How to Speed Up Your Computer or Laptop Instantly

A slow computer or laptop can be frustrating, especially when simple tasks like opening files or browsing the web take too long. The good news is that you can speed up your computer or laptop instantly using safe, proven methods—without buying new hardware or advanced technical skills.

This complete guide explains step-by-step instructions for beginners and advanced users. You will learn how to clean junk files, optimize Windows settings, and use a ready-to-copy BAT file to automate cleanup. Each step is written in clear, simple language so anyone can follow along.

Why Computers Become Slow Over Time

Before fixing the problem, it helps to understand why it happens:

• Temporary files build up in the background
• Too many programs start with Windows
• Old updates and cache files remain unused
• Hard drives become cluttered or fragmented
• Background services consume memory and CPU

Fixing these issues can immediately improve system speed.

Quick Wins: Speed Up Your Computer Instantly

1. Restart Your Computer

This clears memory (RAM) and stops unnecessary background processes.
If your system has been running for days, this alone can make it faster.

2. Disable Startup Programs (Beginner-Friendly)

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc
2. Open the Startup tab
3. Disable apps you don’t need at startup (e.g., launchers, updaters)

✔ Result: Faster boot time and smoother performance.

Clean Temporary Files (Manual Method)

Step 1: Clean User Temp Files

1. Press Windows + R
2. Type: %temp%
3. Press Enter
4. Select all files → Delete
5. Skip files that are in use

Step 2: Clean Windows Temp Files

1. Press Windows + R
2. Type: temp
3. Press Enter
4. Delete all files (admin permission required)

⚡ Instant Speed Boost: Automated Cleanup Using BAT File

This method safely removes:

• User temp files
• Windows temp files
• Prefetch files

🔹 Step-by-Step: How to Create a BAT File

1. Right-click on your desktop
2. Select New → Text Document
3. Name it: cleanup.bat
   (Make sure it is not cleanup.bat.txt)
4. Open the file with Notepad
5. Copy and paste the code below
6. Save the file
7. Right-click the file → Run as Administrator

📋 Copy & Paste This BAT File Code

@echo off
title Clear Temp and Prefetch Files
echo =====================================
echo   Cleaning TEMP and PREFETCH Files
echo =====================================
echo.

:: Clear User Temp
echo Deleting User Temp files...
del /f /s /q "%temp%\*" >nul 2>&1
for /d %%p in ("%temp%\*") do rd /s /q "%%p" >nul 2>&1

:: Clear Windows Temp
echo Deleting Windows Temp files...
del /f /s /q "C:\Windows\Temp\*" >nul 2>&1
for /d %%p in ("C:\Windows\Temp\*") do rd /s /q "%%p" >nul 2>&1

:: Clear Prefetch
echo Deleting Prefetch files...
del /f /s /q "C:\Windows\Prefetch\*" >nul 2>&1

echo.
echo Cleanup completed successfully.
echo.
pause

✔ Safe for Windows 10 & 11
✔ No system files removed
✔ Can be reused weekly

Advanced Methods to Speed Up Your Computer

1. Enable Storage Sense (Windows 10 & 11)

1. Open Settings
2. Go to System → Storage
3. Turn on Storage Sense

This automatically deletes junk files in the background.

2. Adjust Performance Settings

1. Press Windows + R
2. Type: sysdm.cpl
3. Go to Advanced → Performance Settings
4. Select Adjust for best performance
5. Apply changes

✔ Improves speed on low-end systems.

3. Check for Malware (Very Important)

Even one hidden malware process can slow your PC.

• Use Windows Security → Full Scan
• Avoid running multiple antivirus tools together

4. Update Drivers and Windows

Outdated drivers can cause lag and crashes.

• Open Settings → Windows Update
• Install pending updates
• Restart after updating

5. Upgrade Storage (Optional but Powerful)

If your computer still uses an HDD:

• Switching to an SSD can improve speed by 3–5×
• Boot times drop from minutes to seconds

How Often Should You Do These Steps?

• BAT file cleanup: once a week
• Startup app review: once a month
• Full scan: every 2–4 weeks
• System update: whenever available

Common Questions

Is deleting temp files safe?

Yes. Temp files are created for short-term use and are safe to remove.

Will the BAT file damage my system?

No. It only removes temporary and cache files, not system files.

Can I use this on Windows 11?

Yes. The steps and BAT file work on Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Will this make old laptops faster?

Yes. Especially laptops with limited RAM or storage space.

Final Thoughts

If your system feels slow, you don’t need expensive software or hardware upgrades right away. By following this guide, you can speed up your computer or laptop instantly using safe cleanup methods and simple optimizations.

Start with the BAT file cleanup, then apply the advanced methods for long-term performance improvement. These steps are beginner-friendly, effective, and proven to work.