Fix Slow Computer after Windows 10 Update | Speed Up PC with These 6 Methods

It has been over five years since the release of the Windows 10 Operating System. Currently, approximately 57% or more users globally are utilizing Windows 10. Nevertheless, the issue of computers running slowly after upgrading to Windows 10 continues to困扰着 worldwide users.

Don't worry if your computer becomes sluggish after upgrading to Windows 10. On this page, you'll discover:

• 1. Why is my PC so slow after the Windows 10 update?
• 2. How to speed up my PC after upgrading to Windows 10?

Practical solutions with step-by-step tutorials will be provided here to guide you in effectively speeding up your PC and optimizing its performance effortlessly.

Issue: Computer Running Slow After Upgrading to Windows 10

"Hello, does upgrading to Windows 10 slow down my computer? I just installed a fresh Windows 10 update on my machine today, and the installation went smoothly without any issues. I felt quite fortunate.
However, now when I try to use certain apps and basic programs, they don't respond as promptly as before. Instead of experiencing enhanced speed and performance, it appears that my computer has slowed down after the Windows 10 update. Does upgrading to Windows 10 typically cause this slowdown? How can I address this problem?"

According to the Microsoft community and various Windows forums, it is a prevalent issue that PCs and computers often experience performance slowdowns after upgrading to the latest version of Windows 10. What causes this issue, and how can it be resolved to optimize the computer's speed?

Continue reading, and all your concerns will be addressed in the next two parts.

Causes - Why Is My PC Slow After a Windows 10 Update

Please note that if your computer is running slowly after installing Windows 10, it is normal for the system to take some time to boot up and become accustomed to the new operating system. Simply give it time to optimize and settle in.

But if you've booted up the computer several times, and it's still extremely slow, as if there's a lag or freeze issue,

So, what can you do if a Windows 10 update slows down your PC? The first step is to understand the reasons behind your computer's sluggish performance. Here's a list of possible causes that might explain why your computer is running slowly: 1. Resource Consumption: Updates often require significant system resources, such as CPU, RAM, and disk space. If your PC doesn't have enough resources to handle the update, it may cause a slowdown. 2. Outdated Hardware: If your hardware, like the processor or RAM, is outdated, it might struggle to cope with the demands of the latest updates, leading to slower performance. 3. Background Applications: Other programs running in the background can compete for system resources with the update process, causing your PC to slow down. 4. Malware or Viruses: An infected system might experience performance issues due to malware or viruses, which can be exacerbated by an update. 5. Fragmented Hard Drive: Over time, data on your hard drive can become fragmented, making it less efficient to read and write information. This can affect update performance. 6. Insufficient Maintenance: Regular cleaning of temporary files, caches, and registry entries can help keep your system running smoothly. If these tasks are neglected, it could contribute to the slowdown. 7. Compatibility Issues: Sometimes, a new update may not be fully compatible with certain drivers or software on your system, causing performance issues. 8. Power Settings: Incorrect power settings, particularly on laptops, can limit the performance of your PC during an update. 9. Network Speed: Slow internet connection can prolong the download and installation process, impacting overall system performance. 10. System Restore Points: Having too many restore points can consume storage space, potentially slowing down your system during an update. To address these issues, try the following solutions: 1. Check for Hardware Upgrades: Consider upgrading your hardware components if they're outdated. 2. Scan for Malware: Run a full system scan using an antivirus tool to remove any malicious software. 3. Close Background Apps: End unnecessary processes and apps before installing updates. 4. Defragment Your Drive: Use the built-in defragmentation tool to optimize your hard drive. 5. Regular Maintenance: Perform routine system maintenance, including cleaning temporary files and updating drivers. 6. Check Compatibility: Ensure that your drivers and software are compatible with the latest updates. 7. Adjust Power Settings: Optimize power settings for better performance, especially on laptops. 8. Improve Network Connection: Ensure you have a stable and fast internet connection for downloading updates. 9. Manage Restore Points: Limit the number of restore points to free up storage space. By addressing these factors, you can improve your PC's performance after a Windows 10 update.

• The system C drive is out of space - the main cause
• The system disk has low disk space
• Existing bugs in Windows 10 updates slow down the computer
• The computer is too old to handle new Windows 10 updates

So how do you speed up your computer after upgrading to the latest Windows 10? Follow the solutions provided in the next section, and you'll easily optimize your PC's performance.

Solutions - Resolve Windows 10 Update Causing Slow Computer Issue, Boost PC Performance

Here's a list of solutions to address and resolve the issue of slow computer performance on Windows 10: 1. **Update Windows**: Ensure your system is running the latest version of Windows 10 with all necessary updates installed. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update, and click Check for Updates. 2. **Scan for Malware**: Run a full system scan using Windows Defender or your preferred antivirus software to detect and remove any potential threats. 3. **Disk Cleanup**: Free up disk space by deleting temporary files, system files, and other unnecessary data. Open File Explorer, right-click on the main drive (usually C:), and select Properties. Click on Disk Cleanup, then select the items you want to remove. 4. **Defragment the Hard Drive**: For traditional hard drives, defragmentation can improve performance. Go to Settings > System > Storage > Manage disk and volumes > Optimize. Choose your primary drive and click Optimize. 5. **Disable Startup Programs**: Reduce the load on your system by disabling unnecessary programs that start automatically with Windows. Press Win + R, type "msconfig," and press Enter. Go to the Startup tab and disable unwanted programs. 6. **Adjust Power Settings**: Set your power plan to "High Performance" for better performance. Go to Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options > High Performance. 7. **Update Drivers**: Update your device drivers to the latest versions, particularly graphics and network drivers. Visit the manufacturer's website for each device and download the latest drivers. 8. **Run Performance Monitor**: Use the built-in Performance Monitor to identify any resource-hogging processes. Press Win + R, type "perfmon," and press Enter. Analyze CPU, RAM, disk, and network usage. 9. **Check for Hardware Issues**: Test your RAM and hard drive for errors using Windows' built-in tools. Run Memory Diagnostic by searching for it in the Start menu, and run a CHKDSK scan by opening Command Prompt as an administrator and typing "chkdsk /f /r." 10. **Reduce Visual Effects**: Disable unnecessary visual effects to improve performance. Go to Settings > System > Advanced system settings > Performance Settings, and choose "Adjust for best performance." 11. **Increase Virtual Memory**: Adjust the virtual memory settings if needed. Go to Settings > System > Advanced system settings > Advanced > Settings under the Performance section > Advanced > Change. Set it to "Automatically manage paging file size for all drives" or set a custom size. 12. **Reinstall or Refresh Windows**: As a last resort, you can reinstall or refresh Windows 10 to start fresh, ensuring all system files are clean and uncorrupted. Back up your important data before doing this. By following these steps, you should be able to significantly improve your Windows 10 computer's performance.

• #1. Extend System C Drive (Recommended for PC Speed Up)
• #2. Clear Windows Update Cache
• #3. Disk Cleanup
• #4. Optimize Disk Performance
• #5. Install the Latest Windows Update - For New PCs after 2010
• #6. Perform System Restore, Revert to the Previous Version - For Older PCs before 2010

Please note that certain methods mentioned, particularly Fixes 2, 3, and 6, may result in data loss. Hence, it is crucial to backup your data on the C drive beforehand. Let's proceed to enhance your computer's performance now:

Method 1: Extend the System C Drive to Speed Up Windows 10 PC

The issue of a slow Windows 10 update can be resolved by expanding the C drive. Windows updates often require a certain amount of storage space on the system C drive. If the system C drive runs out of space after a Windows 10 update, the computer's operating speed will decrease.

Extending the system C drive can effectively resolve this issue. How to increase the C drive space? A professional partition manager software - tools Partition Master is the easiest tool you must try.

It allows you to increase the size of the C drive with just a few simple clicks. No data loss will happen, and it even functions effectively even if there is no unallocated space on the system disk.

Here's how to extend the C drive on Windows 10: 1. **Open Disk Management**: - Press `Win + X` keys together and choose 'Disk Management' from the menu. 2. **Locate C Drive (System Reserved may be included)**: - In the Disk Management window, find the drive labeled 'C:' or 'OS (C:)' along with any 'System Reserved' partition if present. 3. **Check for Unallocated Space**: - Look for any unallocated space below the C drive. If there's none, you'll need to resize another partition to create it. 4. **Resize a Partition (if necessary)**: - Right-click on the partition immediately following the C drive (usually D:) and select 'Shrink Volume'. - Follow the prompts to release the desired amount of space, which will create unallocated space. 5. **Extend C Drive**: - With the unallocated space now available, right-click on the C drive and choose 'Extend Volume'. - In the Extend Volume Wizard, click 'Next', then select all the unallocated space and click 'Next' again. - Review your settings, and click 'Finish' to complete the process. 6. **Wait for the Process to Complete**: - The system will now resize the partitions, which might take some time depending on the size of the data being moved. 7. **Verify the New Size**: - Once done, check the C drive properties to confirm the increased size. Please note that these steps might vary slightly based on your system configuration, but this is the general procedure to follow. Make sure to back up important data before making any changes to partitions.

Option 1: Extend the System C drive with unallocated space

1. Right-click on the System C: drive and select "Resize/Move." 2. Drag the system partition end into the unallocated space to add it to the C: drive, then click "OK." 3. Click "Execute Task" and "Apply" to perform the operations and expand the C drive.

Option 2. Extend the System C drive without unallocated space

1. Right-click on a large partition with sufficient free space on the system disk and select "Allocate Space." 2. In the "Allocate Space From (*) To" section, select the system drive, and then drag the end of the System C drive into the unallocated space. Click "OK" to confirm. 3. Click "Execute Task." This will display the pending operations. Click "Apply" to save the changes and extend the C drive.

0:00-0:26 - Extend System Drive with Unallocated Space; 0:27-0:58 - Extend System Drive without Unallocated Space.

Actually, if this operation is performed before updating to Windows 10, it works even better because it prevents your computer from experiencing slow performance issues.

Method 2: Delete Windows.old, Clear Windows Update Cache

When you install a new Windows update, a Windows.old folder is automatically created and saved on the C drive as a backup of the previous Windows operating system. This can occupy a significant amount of space on your system's C drive. Additionally, the Windows update cache will also consume a certain amount of space within the C drive.

Here are the steps you can follow to delete the Windows.old folder and clear the Windows Update cache to speed up your Windows 10 PC:

Delete Windows.old Folder

Step 1. Open Settings, navigate to System, and click on "Storage."

Step 2. Click on "Change how we free up space automatically" under Storage Sense.

Step 3. Check "Delete previous version of Windows" and click "Clean now".

Clear Windows Update Cache

Step 1. Type services in the Windows search bar, then click on "Services" to open it.

Step 2. Right-click on Windows Update, and choose "Stop".

Step 3. Close the Services window, and then press the Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog.

Step 4. Type c:\windows\SoftwareDistribution and click "OK".

Step 5. Open the Download folder and delete all existing files in it.

There, all the problems will be resolved, and you're good to go. Restart your PC, and it will regain its fast operating speed.

Method 3: Perform Disk Cleanup to Speed Up Your PC

Step 1. Open Windows File Explorer and right-click on the C drive.

Step 2. Click "Properties" and navigate to the General tab.

Step 3. Click "Disk Cleanup," and then check the items that are taking up a lot of space on the C drive.

Step 4. Click "Clean up system files" and then "OK" to finish.

重复该过程以清理计算机上其他存在的分区。

Method 4: Optimize Disk Performance

Using the built-in Windows tool to optimize disk performance can also help enhance your computer's speed to a certain extent. Here are the steps to optimize your disk: 1. Press the "Windows" key + "X" on your keyboard, and then select "Disk Management" from the menu. 2. In the "Disk Management" window, locate the drive you want to optimize (usually the C: drive for the main system drive). 3. Right-click on the drive and choose "Properties." 4. In the drive properties window, click on the "Tools" tab. 5. Under the "Tools" tab, find the "Optimize" or "Defragment and Optimize Drives" option, and click on it. 6. If you're using Windows 10, you'll see a list of drives. Select the drive you want to optimize and click "Optimize." For Windows 8 or earlier, click the "Defragment Now" button. 7. The optimization process will begin. It may take some time, depending on the size of the drive and the amount of data. 8. Once the process is complete, close the window. Keep in mind that modern SSDs generally don't require defragmentation, as they work differently from traditional hard disk drives (HDDs). However, running the optimization tool is still beneficial for maintaining overall system health. For HDDs, it's recommended to run this process regularly to keep them running efficiently.

Step 1. Open Windows Device Manager and expand Disk drives.

Step 2. Right-click on the system disk and select "Properties."

Step 3. Go to the Tools tab, and click "Optimize" under Optimize and defragment drive.

Step 4. Select the System C drive and click "Optimize".

Repeat the process to optimize all partitions to boost computer performance. If it's an SSD drive, refer to Optimize SSD Performance for assistance.

Method 5: Install the Latest Windows Update - For New PCs Post-2010

Applies to: Computers and laptops manufactured after 2010.

Occasionally, if a new Windows 10 update includes bugs, it can cause computers to run slowly or even freeze. Generally, once a significant bug is identified, Microsoft releases new updates to address these issues.

The best way is to install the latest Windows 10 update:

Step 1. Go to Settings, and click on "Update & Security."

Step 2. Click "Windows Update" and then choose "Check for Updates".

Step 3. Click "Update Now" if a new update is available.

Wait for the computer to download and install a new Windows 10 update.

Method 6: Perform System Restore, Revert to the Previous Version - For Older PCs Before 2010

Applies to: Older computers manufactured before 2010, particularly those running Windows XP, Vista, or 7.

Sometimes, the reason why your computer is slow after installing the new Windows 10 update is that your computer is too old. It's understandable that the new Windows 10 operating system might not run smoothly on older computers, particularly those running Windows 7, Vista, or XP.

The most effective way to resolve the issue of a slow computer on older PCs is to perform a system restore, reverting the operating system to a previous state.

Step 1. Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog box.

Step 2. Type rstrui.exe and press Enter to open System Restore.

Step 3. Select "Choose a different restore point" and click "Next".

Step 4. Choose a previously created Windows Restore Point and click "Next".

按照屏幕上的指示完成系统还原过程。

Conclusion

On this page, we discussed the reasons behind a computer slowing down after a Windows 10 update and provided 6 effective methods to resolve the issue of decreased Windows 10 performance.

Mostly, low C drive disk space and cached Windows updates are the primary reasons that hinder your computer's performance. Hence, when your computer slows down after installing a new Windows 10 update, extending the C drive and clearing the Windows update cache will address the issue to a great extent.

If you still have questions about a Windows 10 computer slowing down, review the answers below. You might find a clue.

People Also Ask About PC Running Slow After Windows 10 Update

1. Why is my Windows 10 upgrade taking so long? The Windows 10 upgrade process can take a significant amount of time due to several factors. Here are some reasons why your upgrade might be progressing slowly: 1. **File Analysis and Preparation**: The upgrade process first checks your existing system files, compares them with the new version, and prepares the necessary data for the transition. This stage can be time-consuming. 2. **Data Migration**: If you have a lot of personal files, applications, and settings, the upgrade needs to migrate this data to the new operating system. A larger amount of data will naturally take more time. 3. **OS Installation**: The actual installation of the Windows 10 OS involves copying new files and configuring settings. This step can also take a while, especially if your computer's hard drive is slow or has limited space. 4. **Updates and Optimization**: After the initial installation, Windows may download and install additional updates to ensure you have the latest security patches and features. 5. **Driver Compatibility**: The upgrade process might need to find and install compatible drivers for your hardware, which can add to the overall duration. 6. **Performance**: Your computer's performance, such as CPU speed, RAM, and available disk space, can impact the upgrade time. Slower hardware will take longer to complete the process. To make the upgrade process smoother, ensure your computer is connected to a stable power source, has enough disk space, and is not running any resource-intensive programs. Be patient, as the time it takes can vary greatly depending on your specific system configuration.

Typically, Windows 10 updates can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, or even longer. The extended duration is mainly due to the fact that larger updates incorporate more extensive files and features into the system.

Additionally, to enhance Windows performance and address bugs, the larger system files need to be downloaded and installed, which might result in a longer update process.

2. Why is my laptop so slow? There could be several reasons why your laptop is running slowly. Here are some common causes and potential solutions: 1. **Resource Overload**: Your laptop might be running too many programs at once, consuming its processing power. Close unnecessary applications and background processes. 2. **Low Disk Space**: If your hard drive is almost full, it can significantly slow down your laptop. Delete unnecessary files, clear cache, and consider upgrading to a larger storage device or using cloud storage. 3. **Outdated Software**: Make sure your operating system and software are up to date. Updates often include performance improvements. 4. **Malware or Viruses**: Run a reputable antivirus scan to check for any malicious software that could be causing the issue. 5. **Insufficient RAM**: If your laptop has low RAM, it may struggle with multitasking. Consider upgrading your RAM if possible. 6. **Overheating**: Laptops can slow down when they overheat. Ensure proper ventilation, use a cooling pad, and clean dust from fans. 7. **Battery Settings**: If your laptop is running on battery, it may be throttling performance to conserve energy. Plug in your laptop to see if this improves speed. 8. **Driver Issues**: Outdated or corrupted drivers can affect performance. Update your drivers, especially those for your graphics card and hardware components. 9. **Hard Drive Issues**: A failing or fragmented hard drive can cause slowness. Check for disk errors and consider defragmenting or upgrading to an SSD. 10. **Power Settings**: Adjust your power settings to "High Performance" mode, which can boost your laptop's speed. If none of these steps help, it might be time to take your laptop to a professional for diagnosis and repair.

There are numerous reasons why your laptop might become slow. Here's a list of common factors that can contribute to a sluggish laptop performance: 1. Insufficient RAM (Random Access Memory): If your laptop has too little RAM, it struggles to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, causing it to slow down. 2. Overloaded Startup Programs: Many applications configure themselves to run at startup, consuming valuable system resources and slowing down the boot process. 3. Outdated Hardware: An outdated processor or hard drive may not be able to cope with the demands of modern software, leading to slow performance. 4. Malware or Viruses: Infections from malware, spyware, or viruses can significantly slow down your laptop by using up processing power and causing system instability. 5. Fragmented Data: Over time, files on your hard drive can become fragmented, making it harder for your laptop to access them quickly, which slows down overall performance. 6. Too Many Running Processes: If you have numerous applications or background processes running, they can consume a lot of system resources, causing your laptop to slow down. 7. Insufficient Disk Space: A nearly full hard drive can hinder your laptop's performance, as it has less room to store temporary files and perform essential operations. 8. Outdated Drivers: Outdated device drivers can cause compatibility issues and affect your laptop's performance. Regularly updating them can help maintain optimal speed. 9. Overheating: Continuous usage without proper ventilation can cause your laptop to overheat, leading to throttling of the processor speed to prevent damage, resulting in slower performance. 10. Operating System Issues: Software bugs, accumulated junk files, and lack of regular updates can bog down your operating system, causing your laptop to slow down. To improve your laptop's speed, address these issues by optimizing startup programs, updating hardware and software, removing malware, defragmenting your hard drive, and ensuring adequate cooling.

1. The dust inside your laptop
2. Malware or virus infection
3. Very slow startup
4. Low disk space
5. Outdated or failing hardware
6. Windows update problems

So how to resolve this problem? You may refer to Lenovo Laptop Running Slow for assistance.

3. How to fix Windows 10 suddenly running slow?

When your Windows 10 computer starts to slow down unexpectedly, don't panic. Here's a comprehensive list of practical solutions you can attempt to boost your PC's performance: 1. **Check for Malware and Viruses:** Run a full system scan using your antivirus software to detect and remove any malicious software that could be causing the slowdown. 2. **Update Windows and Drivers:** Ensure your operating system and device drivers are up to date. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update to check for available updates. 3. **Perform a Disk Cleanup:** Free up space on your hard drive by deleting temporary files and system junk. Open File Explorer, right-click on your main drive (usually C:), select Properties, then click Disk Cleanup. 4. **Defragment Your Hard Drive:** If you're using a traditional hard disk drive (HDD), defragment it to optimize file storage. Go to Settings > System > Storage > Optimize Drives. 5. **Disable Startup Programs:** Reduce the load on your system at startup by disabling unnecessary programs. Press Win + R, type "msconfig," and go to the Startup tab. 6. **Adjust Visual Effects:** Choose "Adjust for best performance" in the System Properties' Performance Options to disable visual effects that may be impacting speed. 7. **Update BIOS:** Check if there are any BIOS updates available from your computer manufacturer's website. This can improve system stability. 8. **Check RAM and CPU Usage:** Monitor your system resources using Task Manager (Win + Ctrl + Shift + B) and close any resource-intensive processes. 9. **Create More RAM with Virtual Memory:** Increase your virtual memory settings. Go to Settings > System > Advanced system settings > Advanced > Performance > Settings > Advanced > Change. 10. **Uninstall Unwanted Software:** Remove unused or rarely used programs to free up space and reduce system clutter. Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features. 11. **Run a Memory Diagnostic:** Test your RAM for errors by going to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Memory Diagnostics. 12. **Consider a Solid State Drive (SSD):** Upgrade to an SSD for faster boot times and overall performance improvement. 13. **Reinstall Windows 10:** As a last resort, perform a clean installation of Windows 10 to resolve underlying issues that may be affecting performance. By trying these steps, you should be able to significantly improve the speed and responsiveness of your Windows 10 computer.

• Reboot the computer
• Scan for malware and viruses
• Close background programs
• Install Windows updates
• Delete temporary files
• Free up Windows disk space
• Increase the size of the C drive
• ...

For a detailed walkthrough, please refer to Windows 10 Suddenly Slow for assistance.