✓ Accepted Answer
To speed up a slow Windows computer without spending money, start with these free steps:
Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) and check what's using your CPU and RAM. If one application is consuming everything, that's your culprit. Right-click and end task to test if it's the cause.
Disable startup programs. In Task Manager click the Startup tab. Disable anything that doesn't need to launch with Windows. This alone can dramatically speed up boot time.
Clear your temp files. Press Windows key + R, type %temp% and press Enter. Select all files and delete them. Empty the Recycle Bin after.
If you have a traditional HDD rather than SSD, run Defragment and Optimize Drives from the Start menu. SSDs don't need this.
Finally, check if your storage drive is nearly full. Windows needs at least 15% free space to operate well. Delete old files or move them to external storage if needed.
by lucasbergeron47446
· 29 upvotes
Removing a virus properly involves a few steps. First, download Malwarebytes — the free version is excellent and specifically designed to catch what regular antivirus misses. Run a full scan, let it quarantine everything it finds, then restart.
Next, check your browser extensions. Go to your browser settings and look at installed extensions. Remove anything you don't recognise. Malware frequently hides as fake extensions that redirect your searches and inject ads.
Check your startup programs. On Windows press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager, go to the Startup tab, and disable anything unfamiliar. Malware often adds itself here to survive reboots.
After cleaning, change passwords for your important accounts from a different device or after you're confident the infection is gone. Keyloggers can capture passwords if they were active during removal.
As prevention going forward: avoid downloading cracked software, be careful with email attachments, and keep Windows and your antivirus updated.
by asadsiddiqui20904
· 4 upvotes