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HP PCs - Improving PC Performance (Windows 8)

This document is for HP and Compaq computers with Windows 8.

Use this document to help make Windows and other software perform better. The information below provides ways to improve system performance by making more resources available.

Common causes of slow system performance:

Temporary files, cookies, un-cleared Recycle Bin that cause less disk space
No free disk space or disk errors
Applications that require more system resources
Too many tasks running at the same time
Nonessential graphic features
Not enough memory
Overheating due to intensive graphic applications or dust in vent
Running anti-virus scan, while other software or applications also run in the background

note:
HP SmartFriend is a support service that can help you troubleshoot slow performance and improve the speed of your computer (only available in the United States and Canada). For more information, see HP SmartFriend (in English).

Video overview

Use HP Support Assistant to keep your computer running smoothly

HP recommends using HP Support Assistant on a regularly scheduled basis. If HP Support Assistant is not installed on your computer or you are not sure that you are using the latest version, download the current version of HP Support Assistant from the HP website.

note:
If your computer does not support HP Support Assistant, skip to the section Perform system cleanup without using HP Support Assistant for steps that do not involve HP Support Assistant.

Check for HP Updates

To check for HP updates:

In Windows, search for and open HP Support Assistant.
Click My devices on the top of the HP Support Assistant window, then click Updates in the My PC box.

The Updates window opens.
If HP Support Assistant detects updates, the updates display in the Updates available window.
To check for recent updates, click Check for updates and messages.

HP Support Assistant connects to the HP servers and performs these actions:
- Downloads messages and updates
- Gathers configuration information
- Analyzes your computer system
- Prepares an action list
If HP Support Assistant finds updates, they display in the Updates available window.
- To postpone or delete a current update, next to the message you want to postpone, click Remind me. Then, select Tomorrow, One week, or One month, depending on when you want to be reminded.
- To delete an update, click the next to the update.
- To install the update now, click the Install now icon next to the update.
- To review completed and postponed actions, scroll to the Action log section.

Perform system cleanup without using HP Support Assistant

The hard disk drive can have a major effect on system performance. Over time the hard drive can become cluttered with unwanted or temporary files, the data can become fragmented and stored in an inefficient manner, or there might be disk errors on the drive itself. All of these issues can impact system performance, and all are easy to maintain. This section describes methods to maintain hard drive performance through removing unwanted and temporary files, checking the hard drive for errors, and defragmenting the drive.

Empty the Recycle Bin

Regularly emptying the Recycle Bin will make room on the hard drive of your computer and improve the system performance.

To empty the Recycle Bin:

On the Start screen, click the Desktop tile.
On the Windows desktop, double-click the Recycle Bin .
To restore any mistakenly deleted items, right-click the file(s), and then select Restore.

note:
Removing last known system restore points will prevent you from returning to a previous date. HP recommends keeping these restore points if possible.
Click the Manage tab, and then click Empty Recycle Bin.
Select Yes to confirm.

Windows removes the contents of the Recycle Bin from the hard drive.

Delete temporary files and directories

Deleting temporary files and folders improve system performance by increasing hard disk space and reducing the time Windows takes to access the hard drive. Deleting temporary files also resolves problems with spooling print jobs. Windows uses a Temp folder to temporarily store files intended only for temporary use. Over time, these files can build up and cause problems.

To delete temporary files and folders and improve system performance:

Close all open software applications.
From the Start screen, type disk cleanup to open the Search charm, and then select Free up disk space by deleting unnecessary files from the search results.
Select the drive you want to clean up, and then click OK.

A message displays telling you that Disk Cleanup is calculating how much space you can free on the drive you chose.
When the Disk Cleanup window opens, displaying a list of Files to delete, place a check next to the types of files you want the Disk Cleanup tool to delete. Temporary files are safe to delete.

caution:
Selecting some options can have a negative effect. Examples: Selecting Hibernation File Cleaner can prevent the computer from entering hibernation. Selecting Setup Log Files deletes the files that online phone support agents use to help troubleshoot setup problems. If you are unsure about what to delete, do not delete the files until you know if the files are not important for your use of the computer.
Click OK.
Click Delete Files.

Check for hard disk drive errors

If the integrity of your hard disk drive has been compromised, the performance of your system will suffer.

Check the integrity of the hard disk drive:

Close all open software applications.
From the Start screen, type file explorer to open the Search charm, and then select File Explorer from the search results.
Right-click the hard disk drive that you want to check, and then click Properties.
In the Properties window, click the Tools tab.
Under Error checking, click Check.

If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
In the Error Checking window, click Scan drive.

Windows checks the hard disk drive for errors.

If a window opens stating that Windows can't check the disk while it's in use, click Schedule disk check and follow the onscreen instructions to restart the computer and scan the disk for errors.

Test the hard drive

HP provides diagnostic software that you can use to test hardware components on your computer. For instructions, see the Hard Drive Tests section in Testing for Hardware Failures.

Defragment the hard disk drive

Defragmenting your hard drive with the Optimize Drives tool organizes the hard drive and improves the performance of the system. The Optimize Drives tool takes all the scattered fragments of program data and groups them together in more efficient areas of the drive.

caution:
Do not use Disk Defragmenter on Solid State Disk (SSD) drives or hard drives configured in an array (RAID).

To defragment the hard drive:

Close all open software applications.
From the Start screen, type defragment to open the Search charm, and then select Defragment and optimize your drives from the search results.

note:
If Optimize Drives repeatedly starts, a hidden background program is still accessing the hard drive. Restart the computer in safe mode and try again. For more information, see the HP support document HP PCs - Windows Safe Mode (Windows 10, 8).
Select the drive to defragment and then click Optimize.

Defragmenting the drive could take a few minutes or a few hours, depending on the amount of data on your hard disk drive. You have the option to click Stop if you need to stop the tool.

Perform critical Windows updates

Software and drivers that are out of date can decrease system performance. To use Windows Update to install critical software and driver updates, go to HP PCs - Updating Drivers and Software with Windows Update (Windows 8).

Remove viruses and spyware

If the computer is performing slowly after connecting to the Internet, adware or spyware might be installed. Spyware and adware use the Internet to download and upload data in the background. Some of this data might be sensitive information or unwanted advertising. Removing these viruses will improve the performance of your system.

note:
Your computer might have come with a free trial version of McAfee. If the trial period has ended, your computer might be unprotected. Either choose a new antivirus and uninstall McAfee, or you can activate the full version of McAfee. The computer should only have one antivirus installed at a time. Uninstall one before installing the other.

Scan for viruses and spyware using antivirus or anti-spyware security software. Remove any viruses and spyware found. For more information, see HP PCs - Computer Might Be Infected by a Virus or Malware (Windows 10, 8).

Video about using Windows Defender to prevent virus and spyware problems

Remove any viruses using Microsoft Defender. For more information, go to Using Windows Defender to Prevent Virus and Spyware Problems (Windows 8).

Manage applications to recover from slow system performance

If too many apps or programs are running in the background, system performance can be affected. This section describes different ways to manage which applications or programs are running in the background.

Close software that you are not using

Close software applications that are not necessary to improve your system performance. Switching to a new app does not close the original app or stop the app from continuing to use system resources. On the Windows 8 Start screen, move your mouse pointer to the top left corner, and drag the pointer down along the left edge of the screen to display thumbnails of all the apps that are currently running.

To close a full-screen app:

Video about using apps for HP computers

With the app open, move your mouse pointer to the top of the screen.
Click and hold the top edge of the app window.
Drag the app to the bottom of the screen, and then release.

Being connected to the Internet, watching TV or video, playing games, listening to music, and running virus scans are all software tasks that can use a lot of system resources. Running more than one of these tasks can add up and cause the system to slow down. Run virus scans and other system tools when the computer is not in use.

Manage startup applications by preventing background applications from loading

A startup application is software that opens when Windows opens. Over time, as you install more and more apps, the number of startup applications increases. Common apps that load and run in the background are security software, Windows Update, instant messaging software, and multimedia apps. You can increase system resources by stopping some of these tasks from loading, or by changing their settings.

caution:
Disable only those items that are known and unwanted. Disabling system-critical items might cause problems.

From the Start screen, type msconfig to open the Search charm, and then select msconfig from the search results.

If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

The System Configuration tool displays.
Click the General tab and make sure Selective startup is selected.
Click the Startup tab, and then click Open Task Manager.

The Task Manager window opens with Startup tab selected.
Select any startup items that do not contribute to the system and are unwanted, and then click Disable.

If you are unsure about an item, write down the name and research it on the Internet. Do not disable an item if you do not know what the item is. For a list of files that are recommended not to remove, go to Using Microsoft System Configuration (Windows 10, 8).
If prompted, click Restart to restart the computer.
If Windows or other software stops working after a checkmark is removed from a task, restart the computer and reverse these procedures to replace the checkmark. If needed, you can start the computer in safe mode. For more information, go to Windows Safe Mode (Windows 10, 8).

By completing these steps, Windows runs using Selective startup. This means that Windows prevents the selected applications from starting. If Selective startup is disabled in the future, all the selected applications will start again.

Free up space on the hard drive

Windows uses unused space (free space) on the hard drive for different types of operations, such as caching and virtual memory. The computer might not run reliably if the free disk space drops below five percent of the total disk space.

caution:
You might see a RECOVERY (D:) or FACTORY_IMAGE (D:) hard drive. This hard drive is reserved for system recovery and should not be used for anything else.

Step 1: View the amount of free space on the hard drive

To view the amount of free space on the hard drive:

From the Start screen, type file explorer to open the Search charm, and then select File Explorer from the search results.
Right-click the hard drive (C: is most common), and then click Properties.
View the amount of space available next to Free space.

The drive should have at least 5-10% free space. A solid-state drive (SSD) benefits from additional free space; 10-20% free space is recommended for SSDs.

Step 2: Remove unwanted software applications

To remove unwanted software applications and increase hard drive space:

From the Start screen, type programs and features to open the Search charm, and then select Programs and Features from the search results.
In the Programs and Features window, right-click the app you want to remove, and then select Uninstall.
Read and respond to any messages that might open while the software is being removed from your computer.

Step 3: Move files to another drive or location to increase free space

To move unwanted files and increase hard drive space:

In Windows, search for and open File Manager.
In the left pane, click This PC.
Click a storage section, such as Documents, Pictures, Music, or Videos to view the files in the section, and then remove what you do not need. For example, click Documents to view and remove document files that you do not need. You can choose to move the files to an external storage device, or delete them if you will not need them again.

caution:
Removing certain files can damage your computer. For example, System and reserved files should never be removed.

Prevent memory allocation problems

Allocated memory space from software applications that are no longer open can cause problems. Over time, this unused memory space can build up, causing Windows to slow down and use the hard drive more. These memory leaks are causing the system to slow down if the computer runs well when first turned on, but performs noticeably slower after several programs are opened and closed.

Memory leaks can happen when software is closed before it has fully opened. Always allow apps time to fully open before closing them. As a rule, wait five seconds after an app opens before closing it again, even if the app was opened unintentionally.

On rare occasions, an incompatible app might continue to allocate memory while it is running, causing the system to slow down and eventually lock up.

To immediately fix memory leaks, restart the computer. For a permanent fix, isolate software applications that might be causing the leaks.

note:
For information on your computer’s memory requirements, please see the specifications document for your computer model.

To isolate apps that cause memory leaks:

Restart the computer.
From the Start screen, type task manager to open the Search charm, and then select Task Manager from the search results.

Task Manager opens.
At the bottom of the Task Manager window, click More details.
Click the Performance tab, and then click Memory to view the amount of available physical memory.
Click Open Resource Monitor to view how your computer is using the memory.

If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
In the Overview tab, click the arrow to expand the Memory section, and then scroll down to view which apps are using memory.
Open an app suspected of causing the computer to run more slowly.
Check the percentage of Used Physical Memory, and then write it down.
Close and reopen a suspected app repeatedly, and then check the percentage of Used Physical Memory, comparing this number to the one recorded. Each time, wait about 10 seconds before opening the app again.
- If the percentage of Used Physical Memory continues to increase, there is a memory leak. Contact the software manufacturer for available patches or fixes.
- If the Used Physical Memory percentage returns to the same numbers or similar each time, the suspected app is probably not creating a memory leak.

Turn off nonessential graphical features to improve system performance

Graphical features and applications can use a lot of system resources and slow performance. Turning off these features can improve system performance. This section explains how to adjust visual effects, such as menu and window graphics, for best performance.

To adjust visual effects:

From the Start screen, type file explorer to open the Search charm, and then select File Explorer from the search results.
Click the Computer tab, and then click Properties.
From the tasks pane on the left, click Advanced system settings.

If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

The System Properties window opens with the Advanced tab selected.
Under Performance, click Settings.

The Performance Options window opens.
Click the Visual Effects tab.
Select Adjust for best performance, and then click OK.

Reduce heat inside the computer to prevent overheating

Heat buildup can cause problems for any computer. Generally, when temperatures inside the case rise above 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit), the risk of damaging important internal components increases greatly. The most common cause of overheating is the accumulation of dust inside the computer. The electrical components in a computer generate heat and fans inside the computer help move the air to keep the components cooled to normal operating temperatures. Inadequate cooling can cause excess heat to build up inside the case which can damage components. The sound of the fan running constantly might indicate that the computer is not running as efficiently as possible and that there is a problem with accumulated dust clogging the air vents.

Video about reducing heat inside your notebook computer

Video about reducing heat inside your desktop computer

Symptoms of excessive heat

Games stop responding during play.
Windows stops responding during use.
Fans inside the computer become louder because they are spinning faster to remove the heat.
When starting the computer, it sometimes stops at a black screen and does not open into Windows. Windows usually stops responding when it does open.
Mouse and keyboard stop responding.
The computer unexpectedly restarts or displays a fault message.

note:
These errors are not predictable. If these errors occur only in one software program, the issue is probably related to that software program and is not heat related.

Causes of excessive heat

Dust inside the computer.
A new component, such as a hard drive, is added. The extra component causes the power supply to work harder and generate more heat. Extra heat also radiates off the new component and adds to the temperature inside the case.
Over time, some cooling fans might slow down and wear out, depending on the usage of the computer.
High ambient room temperature.

Methods of reducing heat

To reduce heat inside the computer:

Desktop and notebook PCs have vents located around the case to allow air to flow through the case. If these vents become clogged or heat generating parts become covered with dust, the fan cannot cool the components properly and overheating can become a problem. Lint and dust accumulation prevents air from flowing around the cooling fins and causes the fan to work harder. If there is dust in the vents, you should clean the computer by blowing out the dust from around the fan and heat shield. This prevents dust from accumulating.

caution:
Make sure the computer is turned off and the AC adapter is disconnected before spraying with compressed air to prevent damage to the desktop and notebook PC.

Use a can of compressed air (a vacuum cleaner on blow function or a hair dryer in cool air mode can also be used, although the can of compressed air is better suited for this task) to remove dust from the computer's vents and prevent overheating. Removing the dust increases the air flow to improve cooling and allows the fan to run quieter.

The cooling vents are located in various places depending on the PC model. You can identify the vents by looking for the copper or black fins inside the vents. You should also blow the compressed air into other openings such as the fan intake vent to help keep the air circulating and prevent dust from accumulating on components.

By taking this action periodically as a preventive measure, you can greatly reduce the possibility of component damage and prevent the slowdown of the computer's performance.

For more information on cleaning your notebook PC, refer to the support document HP Notebook PCs - Cleaning Your Notebook PC.
To decrease the likelihood of overheating problems, make sure the fans on your computer are able to ventilate properly. Keep the computer upright and on a sturdy, level surface, and provide at least 15.25 centimeters (6 inches) of clearance around each vent.
If your computer is overheating, place it in a cooler room. A small difference in temperature might be all that is needed to prevent a component from failing. Move the computer to a cooler room in the house or office. If this is not an option, continue with the next step.
If overheating issues persist after cleaning the vents and moving the computer to a cooler room, a hardware component might be damaged. Test the computer to see if any hardware, such as memory, the processor, or the graphics hardware, have failed. Most HP and Compaq desktop and notebook computers have diagnostic software to verify hardware failures. For more information, see Testing for Hardware Failures.

Adjust System Restore settings

System Restore is a feature of Windows that can revert system software and settings back to a particular date. System Restore does this by saving the changes made to system files in a restore point. System Restore uses up to four percent of the hard drive with restore points if left unadjusted, regardless of the size of the hard drive.

caution:
If you are experiencing system problems and might need to restore your computer to an earlier time, DO NOT remove the restore points.

caution:
Selecting Turn off system protection will prevent the system from creating future restore points. You cannot restore the hard drive without restore points.

To reduce the space System Restore uses for restore points:

From the Start screen, type file explorer to open the Search charm, and then select File Explorer from the search results.
Click the Computer tab, and then click Properties.
From the tasks pane on the left, click System protection.

If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

The System Properties window opens with the System Protection tab selected.
Click Configure.
Reduce the amount of hard drive space the system reserves for system restores by sliding the Max Usage: slider bar to 2%. You can choose a higher or lower percentage depending on how many restore points you want and the capacity of your hard drive.
Click OK.

Test the hard drive

HP provides diagnostic software that you can use to test hardware components on your computer. For instructions, see the Hard Drive Tests section in Testing for Hardware Failures.

Upgrade memory

Upgrading memory can improve system performance. You can upgrade random-access memory (RAM) on most HP and Compaq notebook computers. Refer to the manual of your computer model to find out if your RAM can be upgraded.

For step-by-step instructions on upgrading RAM, see the help document HP Notebook PCs - Upgrading Memory (RAM) or HP Desktop PCs - Upgrading Memory (RAM).

Perform an HP System Recovery

If the above steps did not improve the slow system performance issues on your computer, reinstall the operating system to factory settings. See Performing an HP System Recovery (Windows 8)

Recommended maintenance schedule

To free resources and keep the computer running correctly, follow a maintenance schedule as listed below.

Recommended maintenance schedule
Daily tasks	Weekly tasks	Monthly tasks	Quarterly tasks
Manage e-mail Delete e-mail from unknown sources. Do not open attachments that you do not trust. Organize e-mail.	Protect against viruses, adware, and spyware Update definition files or schedule a weekly automatic update. Run a full virus, adware, and spyware scan or schedule a weekly automatic scan.	Use Windows Update or HP Support Assistant See the instructions for Support Assistant.	Set new passwords
	Optimize system performance Run Disk Cleanup. Check for disk errors. Defragment the hard drive.	Review the Start menu Set the Start menu to open only needed applications.	Clean the computer, monitor, keyboard, and mouse For more information on cleaning your notebook PC correctly, refer to the support document Cleaning Your Notebook PC.
	Clean up Web browser files Delete cookies. Delete cache. Delete history files.	Clean up the desktop Delete or remove unneeded icons and software applications.

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