How to Speed Up Your Windows or Mac in 2025?

In 2025, as operating systems become more powerful and software more demanding, even high-end PCs and Macs can start to slow down. Whether you use your machine for work, gaming, or school, a sluggish computer can be frustrating. In this blog, I will tell you how to boost operating system’s performance and speed. Now let’s get start

1. Disable Unnecessary Startup Programs

Windows

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc → Startup tab → Toggle off non-essential apps (e.g., cloud services, chat tools).

macOS:

Navigate to System Settings > General > Login Items → Remove background apps like updaters or unused utilities.

2. Cleanup and Delete Junk Files

Windows:

Run Disk Cleanup (search in Start menu) → Target system files, thumbnails, and update remnants.
For deeper cleaning, try BleachBit (free) to wipe browser traces and logs.

Mac:

Use Storage Management ( > About This Mac > Storage > Manage) → Enable “Auto Empty Trash” and delete iOS backups.

3. Maximize SSD Efficiency

Upgrade HDD -> SSD

Windows/Mac: Install a PCIe 4.0+ SSD (e.g., Samsung 990 Pro) for 5x faster read speeds.

Enable TRIM:

Open Command Prompt as admin → Run fsutil behavior set DisableDeleteNotify 0.

4. Keep Your Operating System Updated

2025 OS updates patch performance-killing bugs and security flaws.

Windows: Settings > Windows Update → Toggle “Get updates automatically.”

Mac: System Settings > General > Software Update → Enable automatic downloads.

5. Scan for Malware and Viruses

Cryptojacking malware and spyware drain resources silently.

Windows: Microsoft Defender (built-in) + Malwarebytes (weekly scans).

Mac: CleanMyMac X (real-time monitoring) or Norton 360 (AI threat detection).

Run full scans weekly or set them on an automatic schedule.

6. Optimize Background Processes and Services

Identify apps monopolizing CPU/RAM:

Windows:

Windows: Ctrl + Shift + Esc → Processes tab → Sort by CPU/Memory → End non-critical tasks (e.g., updaters).

Mac: Launch Activity Monitor (Utilities folder) → Quit processes >80% CPU usage.

7. Expand RAM for Heavy Workloads

Multitasking and creative apps demand ample memory:

Windows: Upgrade to 16GB+ RAM if your device allows it (most desktops/older laptops).

Mac Users: Apple Silicon Macs have soldered RAM—upgrade during purchase only.

8. Rebuild or Reset Your System

When slowdowns persist, refresh your system:

Windows: Settings > System > Recovery → “Reset PC” → Keep files but reinstall OS.

Mac: Reboot → Hold Cmd + R → Disk Utility → Erase volume → Reinstall macOS.

9. Simplify Visual Effects

Fancy animations tax older GPUs. Streamline your UI:

Windows: Settings > System > Display > Advanced graphics → Disable transparency and animation effects.

Mac: System Settings > Accessibility > Display → Enable “Reduce motion” and “Reduce transparency.”

10. Use Performance Monitoring Tools

Catch issues early with diagnostic tools:

Windows: Use Task Manager > Performance tab or HWInfo for real-time stats.

Mac: Reboot → Hold Cmd + R → Disk Utility → Erase volume → Reinstall macOS.

Thoughts:

Squeezing more life and speed out of your Windows or Mac in 2025 isn’t about being a technological wizard or purchasing an upgrade. By performing upkeep regularly, being a savvy software selector, and applying optimization strategies, you can keep your computer running longer and feel a marked improvement in performance. Make some of these adjustments today and you should see results right away.

Got a go-to speed-up tip that helped you? Let us know in the comments!