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How to Speed Up a Computer to Play Video Games

by Jennifer Claerr

Overview

Even if you have the system requirements to run your favorite graphics-intensive games, they may not run smoothly at times. Fortunately, Windows has tools that can optimize your computer, freeing up memory resources so that games run faster. In some cases, you can speed up your computer without having to upgrade. However, if your computer games still run slowly after you've optimized your system, there are inexpensive upgrades that will give you a quick boost of speed.

Step 1

Remove unnecessary startup items to free up memory. Click "Start," "Run" and type "msconfig" in the field. Click "OK." Click the "Startup" tab. Clear the check box next to any program that isn't essential for your computer and its software to run properly. If you're unsure of the function of a particular file, look it up in a process library such as the one at PCPitstop.com.
Step 2

Click "Start" and then "Search." Under "All or part of the file name," type "startup." Click "Search." When the results page is complete, double-click any folder or program group labeled "Startup." Look for shortcuts to programs that are loading unnecessarily at startup, and delete them.
Step 3

Click "Start," "Control Panel" and "Performance and Maintenance." Select "System" to open "System Properties." Click the "Advanced" tab. In the "Performance" section, select "Settings." Select the "Visual Effects" tab. Click "Adjust for best performance." If you don't like the gray Windows interface, select "Use visual styles on windows and buttons." Click the "Advanced" tab. Under "Virtual memory," check the size of the paging file and make a note of it. Click "OK" twice.
Step 4

Run a complete virus and spyware scan with a trusted anti-virus software program. If you don't have anti-virus software, get a free program such as Avast! or AVG. Remove or quarantine any threats that the software finds.
Step 5

Check your hard drive to ensure that there's at least enough space for your page file. If there isn't, clean some junk files off of your computer. Click "Start," "Control Panel" and "Add or Remove Programs." Uninstall any programs you never use. Click "Add/Remove Windows Components." Clear the check mark beside any component you don't use regularly and click "Next." Then click "Start," "All Programs," "Accessories," "System Tools" and "Disk Cleanup." Select the drive you'd like to clean. Click "OK." Place a check mark beside "Temporary Internet Files," "Offline Webpages," "Recycle Bin," "Temporary Files" and "Compress old files." Click "OK."
Step 6

Defragment your hard drive. Click "Start," "All Programs," "Accessories," "System Tools" and "Disk Defragmenter." Select your system hard drive, which usually has a "C:" label. Click the "Analyze" button. If Windows tells you the volume doesn't need to be defragmented, you're finished. Otherwise, click the "Defragment" button.
Step 7

Upgrade your memory and video card if the computer still runs slowly during gaming. If possible, upgrade to the maximum amount of memory and the fastest your computer can support. Check the recommended system requirements of the games you usually play for the optimal amount of memory and the best video card for your computer.