Computer feeling heavy? Before you run out to buy a new one, it's worth clearing out the "digital junk" that piles up in the operating system and slows down your work.
1. Cleaning the Temp Folder
What do you do?
The operating system keeps temporary files from previous actions that are never deleted.
Press the keyboard shortcut Win + R.
In the window that opens, type: %temp% and press Enter.
Select all the files (Ctrl + A) and click Delete.
*Note:* if a message appears saying a certain file is in use, just click "Skip".
2. Using the "Disk Cleanup" Tool
How do you run it?
This is a built-in Windows tool that clears unnecessary system files.
Search the taskbar for "Disk Cleanup".
Select drive C and click OK.
Check all the boxes (including temporary files and the Recycle Bin).
Click "Clean up system files" for a deeper cleanup of leftover old Windows updates.
3. Managing Startup Software
Computer starting up slowly? There might be too many programs trying to launch along with it.
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
Go to the Startup tab (startup applications).
Identify programs you don't need opening on their own and click Disable.
Still slow? There might be a hardware issue
Sometimes cleaning isn't enough and a memory upgrade or hard drive check is needed.
