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HP Customer Support - Knowledge Base

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Need Windows 11 help?
Check the information on compatibility, upgrade, and available fixes from HP and Microsoft. Windows 11 Support Center

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HP PCs - Improving PC performance (Windows)

Speed up a slow computer or optimize PC performance by performing maintenance and following the other tips in this document.

If you are using a new computer and the performance is slow, go to HP PCs - Computer is slow when used for the first time (Windows 10) for more information.

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).

Regularly maintain your computer using tools and updates

HP recommends maintaining your computer on a schedule using tools and updates.

Weekly: Update virus definitions and perform a virus scan.
Monthly: Perform maintenance tasks using HP Support Assistant or by performing the individual cleanup tasks as described in this document.
Quarterly: Check for dust buildup, and clean as necessary to keep your computer from overheating due to dust buildup.

Optimize the PC with HP Performance Tune Up Check

Use HP Performance Tune Up Check in HP Support Assistant to optimize system performance for your computer.

In Windows, search for and open HP Support Assistant, or click the app icon in the taskbar.

If the app is not installed on your computer, download the latest version from the HP Support Assistant website.
Go to HP Performance Tune Up Check to open the tool.

If the tool does not automatically open, select your device, click Troubleshooting and fixes, and then click Performance Tune-up Check.
Under Additional Options, select Empty Recycle Bin and Clean Web-browsers history, cookies and cache, and then click Optimize.

Free up space on the hard drive

Increase the amount of unused space (free space) on the hard drive to prevent low disk space errors and improve system performance.

In Windows, search for and open Storage settings.
View how much space is available on the hard drive (C: drive is the most common).

For best performance, the drive should have at least 15% free space. If the hard disk drive has less than 15% free space, continue with these steps.
Under the C: drive, select each category to determine where you can free up the most space. The most common categories where you can free up space are Apps & games, Temporary files, Documents, and Pictures.

CAUTION:
RECOVERY (D:) or FACTORY_IMAGE (D:) hard drives are reserved for system recovery and removing files from these drives can damage your computer.
Move any files that you want to keep to a USB drive, external hard drive, or cloud storage to help free up space. This step is highly recommended for larger files not needed for daily use, such as pictures and videos.
Remove any unwanted files and applications, and then restart the computer.

Empty the Recycle Bin

Empty the Recycle Bin to increase the amount of unused space (free space) on the hard drive.

On the Windows desktop, double-click the Recycle Bin icon .
To restore any mistakenly deleted items, right-click the file(s), and then select Restore.
Click the Manage tab, and then select Empty Recycle Bin.
Select Yes to confirm.

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

Delete temporary files and directories

Delete temporary files and folders to increase hard drive space and reduce the time Windows takes to access the hard drive.

In Windows, search for and open Disk Cleanup.
Select the drive you want to delete the files from, and then click OK.
Wait while Disk Cleanup calculates how much space you can free on the selected drive.
After the analysis completes, select the check box next to the types of files you want Disk Cleanup to delete.

CAUTION:
Selecting some options can have a negative effect. For example, selecting Setup Log Files deletes the files that online phone support agents use to help troubleshoot setup problems. Click a file type, such as Temporary Internet Files, to display a description. Do not delete files until you know the files are unnecessary for using your computer.
Click OK, and then click Delete Files when prompted.

Disk Cleanup deletes the selected files.

Remove viruses and spyware

Remove adware, spyware, or virus that might be installed on the computer.

Scan for viruses and spyware using antivirus or antispyware security software. Remove any viruses and spyware found. For more information, go to HP PCs - Updating drivers using Windows update (Windows 11, 10).

Remove any viruses using Windows Defender. For more information, go to HP PCs - Using Windows Security to prevent virus and spyware problems (Windows 10).

Scanning for and removing viruses and spyware from the PC

Use Windows Security to scan for and remove any viruses, spyware, or other malware from the computer.

Quick scan: A quick scan checks the places on the hard disk drive that malware is most likely to infect.
Full scan: A full scan checks all files on your hard disk drive and all currently running applications. If you suspect that malware has infected your computer, run a full scan. The scan might take over an hour to complete, and the computer might run slowly during the scan.
Custom scan: A custom scan checks specific computer drives and files that you select.
Windows Defender Offline scan: A Windows Defender Offline scan checks for rootkits or highly persistent malware on your computer. Select this option to check for malware outside of the normal Windows system. The scan might take 15 minutes to complete, and the computer restarts as part of the scan.

Note:
HP recommends using the Windows Defender Offline scan if you suspect your computer is infected with malware or a virus.

In Windows, search for and open Windows Security, and then select Virus & threat protection.
Click Quick scan, Scan options, or Run an advanced scan, and then select the type of scan you want to run.
- If you choose Quick scan, the scan begins.
- If you choose Scan options, continue with these steps to run a full system scan, a custom scan, or a Windows Defender Offline scan.
Select one of the following options, click Scan now, and then click Scan .
- If you choose Full scan, the scan begins.
- If you chooseCustom scan, select the specific drives or folders to scan, and then click Select Folder.
- If you choose Windows Defender Offline scan, save any open files, and then click Scan. If a User Account Control window opens, click Yes.
  
  Note:
  The computer restarts when an offline scan completes.
Wait for the scan to finish, and then view the results.

If your computer restarted during the scan, search for and open Virus & threat protection, and then click Scan options > Protection history.

Protection history provides a list of all threat Windows Security has ever identified for the computer.

Note:
For earlier versions of Windows 10, click Threat history.
For additional information, click See full history.
- If no threats were detected, no action is necessary.
- If threats were detected, choose from the options that display, such as Clean threats or Start actions, to resolve the threat.

Make sure that only one antivirus solution is installed

Performance can be negatively affected when there are multiple antivirus programs installed on your computer.

In Windows, search for and open Apps & features. Review the list for all currently installed antivirus programs, and then uninstall any extra antivirus programs until there is only one remaining.

Update the PC

HP recommends keeping your system up to date with the latest firmware and software.

Update the PC with HP Support Assistant

Use HP Support Assistant to find and install updates, including BIOS updates, for your computer with Windows.

Note:

HP Support Assistant is not available for Windows 10 in S mode. If your computer is running Windows 10 in S mode, use Windows Update to check for updated software and drivers. For more information, see HP PCs - Frequently Asked Questions about Windows in S Mode (Windows 11, Windows 10).

In Windows, search for and open HP Support Assistant, or click the app icon in the taskbar.

Note:
Make sure that you are using HP Support Assistant version 8 or later. If this version of the app is not installed on your computer, download the latest version from the HP Support Assistant website.
On the My Dashboard tab, find your computer, and then click Updates.
Wait while HP Support Assistant analyzes the system.
After the analysis completes, select the listed updates, download and install the updates, and then follow any on-screen instructions.
If prompted, restart the computer, and then close the tool.

Update hardware drivers

Use Device Manager to update hardware drivers such as the graphics, audio, wireless, or other drivers for your computer.

In Windows, search for and open Device Manager.
In the list of devices, select each category.
Right-click the device, select Update driver, and then follow the instructions to install the updated driver.
Restart the computer to complete installation of the updates.

Run Windows Update

Update your Windows 11 or Windows 10 computer using Windows Update.

For more information, see HP PCs - Updating drivers using Windows Update (Windows 11, 10).

In Windows, search for and open Check for updates.
If there are any available updates, they begin automatically.
Note:
To download and install optional updates, use the following instructions for your operating system:
- In Windows 11, select Advanced options, select Optional updates, select the updates that you want to install, and then click Download & install.
- In Windows 10, select View all optional updates, select the updates that you want to install, and then click Download and install.
After the updates install, restart your computer when prompted.

Test or upgrade computer hardware

If your computer is slow after regular maintenance and updates, HP recommends testing your hardware to discover any issues and upgrading your hardware if necessary.

Perform hard drive tests in HP PC Hardware Diagnostics

HP PC Hardware Diagnostics provides multiple tests to test the hard drive on your computer and confirm hardware failures. First, run the Quick Test (two to three minutes). If the Quick Test does not find a problem, run the Extensive Test (two hours or more). It can run once or loop until an error occurs. If the Extensive Test does not find a problem, the issue might not be with your hard drive, and you can continue troubleshooting the issue.

On the Component Tests menu, click Storage, and then click Quick Test.
Click Run once. The Quick Test begins.
If the computer has more than one hard drive, select the drive to test. To test all the hard drives, select Test All Hard Drives.

When the test is complete, the screen displays the results. Test results are also available in the Test Logs on the main menu.
If the hard drive passes the Quick Test, but there is still a problem with the hard drive, run the Extensive Test. This test includes the SMART Check, Short DST, Optimized DST, and Long DST. To run these tests individually, select them from the Hard Drive Tests menu.
If the hard drive fails a test, click Troubleshoot.
Follow the on-screen instructions to attempt to resolve the problem, and then click Yes.
If the problem is not resolved, click Yes to contact HP Customer Support.
Scan the QR Code, or write down or copy the failure ID (24-digit code) and product ID for when you contact HP Customer Support. The information is also available in Test Logs on the main menu.
If your computer is online, click NEXT to go to the HP Customer Support website.

Upgrade the computer memory and storage devices

To improve system performance, increase browsing speed, or provide a better gaming experience, you can upgrade the random-access memory (RAM) and storage device (such as a solid-state drive) in your computer.

Note:

4 GB RAM is the minimum amount of memory required for Windows 11 or 10. For best performance, HP recommends 8 GB RAM or more.

64 GB is the minimum amount of storage required. For best performance, HP recommends at least 128 GB of hard drive or SSD storage.

For information on upgrading RAM, see HP Desktop PCs - Upgrading Memory (RAM).

To increase your storage size, see your computer documentation for information about replacing or installing an additional storage device.

Reduce heat inside the computer

When temperatures inside the computer rise above 35º C (95º F), the risk of damaging important internal components increases. Decrease the risk by reducing the heat inside the computer.

Clean the desktop air vents

Clean the desktop air vents to remove any dust or debris that might have accumulated in and around the air vents over time. Dust and debris can obstruct the airflow and cause the fans to work harder than normal to remove the heat.

Turn off the computer, disconnect the power cord and cables, and then wait for the computer to cool down.
Use a vacuum to clean all exterior vents, especially around the power supply vent.

CAUTION:
To avoid damaging internal components, do not use the vacuum inside the computer.
Remove the side panel back from the computer.
Use canned air to clean the fans and components inside the computer.
Replace the side panel, reconnect the power cord, and then turn on the computer.

Clean the notebook air vents

Clean the notebook air vents to remove any dust or debris that might have accumulated in and around the air vents over time. Dust and debris can obstruct the airflow and cause the fans to work harder than normal to remove the heat.

Turn off the computer, disconnect the power cord and cables, and then wait for the computer to cool down.
Move any objects near the computer.
Find the vents on your notebook. They are usually underneath and on the sides of the computer.
Use canned air to remove the dust from the vents.
Wait for the computer to cool down, approximately 10 minutes.
Reconnect the power cord, and then turn on the computer.

Optimize apps and software

To improve your computer performance, HP recommends optimizing your apps and software.

Find and replace corrupted system files

Use the Microsoft System File Checker (SFC) to repair corrupted or damaged system files.

In Windows, search for Command Prompt.
In the list of search results, right-click Command Prompt, select Run as administrator, and then click Yes to open the window.
Type sfc /scannow. Make sure to include the space between sfc and the forward slash /.
Press Enter to start the scan.
- If corrupted files were found, wait for the tool to replace the files, and then restart the computer.
- If no corrupted files were found, corrupted could not be replaced, or if the issue persists, continue with these steps.
Make sure your computer is connected to a network with an active internet connection.
In the Command Prompt window, type dism.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth. Make sure to include the space before each forward slash /.
Press Enter, to start the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) scan.
Wait for the tool to replace any corrupted files, and then restart the computer.

Open only needed apps

Restart your computer, and then open only the apps you need.

In Windows, select Start, select Power, and then select Restart.
After the computer restarts, open only the apps or programs you need.
After you finish using an app, click the X to close the app.

Use the Program Compatibility Troubleshooter

Some apps that were designed for an earlier version of Windows might not work as expected with current versions of Windows 11 or Windows 10.

In Windows, search for and open Troubleshoot.
Do one of the following:
- Windows 11: Scroll down the screen, select Other Troubleshooters, select Program Compatibility Troubleshooter, and then click Run.
- Windows 10: Scroll down the screen, select Program Compatibility Troubleshooter, and then click Run the troubleshooter.
Select the app to check, and then click Next.
Select an option, and then follow the on-screen instructions to test or change the compatibility settings.

Find apps that use excessive system resources

Use Task Manager to find and stop processes or applications using an excessive amount of system resources.

In Windows, search for and open Task Manager.

Task Manager displays currently-running applications.
Click More Details, and then select a tab for more information.
- Processes: Displays all the currently-running operations and how much of the system resources are being used by each process. Some processes are necessary and should not be stopped. If you are unsure if a process is necessary, search for details about it on the internet.
- Performance: Displays a visual representation of the overall system performance. Click Open Resource Monitor for an even more detailed view of individual processes.
On the Processes tab, if you want to close an app, or if the app is listed as Not Running, click End Task.

Select apps to open when Windows starts

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 instant messaging apps, multimedia apps, game launchers, and toolbars. You can improve system performance by stopping some of these apps from opening, or by changing their settings.

In Windows, search for and open Task Manager.
Click More details, and then select the Startup tab.
Select any startup items that do not contribute to the system and are unwanted, then click Disable.

CAUTION:
Disable only those startup items that are known and unwanted.
Restart the computer.
If Windows or other software stops working after you disable a startup item, reverse these steps to enable the item.

Turn off nonessential graphical features

Turn off graphical features and applications that use numerous system resources or that you do not need or want.

Note:

HP recommends this procedure only for PCs that are running the minimum hardware configurations. If your PC has 8 GB RAM or more, this procedure might not change your computer performance.

In Windows, search for and open Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows.
On the Performance Options window, select Adjust for best performance, and then click OK.

Windows turns off all visual effects, such as animation of the taskbar and windows elements, displaying shadows under windows, displaying window contents while dragging, and so on.

Prevent memory allocation problems

Isolate apps or processes that are no longer in use that might be using unnecessary memory resources.

Memory is allocated to processes in device drivers and applications during normal use. The allocated memory is made available again when the process is no longer running. However, sometimes memory remains allocated. This is known as a memory leak. 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.

Close all open software applications or programs, making sure to allow apps time to fully open before closing them.

HP recommends waiting five seconds after an app opens before you close it, even if the app was opened unintentionally.
Restart the computer.
In Windows, search for and open Task Manager.
Click More details, select the Performance tab, and then select Memory.
Click Open Resource Monitor to view how your computer uses memory.

If a window displays prompting you for an administrator password or confirmation, type the requested credentials.
On the Overview tab, open the Memory section, and then scroll down the list to view which apps are using memory.
Open an app suspected of causing the computer to run slowly, review the percentage of Used Physical Memory, and then write down the information.
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 Used Physical Memory percentage returns to the same numbers or similar each time, the suspected app is probably not creating a memory leak.
- If the percentage of Used Physical Memory continues to increase, there is a memory leak. Contact the software manufacturer for available patches or fixes.

Turn off OneDrive file sync

Turn off automatic syncing of files between your computer and OneDrive.

Note:

HP recommends turning off automatic syncing to OneDrive only as a temporary measure. Turn on syncing when possible to back up important files.

In the notification area of the taskbar, click OneDrive.
In the OneDrive options, click More, and then select Pause Syncing from the menu.
In the Pause syncing menu, select a length of time to pause syncing.
Restart your computer.

Recover your PC

If your computer continues to be slow, you can use Windows tools to reset your computer and restore your personal files.

Perform a Windows system reset

If the issue persists, recover the computer back to its original configuration.

Microsoft provides a reset feature that repairs your computer by reinstalling the operating system. Before using this option, make sure you back up all your important files.

Go to HP PCs - Reset the computer for more information.

Restore personal files on the PC

Restore the personal files on your Windows 10 computer.

Connect an external backup drive to the computer.
In Windows, search for and open Backup settings.
Click More options.
Scroll to the bottom of the Backup options screen, and then click Restore files from a current backup.
Select the files you want to restore, click the Restore button, and then wait for Windows to restore your personal files. This might take a few minutes or a few hours, depending on the size of the files.

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