How to Make Your Windows 10 or 11 PC Run Like New Again Using Built-In Tools Only

Is your Windows 10 or 11 PC feeling slow, laggy, or just not as snappy as it used to be? Before you start Googling third-party optimizers or consider buying a new machine, know this: your PC already has everything you need to breathe new life into it. Microsoft has included several powerful, built-in tools to clean, optimize, and refresh your system — no downloads required.

Here’s how to make your Windows PC run like new again, using only built-in tools.

1. Restart Your PC — Really

This sounds simple, but many people use Sleep or Hibernate for weeks without restarting. A full restart clears memory leaks, resets services, and applies system updates properly.

💡 Tip: Restart your PC at least once a week for optimal performance.

2. Use Storage Sense to Automatically Free Up Space

Windows 10 and 11 come with Storage Sense, which can automatically delete temporary files, old downloads, and items in the recycle bin.

How to Use It:

Go to Settings > System > Storage
Click Storage Sense and toggle it On
Click Configure Storage Sense or run it now to customize settings

3. Uninstall Bloatware and Unused Apps

Pre-installed apps and unused programs can hog resources. Uninstall them:

Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps
Review the list and remove what you don’t need
Sort by Size or Install Date to identify large or old apps

4. Disable Startup Programs

Too many startup programs can drastically slow down boot time.

How to Disable:

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
Go to the Startup tab
Right-click and disable programs you don’t need at startup (like Spotify, Skype, etc.)

5. Run Disk Cleanup

Even though it’s old-school, Disk Cleanup is still effective at removing system junk.

How to Run It:

Press Win + S, type Disk Cleanup, and hit Enter
Select your system drive (usually C:)
Check categories like Temporary files, System created Windows Error Reporting, and Recycle Bin
Click Clean up system files for deeper cleanup options

6. Defragment Your Hard Drive (HDD only)

If you're using a traditional spinning hard drive (not an SSD), defragmenting can speed up file access.

How to Do It:

Press Win + S, type Defragment and Optimize Drives
Select your drive and click Optimize

⚠️ Note: If you have an SSD, skip this step — defragmenting is unnecessary and can reduce SSD lifespan.

7. Use Performance Troubleshooter

Windows includes a hidden Performance Troubleshooter to detect and fix issues automatically.

How to Access It:

Press Win + R, type:
```
msdt.exe /id PerformanceDiagnostic
```
Hit Enter and follow the prompts

8. Adjust Visual Effects for Performance

Fancy animations and visual effects can slow down older machines.

How to Adjust:

Press Win + S, type View advanced system settings
Under Performance, click Settings
Choose Adjust for best performance or customize manually

9. Check for Malware with Windows Security

Malware can bog down your system. Windows Security (formerly Windows Defender) offers solid protection.

To Run a Scan:

Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Windows Security > Virus & Threat Protection
Click Quick Scan or Full Scan

10. Update Windows and Drivers

Outdated system files or drivers can cause glitches or slowdowns.

To Update:

Go to Settings > Windows Update
Click Check for updates

Also, check Device Manager for any outdated drivers:

Press Win + X, select Device Manager, and look for any yellow warning signs.

11. Use the Built-In PC Reset Feature (Optional)

If nothing else works, Windows offers a full reset option that reinstalls Windows without removing your personal files.

How to Use:

Go to Settings > System > Recovery
Click Reset this PC
Choose Keep my files (apps and settings will be removed)

⚠️ Warning: This resets Windows settings and removes all installed programs. Back up anything critical first.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need fancy optimizers or risky registry cleaners to revive your PC. Windows 10 and 11 already include a powerful suite of tools that, when used correctly, can restore your system’s speed and responsiveness — all without spending a cent.

Make it a habit to clean up and tune up your system monthly. With just a few clicks, your PC can feel brand new again.

````Retro-futurism````

Friday, May 30, 2025