We’ve all been there—your computer starts lagging, freezing, or taking forever to load simple tasks. It’s frustrating, especially when deadlines are looming or you’re in the middle of an intense gaming session. While the usual advice like “clean up your hard drive” or “add more RAM” works, let’s dive into some unique and lesser-known strategies to make your computer work faster. These tips go beyond the basics and might just surprise you with their effectiveness.

1. Turn Off Background Apps You Don’t Even Know Are Running

Did you know that many apps run silently in the background, eating up your system resources? These aren’t just the ones you see in your taskbar—they’re hidden processes that can slow your computer to a crawl.

• On Windows: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, and check the “Background Processes” tab. End tasks for apps you don’t need.
• On Mac: Open Activity Monitor (search via Spotlight), and look for apps hogging CPU or memory. Quit the ones you don’t recognize or need.

2. Use a Lightweight Linux Distro (Yes, Really!)

If your computer is older and struggling with modern operating systems, consider switching to a lightweight Linux distribution like Lubuntu, Xubuntu, or Peppermint OS. These operating systems are designed to run efficiently on older hardware and can breathe new life into your machine. Plus, they’re free to download and use!

3. Disable Telemetry and Data Collection

Both Windows and macOS collect data in the background to “improve user experience.” While this might sound harmless, these processes can consume system resources. Here’s how to turn them off:

• On Windows: Go to Settings > Privacy > Diagnostics & Feedback, and select “Basic” or “Off.”
• On Mac: Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy, and disable sharing analytics with Apple.

4. Use a Portable App Instead of Installing Software

Portable apps run directly from a USB drive or folder without being installed on your computer. They don’t clutter your system with unnecessary files or registry entries, which can help keep your computer running smoothly. Websites like PortableApps.com offer a wide range of portable software for everyday use.

5. Optimize Your Power Settings

Your computer’s power settings can have a big impact on performance. If you’re using a laptop, it might be set to “Power Saver” mode, which slows down your system to conserve battery. Switch to “High Performance” or “Balanced” mode for a speed boost.

• On Windows: Go to Control Panel > Power Options, and select “High Performance.”
• On Mac: Go to System Preferences > Energy Saver, and adjust the settings for better performance.

6. Use a RAM Disk for Super-Fast Temporary Storage

If you have extra RAM, you can create a RAM disk—a virtual drive that uses your computer’s memory instead of your hard drive. RAM disks are incredibly fast and perfect for temporary files, cache, or even running lightweight programs. Tools like SoftPerfect RAM Disk (Windows) or RAM Disk Creator (Mac) can help you set this up.

7. Clean Your Computer’s Fans and Vents

Overheating can cause your computer to throttle its performance to prevent damage. Dust buildup in your fans and vents can block airflow, leading to higher temperatures. Grab a can of compressed air and carefully clean out the dust. You’ll be amazed at how much cooler—and faster—your computer runs afterward.

8. Use a Second Monitor (Yes, It Can Help!)

Wait, how does adding a second monitor make your computer faster? It doesn’t directly, but it can improve your workflow and reduce the strain on your system. By spreading out your tasks across two screens, you can avoid overloading a single display with too many windows, which can slow down rendering and switching between apps.

9. Change Your DNS Server

A slow internet connection can make your computer feel sluggish, especially if you’re browsing or streaming. Switching to a faster DNS server like Google DNS (8.8.8.8) or Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1) can speed up your internet and make your online activities feel snappier.

• On Windows: Go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change Adapter Settings. Right-click your connection, select Properties, and change the DNS settings.
• On Mac: Go to System Preferences > Network > Advanced > DNS, and add the new DNS servers.

10. Use a Lightweight Antivirus

Heavy antivirus programs can slow down your computer. If you’re using a resource-hungry suite, consider switching to a lightweight alternative like Windows Defender (built into Windows) or Bitdefender Free. These options provide solid protection without bogging down your system.

11. Enable “Ultimate Performance” Mode (Windows Pro Only)

If you’re using Windows 10 or 11 Pro, there’s a hidden power plan called Ultimate Performance Mode. It’s designed for high-performance systems and can give your computer a noticeable speed boost. To enable it:

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Type powercfg -duplicatescheme e9a42b02-d5df-448d-aa00-03f14749eb61 and press Enter.
3. Go to Control Panel > Power Options, and select “Ultimate Performance.”

12. Repurpose an Old Smartphone as a Second Screen or External Storage

Got an old smartphone lying around? You can use apps like Duet Display to turn it into a second monitor or Portal to transfer files wirelessly. This can offload some tasks from your computer and improve its performance.

Final Thoughts

Making your computer faster doesn’t always require expensive upgrades or complicated tweaks. Sometimes, it’s the unconventional tips—like using a RAM disk, switching to a lightweight OS, or cleaning your fans—that make the biggest difference. Try these unique strategies and see how much faster your computer can run!

What’s the most unusual trick you’ve used to speed up your computer? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Disclaimer: Always back up your data before making significant changes to your system.