Here is a concise summary of the text:
**10 Free Ways to Speed Up a Slow Windows Computer:**
1. **Clear startup programs and services** to reduce resource usage.
2. **Disable unnecessary services** to free up resources.
3. **Uninstall unused programs** to declutter and free up space.
4. **Scan for malware and viruses** to ensure system security.
5. **Disable Windows animations** for a performance boost.
6. **Adjust power settings** to High Performance (especially on laptops).
7. **Check for hard disk errors** using Command Prompt (CMD).
8. **Verify Windows File Integrity** using System File Checker (SFC).
9. **Check for memory errors** with Windows Memory Diagnostic.
10. **Reformat and reinstall Windows** (extreme option, not recommended for beginners).
**Bonus (Non-Free) Options:**
1. **Replace main hard drive with an SSD** for significant performance gain.
2. **Upgrade RAM** (if currently using 8GB or less and running resource-intensive programs).
Here are the key facts extracted from the text, keeping each fact a short sentence and numbered for reference:
**Windows Optimization Facts**
1. Over time, computers can slow down due to various reasons.
2. Windows 8 and 10: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager and view startup programs.
3. Windows 7 and earlier: Run "msconfig" to view and manage startup programs.
4. Disabling unnecessary startup programs can improve computer speed.
5. Services can run in the background without being visible in the taskbar.
6. Run "Services.msc" to view and manage Windows services.
7. Disabling unnecessary services can improve computer performance.
8. Uninstalling unused programs can free up hard drive space and reduce startup clutter.
**Malware and Updates**
9. Scanning for malware and viruses can help identify slowdown causes.
10. Free antivirus options include Avast, AVG, Bitdefender, and Malwarebytes.
**Performance Tweaks**
11. Disabling Windows animations can improve performance, especially on low-power computers.
12. To disable animations, go to Ease of Access settings or Control Panel > System > Advanced System Settings.
13. Keeping software up-to-date (Windows, graphics drivers, etc.) can improve performance and security.
14. Checking power settings can help; setting to "High Performance" may improve speed.
**Troubleshooting and Advanced Steps**
15. Checking the hard disk for errors can be done using the Command Prompt (WMIC or CHKDSK /f).
16. A failing hard drive may display errors and should be replaced.
17. Running the System File Checker (SFC /scannow) can identify and repair corrupted system files.
18. Checking for memory errors can be done using the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool.
19. Reformatting the hard drive and reinstalling Windows can be a last resort to resolve persistent issues.
**Hardware Upgrades (Not Free)**
20. Replacing a main hard drive with an SSD can significantly improve computer speed.
21. Adding more memory (RAM) may be beneficial if currently having 8GB or less, but an SSD is recommended first.