Unfortunately, in the field of tricks to improve the performance of Windows abound myths and
useless advice . The noble art of computer optimization brims with chatter and harmful
superstitions. To prevent waste time on useless optimizations, we will show the 10 most useful
tips to speed up Windows. Buckle up!

Removes applications that do not use regularly

Can you introduce yourself to an F1 race with a motorhome? No. That is why, even on your hard
drive fit thousands of applications installed keep only those you need daily . Uninstall
programs surplus and hard to remove to free up space and memory. Windows appreciate the
selective pruning of software.

Remove extensions and add-ons that slow

Remove browser extensions has become even more important to uninstall programs, as Chrome and
Firefox are the applications that we always have open and where we spend more time. For
Firefox, the time it takes to open up dramatically :

To remove extensions, you should look into the options for each browser . In Firefox, press
Ctrl + Shift + A to open the Plugin Manager.; Chrome, open the Extensions menu under Tools.
With this latest browser will not need to restart to apply the changes (which it does with
Firefox).

Lighten Windows start-up

There are several systems to remove startup programs in Windows, but it is best to use
utilities that allow to know first hand the impact of each program on startup. Soluto , for
example, time and memory that steals every application and can easily disable them.

Another great option is the Program Deactivator of TuneUp , which checks the reputation of each
program and measured how much charge is added to the PC. The only utility that you think is
Norton Insight , included in Norton Antivirus and other Symantec products.

Remember also prohibit programs that start with Windows during installation . This will avoid
having to optimize the boot each week.

Defragment your hard drive clean

Hard drives are a vulnerable component . If not careful, they die within a few years of use.
Defragment your hard disk sorts files in the disc surface and decreases the time required to
read and write data, extending its life. With once a month is enough, and if you use a
defragmenter-saver even have to remember.

As for cleaning, it is useful for two reasons: it reduces the time required to defragment and
allows more space for the buffer; is that a full disk packed just to slow Windows . To clean,
set CCleaner thoroughly test utilities or display space occupied, as SpaceSniffer .

Update drivers, plugins and codecs

Many unexplained bottlenecks and slowdowns are caused by hardware conflicts or using drivers
(drivers) obsolete . Follow the advice of our special Updating drivers and clean to ensure that
yours are in order.

On the other hand, it never hurts to refresh the essential components of Windows , those who
allow the PC to run most programs like Java, Adobe Flash or .NET Framework . These libraries
and virtual machines are almost as important as the core of Windows itself.

Learn to love small and portable utilities

A good way to ease the burden on the operating system is to run the bloatware (big software)
and opt for light and portable applications , how are you 50 mini-apps for Windows that will
recommend a time. Usually focus on a single function, but performed extremely well, and do not
even need to install them.

Modifies energy saving options

A computer no longer a machine for which higher energy means more power and speed (in exchange
for greater heat and wear). Most laptops and netbook apply default balanced energy profiles do
not allow squeeze the maximum power of the hardware.

Sets the energy plan according to your needs from Control Panel> Power Options .

If you really want to save energy without sacrificing speed , try one of these three free
utilities for Windows. And for lovers of strong emotions is the overclocking , a practice that
consists in forcing the PC beyond the limits of the factory (but beware, doing so invalidates
the warranty and may damage the components).

Disable services you do not use, such as indexing

Windows runs more than 100 services by default . The services which are only components of the
system perform important tasks, but some are unnecessary. Even Microsoft recommends disabling
services you do not use, especially if they belong to other programs.

You can do this directly from Services (services.msc) or dedicated utilities (eg Vista Services
Optimizer , also for Windows 7). TuneUp Utilities also advises you on what services can
definitely off. When in doubt, do not touch anything .

Do not use antivirus or use a very light

Antivirus is the tireless vigilantes of our computers, but its use has a cost of memory and CPU
that sometimes becomes excessive, especially on older PCs. In our controversial article How to
survive without antivirus in Windows , we explain why this happens and what the alternatives
are to have antivirus resident.

If you do not want to give up having antivirus on your computer, then choose one that suits
your computer’s resources. In our free antivirus comparison we have taken into account the
performance when choosing the best. Among the lightest highlight Microsoft Security Essentials
, Panda Cloud and Avira .

Use web applications

Why install and use Office if with Google Docs you have all the essentials? Today, web
applications that run within the browser, can do just about anything. Its biggest advantage is
that they require less resources and do not fill the hard drive. Usually, usually also faster.

Extra Tip: Windows performance measured before and after

Measuring Windows performance before and after performing optimizations is a healthy habit. In
another article recommend five performance meters , but you can also use the one included by
default in Windows. Performance Monitor is running by typing perfmon in the Run (Win + R) menu.

Did you know these tricks? What you put into practice?