30 WAYS TO MAKE YOUR PC BETTER

There’s always room for improvement where technology is concerned, and I’ll bet that your PC is no exception. I’ve pulled together 30 tech tips to deliver improvements to most desktops and laptops, both state-of-the-art and straight-off-the-Ark. There are simple software solutions that could unlock that performance bottleneck, alongside some hot hardware tweaks if you fancy getting the screwdrivers out. As an win11guru bonus, there are also three things not to do, as they’re a waste of time and money.

01 Don’t double up on security

There is such a thing as too much protection, and it’s not uncommon to see machines struggling to juggle multiple security suites. There isn’t one rule for everyone where antivirus is concerned, but here are a few things to think about.

Uninstall products with trial or expired subscriptions as they’ll hog resources while supplying sub-optimal protection. If you want to run up-to-date products from different vendors (AV from one, malware protection from another), then make sure there’s no crossover. Internet security products can be extremely resource-heavy, so lightening the load can really benefit performance.

02 Turn on Game Mode

Microsoft designed Game Mode to streamline gaming experiences by suspending notifications and updates. Sadly, it didn’t work as expected, and many gamers simply switched it off.

Microsoft has beavered away and fixed the issues, so it’s now safe to switch it back on. Game Mode in Windows 11 has new functionality to assign GPUs to specific apps, so on those trips away from mains power, you can preserve battery on a multi-GPU laptop by assigning Among Us to the on-board graphics, while keeping the high-powered chip asleep.

03 Do not update to Windows 11

If your machine has passed the 11 test, still think carefully before pushing the upgrade button. Windows 11 has innovative features designed to optimise Intel’s 12th Gen Alder Lake chips and improve gaming performance with DirectStorage caching, but for many PCs – particularly low-powered machines – it currently performs slower than Windows 10. If you don’t have a burning desire to use a Windows 11-only feature, it may be worth waiting until Microsoft’s latest picks up speed. Or your next hardware refresh.

04 Replace any spinning disks

The era of PCs with spinning hard drives is over, and solid-state drives (SSDs) are the baseline, even at the budget end of the market. Installing an SSD is a simple task, and it’s the nearest thing to a waving a magic wand that I can recommend. As SSD technologies have matured, prices have dropped considerably, but don’t buy a 1TB SSD if your current spinner only has 90GB of data; save the cash for something you’ll use. Look for M.2 NVMe sockets on the motherboard for maximum performance boost.

05 Dump old software

Windows 10 has a long tail, and many current machines began life using Windows 7 back in 2012. Long-life machines are often ladened with abandonware that really must go. I’m not suggesting that all old software is problematic (I’m a proud Fireworks 6 user), but there are risks. Software that hasn’t been updated could present security concerns, so uninstall anything that’s unused and give the machine’s resources to things that you do use. If you’re clinging to ancient software, then research modern alternatives while it still works. Whenever Windows 14 arrives, it may refuse to entertain your old favourite.

06 RAMP UP THE GRAPHICS

It’s an expensive time to be buying GPUs, but if you happen to know what you’re looking for then reasonably priced cards can be found in the refurbished or second-hand markets.

Before splashing out, use a PSU calculator (such as the one supplied by Cooler Master at coolermaster.com/ power-supply-calculator /) to ensure that your current PSU will power the new card. Also perform a visual inspection inside the case to check that there are enough PCI power connectors available and that the dimensions of the GPU won’t foul against other cards, panels or connectors.

07 Investigate CPU upgrades

CPU upgrades remain an amazing way to give your machine real grunt. AMD’s AM4 socket accepts a broad range of Ryzen chips, and even Intel systems are worth investigating. Once Speccy ( ccleaner.com/speccy ) has revealed which motherboard is powering your PC, head over to the relevant manufacturer’s website to reveal the possibilities. Flash the BIOS (if necessary) before you swap chips and be mindful that a more powerful cooler may be required. Costs can be offset if your old CPU has resale value.

08 FIX NOISY FANS

In an era of PCs with few moving parts, the noisy culprit is usually a fan. There may be more than one inside your desktop (there’s normally only one in laptops), so trial and error will reveal the offender.

Often the solution is no more complicated than giving them a good (yet careful) clean, and many desktop fans are constructed so that it’s possible to re-lubricate the spindle. However, if you crave a quieter life, replacing the stock fans with low-noise alternatives is the way to go.

09 Encrypt your PC

PC security isn’t something that only corporate IT managers need worry about. If your machine goes walkabout, knowing that the data is encrypted is one less thing to worry about. Encryption on Windows is super easy thanks to BitLocker, but it isn’t available for the Home editions.

10 Move out the motherboard

Upgrading a motherboard is a simple way to bring desirable features to your PC. Switching boards can introduce additional RAM slots, improved VCORE power delivery and connectivity technologies such as Thunderbolt.

Compatibility is the key to success, so ensure that you know exactly which permutation of CPU and RAM is in play and use this as a guide for the new motherboard.

Bonus tip: An enthusiastically purchased ATX board won’t fit in an mATX case, no matter how much coarse language is used. Check the dimensions.

11 Reset the PC

Full factory resets are not just for when things go wrong. PCs collect junk files, broken Registry entries and legacy processes that can suck the performance from a unit. It’s possible to scour log files and correct errors, but it’s far easier to reset the machine. Before you begin, plan a strategy of how you’ll reinstall apps, re-introduce passwords and restore the data. MyKeyFinder 2021 can help you dig out your licence keys too.

12 Remove junk trials

Many machines are pre-loaded with “software you’ll love”, but let’s be frank, cash has changed hands to have this stuff pre-loaded onto your box. If you’re not using it, get rid. Unused apps will integrate into Windows Update, slowing the cycle and consuming data for no reason. Work your way down “Apps and Features” in Settings (or “Programs and Features” in the Control Panel) and cut the dead wood.

13 Make the Wi-Fi fly

If your wireless speeds leave you lagging, then it’s time to swap hardware. Wi-Fi adapters are reasonably cheap, and if you don’t fancy getting out the screwdrivers, USB adapters compatible with Wi-Fi 6 are now available. It’s possible to switch out the internal Wi-Fi modules on a laptop, but certain brands block this with a BIOS “approved” list. In certain cheaper machines, I relate poor speeds to sub-standard aerials, so USB or PCIe alternatives with decent-sized external antennas should turbo-charge the connection.

14 Enable browser sync

We store a lot of information in our web browsers and, thanks to some of the fabulous plugins available, we customise them to our particular needs. Browser synchronisation is the easiest way to ensure that this setup isn’t lost when different machines come into your life. All major browsers can sync passwords, history, add-ins and even open tabs across multiple devices, including tablets and phones. Nothing ruins the new PC experience like a bare browser, and sync is the simplest way to ensure this doesn’t happen.

15 BOOST THE RAM

Upgrading the RAM certainly warrants investigation, especially if the machine is lethargic. RAM doesn’t give the performance gains of an SSD switch, but if your apps lag when the pressure is on, more resources are the way to go. RAM comes in many forms, and if you’re not sure what to buy, consult your local friendly computer shop or head over to Crucial ( crucial.com.au ) or Kingston ( kingston.com ). Sadly, not all machines have upgradable RAM, especially laptops.

16 Tighten the screws

This tip is ridiculously simple, free, easy to execute and can genuinely prevent laptop destruction. Ready? Grab screwdriver, flip laptop, tighten screws. That’s it, done, mine’s an Irn Bru! Here’s the science bit. Each time the laptop lid opens, the twisting forces being exerted on the hinges and chassis are immense. Screws preserve the laptop’s rigidity and alignment of the moving parts, but when they loosen during transit, it’s a matter of time before the screen comes off in your hand. If you have missing screws, replace them.

17 BUY A NEW WEBCAM

Five years ago, most people didn’t care about the quality of their webcams, which was fortunate because most were awful. It’s still a gamble today, with many reasonably expensive machines using low-resolution cameras with desaturated colours and a microphone that only reacts to loud explosions. Shelves are now stacked with USB replacements with superb resolutions, headphone ports and adjustable heads. Most clip to the top of your screen, but models with their own tripod and light ring are plentiful. A clip-on mic is also money well spent.

18 Switch on XMP

It’s worth investigating if the system’s RAM is working at advertised speeds. Your machine may have 3,200MHz DDR4 installed, but if the setup wasn’t perfect or the BIOS has suffered a blip, it may be running at default speeds around 2,400MHz. Enabling XMP (Extreme Memory Profile) in the BIOS forces the motherboard to read the RAM’s timing profiles and auto-tune the system accordingly.

Although XMP is an Intel technology, you’ll find it on many AMD boards. It’s also known as DOCP, AMP or EOCP.

19 Reduce Windows FX

Windows 11 has upped the graphical pizzazz for everyone’s desktop, but if you can live without transparency effects, then switch them off for a quick performance boost. In Windows’ Accessibility settings, select Visual effects, then disable Transparency effects and Animation effects. Next, bring up Advanced System Settings and click Settings under Performance. Select Adjust for best performance and Windows will switch off a stack of cosmetic enhancements. Your PC won’t have a massive injection of speed, but the tweaks certainly make the interface snappier.

20 LAPTOP SCREEN UPGRADE

Many laptop owners wish their screen was sharper, particularly with older or budget machines factory-fitted with WXGA-resolution panels (1366 x 768 is a common resolution). Open the screen unit, note the location of the mounting lugs and the position of the connector, while counting the pins (20, 30 or 40). Full HD (1920 x 1,080) replacements are available for a reasonable cost (higher resolutions may require additional wiring that the machine doesn’t support), but this tip is also useful if you want to swap a super-shiny gloss screen for a matte finish or vice versa.

21 Replace the case

Fantastically expensive components are often crammed into cheap cases and, aesthetics aside, a better-quality box may result in a better PC. Annoying rattles are greatly reduced by cases built to higher standards as thicker metals are more rigid and resist vibration. If noise is a bugbear, manufacturers such as Be Quiet ( bequiet.com ) are a wise investment. Additionally, new cases open possibilities for water-cooling rigs, extra drives, updated connectivity and fan/lighting controls on the front panel.

22 Use SSD software

SSDs are stonkingly good, getting PCs from cold starts to open apps in moments, but when faults occur, drive health plummets. Most SSD manufacturers supply management software to flag issues and adjust performance, enable over provisioning and update the firmware. Alternatively, Hard Disk Sentinel ( hdsentinel.com ) gives visual indicators for drive health.

23 Eradicate network throttling

Incorrectly configured network adapters are often the actual cause of slow connection speeds, so if your Speedtest. net results are underwhelming, head over to Device Manager and select your network controller.

Select Advanced and a vast array of configurable options appear. For wired NICs, check Speed & Duplex to ensure everything is turned up to 11. The options for wireless controllers vary with manufacturer, but check Wireless Mode and Preferred Band for starters.

24 Tame the touchpad

If I surveyed my laptop customers, asking them what they didn’t like about their device, the touchpad would be high on the list. The technology inside a modern touchpad can bring amazing flexibility and productivity enhancements if you take a few moments to learn the capabilities.

Touchpad Settings let you customise how a PC reacts to taps, pinches and multi-finger gestures. Alternatively, you can switch it all off and time-warp your touchpad back 20 years to a strictly up-down-left-right affair. Take time to tame your touchpad.

25 Run diagnostic tests

PCs are fantastically complicated devices designed by geniuses, but they’re not invincible. Running a few tests every so often is the best way to detect faults before they cause chaos inside your machine. PassMark MemTest ( memtest86.com ) is a free tool that will put RAM through a barrage of tests (always run it after installing new RAM). SSD manufacturers have downloadable

26 DUST PASTES AND PADS

Ensuring that your PC is dust-free won’t turn it into a rocket ship, but it will certainly help it live longer and keep noise levels down. The thermal CPU compound used by manufacturers is adequate but will desiccate over time, so grab the screwdrivers, (carefully) remove the fans and heatsinks and apply some of the fabulous after-market compounds and pads. Arctic ( arctic.de/en) is a popular choice, but Thermal Grizzly ( thermal-grizzly.com ) is also excellent. If using compressed air to remove dust, resist blasting the fans to see how fast they’ll spin as you’ll destroy the bearings.

27 DON’T PUT UP WITH POOR BATTERIES

Laptop manufacturers make bold claims about battery longevity, but what happens when the battery fails? Some laptops have their own software capable of checking battery life: HP has Support Assistant, Lenovo has Vantage, Acer has Care Centre. Alternatively, BatteryMon from PassMark ( passmark.com/products/batmon ) provides a range of useful information and battery tests. Although laptop batteries are now internal components, they remain a replaceable part. If the manufacturer doesn’t sell replacements, try DuracellDirect ( duracelldirect.com.au ), whose 2-Power compatible batteries are ideal for when the OEM ones are no longer available. tools on their sites to health-check storage, and FurMark from Geeks3D ( geeks3d.com/furmark/downloads ) is useful for stress-testing graphics cards.

28 Interrogate your USB-C ports

Got USB-C? Do you know what it does? Remember, USB-C describes the shape of the port and not its functionality. Is it USB 3.0 running at 5Gbits/sec or USB 3.1 at 10Gbits/sec? It could be USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gbits/sec) or Thunderbolt. Find out what yours does as a Thunderbolt drive will seem like an extravagant purchase when you discover the USB-C port is wired to a USB 3.0 controller.

29 Phase out old monitors

When was the last time you changed your desktop’s monitor? Old LCD panels rarely age well, and sometimes screen flicker, capacitor squeal and a muddy, lifeless image go unnoticed by the day-to-day user. Older monitors may also emit more blue light than new models, which has been claimed to disrupt sleep and disturb circadian rhythms. Keep an eye on our reviews, as we frequently feature fabulous screens suitable for all budgets. Something to think about.

30 Go back to Windows 8

History recalls Windows 8 as a problematic product written off because of an unfamiliar interface. Fair enough, but history forgets that it was also blisteringly fast. I’ve encountered a few “former-8” machines that haven’t reacted well (or at all) to later versions of Windows 10, but a downgrade back to version 8 keeps them running with improved performance.

A disc image of Windows 8.1 is still available to download from Microsoft ( tinyurl.com/ APC507WIN8 ), while OpenShell ( tinyurl.com/ APC507SHELL ) is an option for a better menu.

Extended support for Windows 8.1 ends on 10 January 2023, so enjoy the support, speed and stability while you still can. ■