Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
To speed up a slow Windows PC, start with three built-in checks: install available updates and run a Windows Security Quick scan, review storage before removing files, and disable only unneeded startup apps. These are useful first steps, not guaranteed fixes—check performance after each one because a slow computer can have several causes.
1. Install available updates and run a quick malware scan
Outdated software and malware can affect performance. Microsoft says Windows updates often include fixes and performance improvements, while malware can consume CPU and disk resources. Neither an update nor a scan is guaranteed to resolve every slowdown.
- Open Settings > Windows Update and select Check for updates.
- Install any updates offered. Restart if Windows prompts you to do so, then see whether the PC feels more responsive.
- Open the Windows Security app, go to Virus & threat protection, and run a Quick scan. Review any results and follow Windows Security’s instructions.
Microsoft’s Windows performance guidance covers updates, malware, and other possible causes of a slow PC.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2. Check storage and review cleanup choices
Low disk space can reduce performance. First check how much space is available: in File Explorer, open This PC, or go to Settings > System > Storage. If storage is crowded, review Windows’ cleanup options rather than deleting files blindly.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Ergonomic Wireless Keyboard Mouse 】: Wireless ergonomic keyboard is equipped with adjustable height tilt legs to increase comfort and prevent your wrists injury when typing for a long time. The full size wireless keyboard with numeric keypad and 12 multimedia shortcut keys, such as play/ pause, volume increase and decrease, and email, to help you improve work efficiency
- 【Stable & Reliable Wireless Connection】: This wireless keyboard and mouse combo share the same USB receiver(stored in the mouse), and they can also be used separately. Plug & play, no need to download any software, 2.4 GHz wireless provides a powerful and reliable connection up to 33 feet(10m) without any delays.You can enjoy the convenience and freedom of wireless connection at home or at work
- 【Comfortable Optical Mouse】: This compact lightweight wireless mouse features a hand-friendly contoured shape for all-day comfort, and smooth, precise tracking.1600 DPI to meet your daily needs. Perfect for home & office work and entertainment
- 【Long Battery Life】: Up to 365 Days of battery life for keyboard and mouse wireless, say goodbye to the hassle of charging cables and replacing batteries. After 10 minutes of inactivity, the wireless keyboard mouse combo will automatically go into sleep mode to save energy. The wireless keyboard requires one AAA battery, and the wireless mouse requires one AA battery.
- 【Less Noise, More Quiet Keys】: Soft membrane keys provide a quiet and comfortable typing experience, So you can type with confidence on a wireless keyboard crafted for comfort, precision and fluidity. The wireless mouse adopts silent micro-motion technology, which is almost completely silent when clicked. No more concerns about disturbing others.
Use Storage settings carefully
On Windows 11, open Settings > System > Storage and review Cleanup recommendations. Check the files and categories selected before you remove anything; delete only what you recognize as unnecessary. Microsoft explains the available choices in its Storage Sense guidance.
Storage Sense can remove temporary files and items in the Recycle Bin according to its settings. It works on the system drive. Downloads and cloud content are not managed unless you configure those options. Check its settings before enabling automatic cleanup so you understand what may be removed.
Rank #2
- ▶[Comfortable Wireless Keyboard Mouse Combo] : This wireless keyboard mouse combo has a comfortable touch and typing feel, this wireless keyboard design with palm rest and folding holder that can protect your wrists from injury even when typing for a long time. Note: The USB receiver is in the battery compartment of the mouse, you can find it when open the mouse battery cover.
- ▶[2. 4G Stable Wireless Connection] : This wireless keyboard and mouse combo share the same USB receiver, no need to take upadditional USB ports (Also the wireless keyboard and mouse can also be used separately). Plug & play, no need to download any software, 2.4 GHz wireless provides a powerful and reliable connection up to 33 feet(10m) without any delays.
- ▶[Auto-enter Power Saving Function] : This wireless keyboard mouse combo need not any switch, It has a smart power saving chip, when you stop using the keyboard more than 10 seconds, stop using the mouse more than 2 minutes, they will auto-enter sleep mode respectively to save power. This feature greatly extends the battery life, you can click any button to activity the device.
- ▶[3 Adjustable DPI Wireless Mouse] : This is a optical wireless mouse with 3 levels adjustable DPI(800/1600/2400), you can get your favorite mouse movement speed by adjusting the DPI button. Optical wireless mouse also can smooth movement even on smooth surfaces. In addition, this wireless mouse is symmetry design, no matter you are Right handed Left handed, both hands are available, suitable for all people.
- ▶[Universal Compatibility and 12 Months After-sales Service] : Our wireless keyboard and mice combo compatible with windows XP/Vista/7/8/10/X, Mac and other operating system. Works well with desktops, Chrome-book, PC, Laptop, Computer and more. Our promises that our product have a 12-month free after-sales service. Even after the Amazon return period, as long as you contact our email, we will help you solve all problems.
Be especially cautious with Previous Windows installation(s): deleting these files can remove the option to roll back to the earlier Windows version. Don’t select that cleanup option unless you’re sure you won’t need to return to the previous installation.
Move large personal files if the drive is crowded
If photos, videos, music, or documents are taking up space, Microsoft suggests moving infrequently used files to external storage. This frees space on the PC while the files are stored elsewhere; the external device itself does not make the computer faster.
Rank #3
- Durable and Reliable: This USB keyboard features a curved space bar, spill-resistant design (2), durable keys that can withstand 10 million keystrokes, and sturdy, adjustable tilt legs
- Comfortable, Familiar Typing: You’ll enjoy a comfortable and familiar typing experience thanks to the deep-profile keys and standard layout with full-size F-keys and number pad
- Full-size Sculpted Mouse: The high-definition optical USB mouse puts comfort and control in your hands with smooth, accurate tracking and an ambidextrous shape that feels good hour after hour
- Simple Set-Up: Simply plug the keyboard and mouse into the USB ports on your desktop, laptop, or netbook and you're ready to work; compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10 or later
- Clear and Convenient: The bold, bright white and long-lasting characters make the keys on this PC or laptop keyboard easy to read and extra durable
For Windows 10, the exact Storage options and labels can differ. Microsoft’s drive-space guidance describes ways to review and free space. Check the files selected before cleanup in either version.
3. Disable startup apps you don’t need
Apps that launch automatically can slow startup and use resources in the background. Disable only entries you recognize and do not need immediately after sign-in—don’t turn off every item just to shorten boot time.
Rank #4
- 【Lag-free & Efficient】Stable and reliable connection of wireless keyboard and mouse is up to 10m(33ft). This combo share a nano USB receiver, no need to take up additional USB ports (Also the wireless keyboard and mouse can also be used separately). Plug and play, no software needed,convenient and efficient.
- 【Quiet & Type in Comfort】Wireless keyboard come with adjustable height tilt legs to increase comfort and prevent your wrists injury when typing for a long time.Our wireless keyboard adopts a silent structure. Soft membrane keys provide a quiet and comfortable typing experience.The wireless mouse is quiet without any clicking sound also.So whether at home or in the office, you can use this combo as you please without worrying about disturbing others.
- 【Full Size Keyboard】This keyboard saves desktop space while retaining its full size.The full size wireless keyboard with numeric keypad and 12 multimedia shortcut keys, such as play/ pause, volume increase and decrease, and search, to help you improve work efficiency.
- 【Auto Power Saving Function】Wireless keyboard and mouse have a smart auto-sleep mode to save power for long battery life. They will enter sleep mode after stop using a while(Refer to the instructions for details). Unplug the receiver or after the PC shutdown, they will enter sleep mode too.You can press any keys to wake. (battery life may vary based on user and computing conditions)
- 【Comfortable Optical Mouse】This silent wireless mice provides 3 adjustable DPI (800/1200/1600) to meet your different needs in terms of sensitivity.The compact lightweight design of wireless mouse and a hand-friendly contoured shape for all-day comfort, and smooth, precise tracking. Very suitable for office and daily use.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Select Startup apps.
- Review the list, select an app you recognize and don’t need at startup, then choose Disable. Leave unfamiliar or important entries alone.
- Restart the PC and check whether startup or everyday use feels more responsive.
Microsoft explains the effect of startup apps and other performance settings in its Windows performance guidance.
If the PC is still slow
These steps address updates and malware, storage pressure, and startup activity. If they don’t help, look for a specific workload or symptom rather than repeating cleanup. Microsoft also identifies resource-heavy apps, background activity, visual effects, power mode, and drive optimization as possible follow-up areas. A slowdown can have more than one cause.
Best Value
- Reliable Plug and Play: The USB receiver provides a reliable wireless connection up to 33 ft (1), so you can forget about drop-outs and delays and you can take it wherever you use your computer
- Type in Comfort: The design of this keyboard creates a comfortable typing experience thanks to the low-profile, quiet keys and standard layout with full-size F-keys, number pad, and arrow keys
- Durable and Resilient: This full-size wireless keyboard features a spill-resistant design (2), durable keys and sturdy tilt legs with adjustable height
- Long Battery Life: MK270 combo features a 36-month keyboard and 12-month mouse battery life (3), along with on/off switches allowing you to go months without the hassle of changing batteries
- Easy to Use: This wireless keyboard and mouse combo features 8 multimedia hotkeys for instant access to the Internet, email, play/pause, and volume so you can easily check out your favorite sites
Check the drive before trying to optimize it manually
Windows generally optimizes data drives automatically: it defragments hard drives and trims SSDs. Avoid third-party defragmenters and don’t manually defragment an SSD. See Microsoft’s drive optimization guidance.
Consider hardware only after checking compatibility
An older PC with outdated hardware may not improve significantly from software changes. Microsoft notes that storage speed can matter more than capacity and that PCs with hard disk drives (HDDs) are typically slower to use than those with solid-state drives (SSDs). An SSD may be an option for a compatible PC currently using an HDD, but check the exact PC model, drive interface, size, and upgradeability before buying. Compatibility and possible improvement vary by computer; no particular compatible drive or speed gain is established here.
Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025. As of October 2026, Windows 10 no longer receives free software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes from Windows Update. Microsoft recommends moving to Windows 11. See the lifecycle information in Microsoft’s Windows performance guidance.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
