From the very moment you turn on your Windows-based PC, it may seem like the processor is working in molasses. Despite improvements in the Windows code base, the operating system still remains notoriously slow, whether you are running XP or Vista. We consulted with some leading IT experts on their top recommendations to speed up your Windows OS:

Limit The Programs that Run on Startup:

Even if you only have a few program windows open, you may have dozens of programs running in the background. Most commonly, this occurs when you have programs that are set to run on startup. In some cases, such as anti-virus scanners this can be useful, while in other cases, such as photo editing tools, it’s unnecessary.

Increase Your Computer’s RAM:

Adding more physical memory to your PC will help speed up startup and run-times, while limiting the potential complications that arise when running complex programs. When your system runs out of physical RAM capacity, it reverts to virtual RAM from your hard disk which is much slower and more cumbersome. Today, additional RAM is quite affordable and can make a world of difference in your OS speed.

Consider Lowering Your Windows Display Settings:

Under the Windows settings you can decide to turn off certain levels of animation, which can slow down your operating system, especially if you have limited memory and graphics processing power.

Keep Your Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware Programs Updated:

If your computer is effected by malware, it can greatly slow down your PC speed. Run computer security checks regularly to make sure your system isn’t impacted, and invest in programs that prevent future attacks, such as Norton and Symantec.

Consider Defragmenting Your Hard Drive

Over time, installations in your hard disk might become fragmented, slowing down the speed at which certain programs and files run. Running a “defrag” program will help alleviate these problems. Running a parallel Registry cleaner will further speed up your computer.