How to Optimize Windows 10/11 for Low-End Computers (For Programming) – Based on 5 Years of Experience

beginner developers face a real challenge.

Show computer? No money to upgrade? we've got you.

 Many students and new developers struggle with old, sluggish laptops (like Core 2 Duo, 2GB/4GB RAM). Modern Windows eats up RAM and CPU, making coding feel impossible. Buying a new machine? For those tight on cash, that’s just a dream.

But don’t give up! With 5 years of system-tuning experience, I’ll share free, developer-grade tricks to revive your old PC. Turn it into a fast, coding-friendly tool no upgrades needed.

Let’s fix this together...!

1. Reduce Background Processes & Startup Bloat

     1.1 Disable Startup Apps

Ctrl + Shift + Esc → Startup tab → Disable non-essential apps (e.g., OneDrive, Discord, Spotify).

⚡ Frees RAM and CPU on boot.

     1.2 Trim Background Apps

Settings → Apps → Startup and Privacy → Background apps. Disable apps running in the background.

2. Optimize Visual Performance

     2.1 Adjust Visual Effects

Search for "View advanced system settings" → Performance Settings → Select "Adjust for best performance" to disable animations/transparency.

⚡ Reduces GPU/CPU load.

     2.2 Disable Transparency & Effects

Settings → Personalization → Colors → Turn off Transparency effects.

Settings → Accessibility → Visual effects → Disable animations.

3. Tweak Power & Performance Settings

     3.1 Enable High-Performance Power Plan

Search for "Choose a power plan" → Select "High performance".

Search for "cmd" in the Start Menu, right-click on "Command Prompt," and select "Run as administrator." 

Type or paste the following command and press Enter  

powercfg -duplicatescheme e9a42b02-d5df-448d-aa00-03f14749eb61 

✅ You might see "Ultimate Performance" directly, or you might need to click "Show additional plans." Select it.

For Laptops   ✔   Use "Balanced" to avoid battery drain.

     3.2 Optimize CPU Prioritization

Ctrl + Shift + Esc → Right-click your programming IDE (e.g., VS Code) in Details tab → Set priority to "Above normal" (temporary).

4. Free Up RAM & Manage Virtual Memory

Increase Virtual Memory (Page File)

Advanced system settings → Performance Settings → Advanced → Virtual Memory → Change → Uncheck automatic → Set custom size (1.5x RAM for "Initial", 3x for "Max").

2GB RAM → 3072 MB Initial, 6144 MB Max.

4GB RAM → 6144 MB Initial, 12288 MB Max.

8GB RAM → 12288 MB Initial, 24576 MB Max.

Initial (1.5x RAM): 2GB RAM * 1.5 = 3GB. Since 1GB = 1024MB, then 3GB = 3 * 1024 MB = 3072 MB (2GB RAM Computer Initial)

Maximum (3x RAM): 2GB RAM * 3 = 6GB. So, 6GB = 6 * 1024 MB = 6144 MB

✔   Only do this if using an SSD; avoid on HDDs.

5. Disable Ono-Essential Services

Target Resource - hungry Services

Press   Win + R   →  services.msc    →   Disable

• SysMain (Superfetch – useful for HDDs, disable for SSDs) Windows Search (indexing)
• Windows Search (indexing)
• Connected User Experiences (telemetry)
• Cortana (if unused)

Caution -- Research services before disabling.

 

6. Extreme Performance Boosts

Run Windows in "Game Mode" for Coding

Press   Win + G   → Open Game Bar → Settings → Enable "Game Mode"

7. Disable Windows Features You Don’t Need

Run Windows in "Game Mode" for Coding

Press   Win + R   → optionalfeatures  → Disable

• Internet Explorer 11   (if not needed)
• Print and Document Services (unless you print)
• Windows Media Player (use VLC instead)
• Work Folders Client (useless for most devs)

8. Kernel & Memory Tweaks

Enable Performance Boost in Registry

Press   Win + R   → regedit  → Navigate to

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE → SYSTEM → CurrentControlSet → Control → Session Manager → Memory Management

• Set these values 
• ClearPageFileAtShutdown = 0
• DisablePagingExecutive = 1 (keeps drivers in RAM)
• LargeSystemCache = 1 (for 4GB+ RAM)

9. Hardcore Service Disabling (via PowerShell)

 powershell  →

• Stop-Service -Name "SysMain" -Force
• Set-Service -Name "SysMain" -StartupType Disabled
• Stop-Service -Name "WSearch" -Force
• Set-Service -Name "WSearch" -StartupType Disabled

💬 If you have more tips or experience optimizing Windows for low-end PCs, feel free to add your thoughts in the comments below!

Your input could help other developers too. 🙌