That said, it sure can suck. Whether it’s speed, security, or user experience, Windows certainly leaves a lot to be desired. As installations get older, many users find their systems bogged down by registry problems, bloatware, and hibernation issues, and all of these can lead to a less-than-enjoyable user experience. But it doesn’t have to be that way. In this article, we’ll describe seven ways to enhance your Windows experience. By the end, you’ll be equipped to make your system faster, more performant, and more secure. Let’s get started!
Delete Bloatware
Windows is a great operating system, but it’s not perfect. Out of the box, it comes with a lot of bloatware that can slow your computer down, taking up valuable disk space. This can include:
Trial versions of programs you don’t need, Games you’ll never play, Random toolbars that you’ll never use, Other unnecessary software
Most bloatware is the result of financial incentives between third-party companies and Windows. In the vast majority of cases, all it does is slow your system down and make your Windows experience worse. Fortunately, there are several ways to delete bloatware & free up your computer’s resources. The first way is to use the built-in Windows uninstaller. To do this: If you don’t want to use the Windows uninstaller, you can use third-party software. These programs will scan your computer for installed programs and allow you to uninstall them easily.
Use a Windows Password Manager
Password managers are essential in the modern world. They enhance your experience, save you time & improve your security through features like two-factor authentication and encryption. Though rarely advertised, Windows comes with its own native password manager called Credential Manager that can help improve the Windows experience. There are also a number of popular third-party password managers with extended functionality that work great on Windows.
Use the Cloud Clipboard
Windows 10 includes a built-in cloud clipboard you can use to store clips from any device. This means you can copy and paste text, images, and files between devices. To use it, open the Settings app and go to System > Clipboard to use the cloud clipboard. Next, turn on the switch for “Sync across devices.” Now, when you copy something on one device, it will get copied to the cloud clipboard and be available on other devices. Using the clipboard can be a great way to keep your work organized and make it easier to transfer files between devices like your mobile phone, and computer.
Install the Latest Software Version
Windows releases new software versions with bug fixes and enhancements regularly. Make sure you install the latest version to enjoy the best Windows experience possible. Open the Settings app and select Update & Security > Windows Update to check for software updates. If any updates are available for your device, they will be listed here. You can then select individual updates and choose whether to install them or not.
Scan for Malware
Malware is a type of software installed on your computer that, as its name suggests, engages in malicious actions against your system. It can be used to steal your personal information, install ransomware, or even take control of your computer. To protect yourself from malware, scan your computer regularly for infections. Windows has a built-in antivirus program that works incredibly well for most purposes, so start with that. You can also try other third-party antivirus software if you want a more powerful scanner.
Use the High-Performance Power Plan
Windows has a default power plan designed to provide the best balance between performance and energy savings. While this is great for laptops and tablets, you probably want to switch to the high-performance power plan if you’re using a desktop or have a gaming PC. This will increase your computer’s performance by allowing it to use more of its resources. To switch to the high-performance power plan:
- Open the Control Panel.
- Click on Power Options.
- Select the high-performance option and click OK.
Shut Down Your Device Once a Week
Like people, Windows devices need a break too. Programs can accumulate in memory, and small errors can balloon out of control if left for long enough. By shutting your device down once a week, you’re doing your part to help keep it running smoothly. Restarting your device can also refresh its memory, which will clear unnecessary files and stop programs from running in the background.
Conclusion
Windows is certainly a fine operating system on its own, but there are several simple ways to greatly enhance the average user’s experience. With the right tweaks and setting changes, you can make Windows work better for you. Try out some of the methods mentioned in this article and see which works best for your device. Best of luck!
