sluggish performance Archives

Winsage

April 16, 2025

I disabled these 5 Windows services to improve my PC performance

Windows operating systems have numerous background services that can consume system resources and slow down performance. Users can improve responsiveness by disabling non-essential services. 1. Windows Search: Indexes files and data for quick searches; can tax CPU and RAM. To disable: press Ctrl + R, type services.msc, locate Windows Search, stop the service, and set Startup type to Disabled or Manual. 2. SysMain (formerly Superfetch): Preloads frequently used applications into memory but can lead to unnecessary disk activity on SSDs. To disable: access services.msc, find SysMain, stop the service, and set Startup Type to Disabled. 3. Windows Update Delivery Optimization: Shares update files with other PCs, consuming bandwidth. To disable: go to Settings -> Windows Update -> Advanced Options and turn it off. 4. Remote Desktop Services: Enables remote connections, which can drain resources and pose security risks. To disable: locate Remote Desktop Services in services.msc, stop it, and set Startup type to Disabled. 5. Connected User Experiences and Telemetry: Collects usage data and can transmit sensitive information. To disable: turn off the service and navigate to Settings -> Privacy & Security -> Diagnostics & Feedback to disable Diagnostic data. Additional services that may be disabled include Print Spooler, Fax, Bluetooth Support, and Windows Error Reporting Service for further performance optimization.

Winsage

April 10, 2025

Windows 11 update reportedly creates a mysterious folder on your system drive, which is certainly confusing

A new folder named ‘inetpub’ has appeared on Windows 11 24H2 system drives following the April update, linked to Microsoft’s web server software for developers. The folder is empty, harmless, and can be deleted without adverse effects. Many users have reported removing it safely, while others may choose to keep it if it doesn't cause inconvenience. The folder's creation may be related to adjustments made to IIS components and has caused confusion among users, with reports of its appearance across various devices. There is a possibility that the folder could reappear even after deletion, indicating a need for a permanent fix from Microsoft.

BetaBeacon

March 29, 2025

Full mobile games now supported in Android Auto

Google is testing a new feature in Android Auto version 14.1 that allows users to play full mobile games on their car's display.

Winsage

March 20, 2025

Windows 11’s Hidden FAQ Could Tell You Why Your PC Is So Slow

Microsoft is testing a new Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) feature in Windows 11 that aims to analyze system specifications and provide tailored advice on performance issues. This feature is located within the System tab of Settings and addresses common queries related to device specifications and performance. Examples of questions include the sufficiency of a GPU for high-end gaming and the impact of RAM on PC performance. The FAQ section aims to offer personalized information based on each user's specific system, making it a more accessible resource compared to the current basic list of system specs. However, the responses are currently somewhat generic, and Microsoft must ensure accuracy to avoid misleading users regarding potential performance improvements from upgrades.

AppWizard

March 13, 2025

Rise of the Ronin is another crappy PC port, performance patch coming ‘soon’

Rise of the Ronin was released on Steam a year after its PlayStation 5 launch, but players are experiencing significant performance issues, including stuttering, low frame rates, crashes, and input delays. Koei Tecmo is investigating these problems and developing a patch. The game has received a "mixed" rating on Steam, with only 44% of user reviews being positive. Many users express disappointment with the game's graphical quality, and while some report satisfactory experiences, frustrations are prevalent. Koei Tecmo acknowledged issues with FPS drops and model rendering when using the Ultra graphics preset and suggested lowering the graphics settings and FPS limit as a temporary solution.

Winsage

March 12, 2025

5 ways to fix slow File Explorer performance

Experiencing sluggish performance in Windows File Explorer can disrupt productivity. To improve performance, users can restart File Explorer via Task Manager, clear the File Explorer cache by navigating to the File Explorer Options, optimize specific folders by adjusting their properties, use third-party alternatives like File Pilot or Files, and utilize the System Maintenance tool in the Control Panel to diagnose and resolve issues.

Winsage

March 11, 2025

8 reasons to stop using Windows Search and use Everything instead

The search functionality in Windows 11 has been improved, but users may still experience slow performance or difficulty finding files. An alternative is Everything, a free utility by Voidtools that efficiently finds files and folders by indexing their names and continuously tracking changes. It has a lightweight design that minimizes resource usage, making it suitable for older PCs. Everything provides almost instantaneous search results by indexing the entire local drive, displays hidden files by default, and offers easy installation. It features real-time indexing, allowing immediate updates when files are modified, and has a portable version for use on different computers. Additionally, Everything can index network drives for efficient searches across shared devices. It is free to use, ad-free, and does not contain bloatware, with donations accepted to support the developer.

Winsage

March 10, 2025

How to clear the cache on your Windows 11 PC (and why it’s important to do so)

To optimize your Windows computer's performance, ensure your operating system is fully updated. If updates are current, utilize built-in utilities to reclaim disk space. For Windows 11, access "Cleanup recommendations" by clicking the Start button, selecting Settings, navigating to System, and then Storage. This feature lists temporary files in your Downloads folder and Recycle Bin, which can be deleted to free up space. It also recommends removing large or unused files. Use the Disk Cleanup utility by searching for "Disk Cleanup" in the search bar to identify and delete temporary internet files, setup log files, and cache files. To clear your PC's location cache, go to Settings, select Privacy and Security, scroll to "Location history," and click "Clear." To flush the DNS cache, press the Windows key + R, type ipconfig/flushdns, and press Enter. Regular file management and cleanup can significantly enhance system performance over time.

Winsage

March 4, 2025

How to Manually Clean Your Windows PC

Many Windows PC users experience sluggish performance due to storage overload, which can be exacerbated by ineffective automated solutions like Storage Sense. A manual cleanup can help target specific files consuming storage space. The steps for manual cleanup include: 1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. 2. Type "cleanmgr" and hit Enter or "OK" to open the Disk Cleanup tool. 3. Check the boxes for "Temporary Files," "Recycle Bin," and "System Cache" (or any other unnecessary files). 4. Click "OK," then select "Delete Files" to confirm. Following these steps can improve PC performance, leading to faster boot times, smoother browsing, and increased available storage. Additional optimization measures include uninstalling unused applications, deleting duplicate files, and transferring large files to external drives or cloud storage.

Winsage

February 28, 2025

3 reasons you should upgrade to Windows 11 Pro ASAP

Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 later this year, ceasing free software updates, technical support, and security fixes. Windows 11 Pro includes features like BitLocker hard drive encryption, remote desktop access, and an AI-powered assistant called Windows Copilot. It also features a revamped user interface with new tools such as snap layouts, seamless redocking, and customizable widgets. Windows 11 Pro is currently available for .97, a significant discount from the regular price of 9.