It’s a common complaint among Windows 10 users: the system was fast and responsive when first installed, but after a few months of use, everything seems to slow down. Programs take longer to open, startup time increases, and even basic tasks like browsing folders can feel sluggish. If you’re wondering why this happens and how to fix it, this guide breaks down the root causes and effective solutions.
What Causes Windows 10 to Slow Down Over Time?
Several factors contribute to performance degradation in Windows 10 systems. Some of the most common include:
-
Too many startup programs – As more apps are installed, many set themselves to run at boot.
-
Background processes – Services and background apps silently consume CPU and memory.
-
Fragmented or nearly full hard drives – Traditional HDDs especially suffer from fragmentation.
-
Old or outdated drivers – Hardware drivers not optimized for new updates can cause lags.
-
Accumulated junk files – Temporary files, browser caches, and system logs can pile up.
-
Windows updates – Some updates may cause slowdowns, particularly on older hardware.
-
Malware or adware – Infections can silently throttle performance.
These issues often build up over time, meaning even a brand-new PC can become slow if not maintained properly.
How to Fix and Speed Up a Slowing Windows 10 System
1. Disable Unnecessary Startup Programs
Startup apps delay boot time and occupy memory unnecessarily.
-
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
-
Go to the Startup tab
-
Disable any non-essential applications, such as updaters, chat apps, or cloud sync tools
Your PC will boot faster and have more memory available immediately after startup.
2. Clean Up Background Tasks
-
Go to Settings > Apps > Startup and disable apps that don’t need to run in the background
-
Open Task Manager > Processes to spot and end high-resource apps
-
Consider uninstalling software you don’t use regularly
3. Run Disk Cleanup or Use Storage Sense
Windows has built-in tools to remove junk files:
-
Open Settings > System > Storage
-
Click on Temporary files, and delete items like old update files, cache, and recycle bin data
-
Alternatively, run Disk Cleanup by searching it in the Start menu
4. Update Drivers and Windows
Outdated drivers are often the reason for poor performance. Go to:
-
Device Manager, right-click key drivers (display, storage, network), and update them
-
Settings > Update & Security to ensure Windows is fully updated
You may also visit the manufacturer’s support page for your PC model to download the latest versions.
5. Check for Malware
Run a full scan using Windows Defender or third-party tools like Malwarebytes.
Even adware or browser hijackers can slow down your system.
6. Free Up Disk Space
If your primary drive (usually C:) is over 90% full, performance will suffer.
Uninstall large unused applications, move files to external drives, or use OneDrive to offload data.
7. Defragment the Drive (HDD Only)
If you’re using a traditional hard disk:
-
Open Defragment and Optimize Drives from the Start menu
-
Select your main drive and click Optimize
Note: Never defrag SSDs—just ensure TRIM is enabled instead.
Bonus Tips for Long-Term Performance
-
Switch to an SSD if you’re still using an HDD. The performance jump is significant.
-
Use a lightweight antivirus that doesn’t hog resources
-
Enable Fast Startup under Power Options
-
Use Windows Performance Troubleshooter (
Control Panel > Troubleshooting > Performance) -
Periodically reboot your PC—running for weeks without restart can accumulate memory leaks
Windows 10 slowing down over time is a result of accumulated startup programs, background processes, junk files, outdated drivers, and sometimes malware. Regular maintenance like cleaning up disk space, disabling unnecessary startup items, and keeping the system updated can restore most lost performance. For older systems, upgrading to an SSD can breathe new life into a sluggish machine. With these steps, you can maintain a smooth and responsive Windows 10 experience long after the initial install.
Laptop overheating isn’t just an annoyance—it’s a threat to the long-term health of your device. With regular maintenance, smart usage habits, and awareness of software behavior, most overheating problems can be prevented or resolved at home. Investing a little time in cleaning and optimization can help your laptop run cooler, faster, and longer.