Save space on your computer by disabling these 7 Windows 10 features
Your computer doesn’t come out of the box perfectly optimized. There are a few built-in features that might even slow your system down. Some exist to help you, like Windows 10’s Power saver plan.
This feature lowers your PC’s performance to save energy. If you don’t like it, change it by heading to Control Panel and clicking Hardware and Sound. Click Power Options > Show additional plans > High performance.
Just like that, you improved your user experience. That’s just one of many changes you can make to improve your computer’s performance and save valuable space. Here are seven more ways to optimize your Windows 10 computer, brought to you by our sponsor, Dell.
1. Save space and protect yourself from Bluetooth hacks at the same time
One way crooks can hack into your computer is by slipping in through your Bluetooth connection. In 2020, cybersecurity experts discovered an exploit in Bluetooth chips that let hackers send devices malicious data. Tap or click here to find out if your phone is at risk and what can be done.
If you never use Bluetooth, consider disabling the Bluetooth service. Here’s how:
- Select the Start button.
- Head to Settings.
- Tap Devices.
- Select Bluetooth & other devices.
- Find the Bluetooth toggle and turn it Off.
Next up: Here’s a way to make your computer start more quickly.
2. Disable startup applications
Admit it. You sometimes click “yes” on notifications just to make them go away. You may have inadvertently let specific programs start automatically. Now they slow down your computer from the moment you turn it on.
Shut them down if you aren’t using them. Minimizing how many programs run when your computer turns on makes it run more efficiently. Here’s an easy way to get the job done:
- First, head to the Windows search box.
- There, type Task Manager.
- Choose the Startup tab, which takes you to a list of the programs that automatically start when you turn your computer on.
- Right-click on the programs you don’t need and choose Disable.
Signs your phone or computer is infected with a keylogger
Hackers and scammers are a constant threat, but they’re not the only ones you must worry about. People in your social circles (or even in your own house) can spy on you by forwarding your calls and texts. Tap or click here to check if your calls are being intercepted and how to stop it.
Apple tip: How to record your phone screen
Have you ever tried to give someone instructions on using a feature on their phone, but they can’t figure it out? Learning new tricks can be incredibly frustrating, especially with technology evolving every few months. Want to navigate your computer easier? Tap or click here for handy keyboard shortcuts.
Microsoft is killing a feature users have relied on for years
If you’ve used Windows over several editions, you’re probably used to the layout by now. Aside from the weirdness that was Windows 8, it’s all fairly routine: The Start Menu is in the bottom left, you can right-click to copy and paste, CTRL+ALT+DEL opens the task manager and the Control Panel lets you adjust settings.