Blog

Windows 10 updates are designed to improve your system’s performance and security. However, sometimes after an update, your computer may slow down unexpectedly. This can be frustrating, especially if you rely on your PC for work or entertainment.

Fortunately, there are several simple steps you can take to identify and fix the slowdown. These steps walk you through basic checks all the way to more advanced troubleshooting methods.

This guide will help you restore your Windows 10 speed after an update in an easy-to-follow manner. No technical experience is necessary — just follow along carefully.

Let’s get started and bring your PC back to its normal, smooth performance.

Quick Note Before You Begin

• Make sure your PC is plugged in or has enough battery power before applying any fixes.
• Close all open programs to prevent conflicts during troubleshooting.
• Back up any important files to avoid accidental loss during advanced steps.
• Check that your internet connection is stable, as some fixes may require downloads.

Step 1: Restart Your Computer

Sometimes the simplest solution is the most effective. Restarting your computer closes all running processes and helps clear temporary system glitches. Updates often require a restart to finalize changes.

How to restart:

1. Click the Start button in the bottom-left corner.
2. Select the Power icon.
3. Click Restart.

After your PC restarts, check if the speed improves. If not, proceed to the next step.

Step 2: Check Background Processes and Startup Programs

Windows updates sometimes enable new background processes or startup programs that consume resources, causing slowdowns.

How to check and disable unnecessary startup programs:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Click the Startup tab.
3. Look for programs with a high Startup impact that you don’t need immediately after boot.
4. Right-click those programs and select Disable.

Disabling these will speed up boot time and reduce background CPU usage.

Step 3: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Sometimes updates don’t install correctly, which can cause performance issues. The Windows Update Troubleshooter scans and fixes common problems.

How to run the troubleshooter:

1. Click Start and select Settings (gear icon).
2. Go to Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
3. Click Additional troubleshooters.
4. Select Windows Update, then click Run the troubleshooter.
5. Follow on-screen instructions and apply any fixes suggested.

This can resolve update-related issues that slow down your system.

Step 4: Free Up Disk Space

After updates, your disk may fill with temporary files and old update backups. Low disk space can significantly reduce performance.

How to clean up disk space:

1. Open This PC from the desktop or File Explorer.
2. Right-click your main drive (usually C:) and choose Properties.
3. Click the Disk Cleanup button.
4. Select the file types to delete (Temporary files, Recycle Bin, etc.).
5. Click Clean up system files for more options, including old Windows update files.
6. Confirm and wait for cleanup to finish.

Freeing space lets Windows run more efficiently and load programs faster.

Step 5: Disable Visual Effects

Windows 10 has many visual effects that look nice but can slow down older or less powerful machines after updates.

How to adjust visual effects:

1. Press Windows key + R, type sysdm.cpl, and press Enter.
2. Go to the Advanced tab and click Settings under Performance.
3. Select Adjust for best performance or manually uncheck effects you don’t need.
4. Click Apply then OK.

This reduces the load on your system’s graphics and CPU, improving overall speed.

Step 6: Update Device Drivers

After an update, some device drivers may become outdated or incompatible, causing slowdowns.

How to update drivers:

1. Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
2. Expand categories like Display adapters and Network adapters.
3. Right-click your device and choose Update driver.
4. Select Search automatically for updated driver software.
5. Follow prompts to install any updates found.

Updated drivers ensure your hardware works smoothly with the latest Windows version.

Step 7: Check for Malware

Sometimes malware can cause performance issues that seem related to updates. It’s good to run a scan just in case.

How to scan for malware:

1. Open Windows Security via the Start menu.
2. Go to Virus & threat protection.
3. Click Quick scan or Full scan for a deeper check.
4. Follow prompts if threats are found to remove them.

Keeping your PC malware-free prevents slowdowns and other issues.

Step 8: Perform a System Restore

If the slowdown started immediately after an update and none of the steps helped, you can restore your PC to a point before the update.

How to perform a system restore:

1. Type restore in the search box and select Create a restore point.
2. Click the System Restore button.
3. Choose a restore point dated before the update.
4. Follow the wizard to complete the restore.

This rolls back system changes without affecting your personal files.

FAQs

Why is my PC slow right after a Windows update?

Updates often run background tasks like indexing or installing features that temporarily use CPU and disk resources, causing slowdowns.

Is it safe to disable startup programs?

Yes, but only disable programs you recognize and don’t need at startup. Essential programs like antivirus should remain enabled.

Can old drivers cause slow performance after an update?

Yes, outdated drivers may not work well with new Windows versions, leading to instability and slowdowns.

Will cleaning disk space remove important files?

Disk Cleanup removes temporary or unnecessary files, not your personal documents or programs. Always review what is selected before confirming.

What if my PC is still slow after all these steps?

Try advanced options like resetting Windows or seek professional support (see next section).

When Nothing Works

If your PC remains slow despite trying all these steps, consider the following options:

• Reset Windows 10: This reinstalls Windows without affecting personal files, often fixing deep system problems.
• Contact Microsoft Support: Official help can guide you through complex issues.
• Consult a professional technician: Hardware or software issues might require expert diagnosis.

Always back up your important data before performing any major system changes.

Conclusion

Windows 10 slowdowns after updates are common but usually fixable with simple steps. Restarting your PC, managing startup programs, cleaning disk space, and updating drivers go a long way toward improving speed.

Running the update troubleshooter and checking for malware add extra layers of troubleshooting. If needed, system restore or resetting Windows offer more comprehensive fixes.

By following this step-by-step guide, you can quickly identify and resolve the causes of sluggish performance after an update, getting your PC back to running smoothly.