will delete all of the data stored on your computer, so make sure everything you need is backed up. Click here for tips on backing up all of your important files.
Click here for detailed instructions on reinstalling Windows 7.
Attach a USB flash drive or external hard drive to an available USB port on your computer. An “Autoplay” dialog box will appear on the screen as soon as your computer recognizes the device. Choose the “Speed up my system” option under “General Options” in the Autoplay dialog box. Click the ReadyBoost tab when the Properties dialog box appears. Select “Dedicate this device to ReadyBoost” if you want to apply all the available space on your extra storage device to your computer and use it as memory. Select “Use this device” and adjust the slider to designate the amount of memory you want to apply to ReadyBoost. This option is useful if you want to reserve space on your storage device. Click Apply then OK to save your settings.
Click here for detailed instructions on installing new RAM.
Click here for detailed instructions on installing a solid state drive.
Click here for detailed instructions on installing a new graphics card.
Click here for detailed instructions on installing a new processor.
