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.
5-minute tech fix: Finally speed up your PC
When your computer slows to a crawl, it’s frustrating, and you want to fix it as fast as possible. Occasionally, your internet is actually to blame. Tap or click for the best ways to fix a pokey Wi-Fi connection.
If your computer is on its last legs, there’s not a ton you can do aside from buying a new one. Not sure where to start? I can help. My team and I created a laptop quiz to help you find the right model for you. Tap or click to take our 60-second quiz to find a perfect laptop based on your needs and budget.
Slow computer? 9 ways to make it run faster
Anyone who uses a computer has probably experienced a PC slowdown. Your programs open sluggishly, web browsing seems pokey, apps are lagging and your computer startup time is worse than you remember.
Even Windows 10 is not immune to these occasional lags, and it could be a bit frustrating trying to figure out what’s going on — especially with a relatively new operating system. Not running Windows 10 yet? Tap or click here to upgrade from Windows 7 to 10.
Free Hollywood-grade video editor is tops and you can't beat the price
Just the equipment can be rather intimidating and the apps expensive and, for some, difficult to learn and use. Still, if they weren’t so pricey, more of us would likely at least give it a shot.