“Is your PC feeling sluggish lately?”
“Startup takes forever, and even opening a browser is painfully slow.”
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many Windows users experience this issue over time.
That slow performance doesn’t always mean your PC is broken. In most cases, it’s just “cluttered inside.”
In this article, we’ll walk you through step-by-step methods to clean and optimize your Windows PC—even if you’re not tech-savvy.
Common Symptoms of a Cluttered PC
- Startup takes more than a minute to reach the desktop
- Switching between folders and apps feels delayed
- Web pages load slowly in any browser
- Videos stutter or lag while playing
- Installing or uninstalling apps takes unusually long
These issues are often caused by unseen clutter inside your system, such as leftover files, too many background apps, and more.
Why Does Windows Get Slower Over Time?
| Cause | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Temporary Files & Cache | Automatically generated files pile up and take up disk space. |
| Background Apps | Hidden apps running in the background drain memory and CPU. |
| Startup Programs | Too many auto-start apps slow down the boot process. |
| Registry Errors | Corrupted registry data can cause performance issues. |
| Software Fragments | Leftover junk from old updates or uninstalled apps bog down performance. |
Let’s look at how you can clean up your PC manually—step by step.
Easy Fixes You Can Try Right Now
1. Use Task Manager to Disable Startup Apps
- Press
Ctrl + Shift + Escto open Task Manager. - Go to the “Startup” tab.
- Right-click unnecessary apps and choose “Disable.”
- Restart your PC and check if performance improves.
2. Delete Unnecessary Files and Cache
- Open Settings → System → Storage.
- Click on “Temporary Files” and delete them.
- Clear browser cache/history from Chrome or Edge.
3. Clean Up Your Browser
- Clear cookies and cached files.
- Remove unused extensions.
- Try another browser or restart the current one.
4. Adjust Graphics and Power Settings
- Reduce resolution (e.g., from 1080p to 720p).
- Go to Settings → Power & Sleep → Additional Power Settings.
- Select “High Performance” mode.
5. Run Disk Cleanup & System Scans
- Search
Disk Cleanupfrom the Start menu and run it. - Open Command Prompt as Admin and run:
sfc /scannow - Check for updates via Windows Update.
Too Complicated? Try a One-Click Tool
Not sure which files to delete? Don’t want to risk messing up settings?
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Real-Life Example
I tested Avast Cleanup Premium on a 5-year-old laptop that took over 2 minutes to boot.
- 🕒 Boot time reduced: 2 min → 40 seconds
- 🌐 Smoother browser scrolling
- 💻 App switching became instant
No tech knowledge needed. Just click “Start Optimization” and relax.
FAQ
Q1: Are free cleanup tools enough?
A: Not usually. Free versions often miss deep registry cleanup and automatic optimization.
Q2: Does it work with Windows 11?
A: Yes, it’s officially compatible with Windows 11, including version 24H2.
Q3: Is it safe?
A: Absolutely. Avast is a globally trusted name in cybersecurity.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Give Up on Your PC
A slow PC doesn’t always mean it’s time for a replacement.
Try cleaning it up first—you might be surprised how much faster it becomes.
Avast Cleanup Premium offers an easy, safe, and affordable way to breathe new life into your computer.
Now’s a great time to try it—before your system crashes again
✔️You might also find these helpful:
▶︎Windows Won’t Boot After July 2025 Update? Fix Black Screen & Startup Loops
▶︎How to Fix Display Issues After Windows Update (2025 Guide)
💡 Looking for more tips? Check out our full list of Windows Help Guides.
