How can you speed up file and folder performance?

1 Check disk health

One of the possible causes of slow file and folder performance is a damaged or corrupted disk. You can use the built-in Windows tool called Check Disk (chkdsk) to scan your disk for errors and fix them automatically. To run Check Disk, open the File Explorer, right-click on the drive you want to check, select Properties, then Tools, then Check. Follow the instructions on the screen and restart your computer if needed.

2 Defragment your disk

Another way to improve file and folder performance is to defragment your disk, which means rearranging the data on your disk so that it is stored more efficiently and contiguously. This reduces the amount of time and effort your disk needs to read and write data. You can use the built-in Windows tool called Defragment and Optimize Drives (defrag) to analyze and optimize your disk. To run Defrag, open the File Explorer, right-click on the drive you want to optimize, select Properties, then Tools, then Optimize. Choose the drive and click Analyze, then Optimize.

3 Delete unnecessary files

Sometimes, the simplest way to speed up file and folder performance is to delete unnecessary files that are taking up space and cluttering your disk. You can use the built-in Windows tool called Disk Cleanup (cleanmgr) to remove temporary files, system files, recycle bin items, and other files that you don't need anymore. To run Disk Cleanup, open the Start menu, type Disk Cleanup, and select the app. Choose the drive you want to clean up and click OK. Select the files you want to delete and click OK.

4 Disable indexing

Indexing is a feature that allows Windows to search your files and folders faster by creating a database of their names and locations. However, indexing can also slow down your file and folder performance, especially if you have a lot of files or a slow disk. You can disable indexing for specific drives or folders if you don't use the search function often or if you prefer a different search tool. To disable indexing, open the File Explorer, right-click on the drive or folder you want to exclude, select Properties, then uncheck the box that says Allow files on this drive/folder to have contents indexed in addition to file properties.

5 Adjust performance settings

Finally, you can adjust the performance settings of your computer to prioritize speed over appearance. This means reducing the visual effects and animations that Windows uses to make your interface look more attractive but also consume more resources. You can change the performance settings by opening the Control Panel, clicking on System and Security, then System, then Advanced system settings, then Settings under Performance. Choose the option that says Adjust for best performance or customize your own settings by checking or unchecking the boxes.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?