So you want your PC to perform at its best? Besides buying the most expensive hardware, one key to achieving that goal is ensuring top-notch security. A secure PC is not only safer, it’s faster, too. By following these tips to optimize your system, you’ll transform your computer into a sleek, efficient powerhouse. Get ready to experience the best of both worlds: security and performance. Let’s dive in.

First steps

Free up storage space: Having your PC cluttered with junk is like trying to run a marathon with a backpack full of bricks. If your PC is getting sluggish, the first thing you should do is check the free space on your drives. Removing unnecessary files and unwanted programs should quickly boost speed, and there’s a lot more you can do from there.

Restart your PC: Sometimes turning your PC off and on again is enough. Restarting your PC can help close unnecessary background processes, clear the memory (RAM), and provides a chance to apply updates. This of course leads us to the next tip.

Update your operating system: Make sure your operating system (OS) and all of your drivers are up to date. These updates often include performance improvements and security patches that can help your PC run more smoothly and securely.

Run an antivirus scan: Your system may be infected with viruses or malware. These malicious programs often run in the background, consuming valuable resources and slowing down your computer. By running a scan with a reputable antivirus program, you can identify and eliminate these threats. Not only will you be more secure, but you’ll also have a faster, more responsive computer.

Choosing an antivirus program

Everyone should have some sort of basic antivirus program on their computer. This becomes even more important if you a) share your devices or b) use the device for banking or online shopping.

In addition to simply scanning for viruses, antivirus software also improves your PC’s performance by removing and blocking malware, cleaning up unnecessary files, optimizing system settings, and providing continuous protection against new threats. So it’s like having a housekeeper or robot vacuum cleaner for your PC. It works in the background, sucking up all the digital dirt and keeping your PC squeaky clean. The result is a smoother, faster, and more reliable computing experience.

Even if you really, really don’t want to pay for extra security on your devices, it’s still a good idea to install a lightweight, free version of a reputable antivirus. Avast One Basic was voted the Editor’s Choice for free antivirus 2024 by the experts at our sister site PCMag. It offers free protection for Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows, and scored near-perfect scores for both virus protection and phishing protection in our lab tests. However, if you want the best protection for most devices, we recommend upgrading your plan to one of the paid options. In this case:

Avast One Gold

While a free tool like Avast One Basic is a good place to start, the best features and security tools are always tied to a premium antivirus package. For Avast One, the gold standard is simple: Avast One Gold.

The upgrade to Gold offers:

• Virus and malware protection for up to 30 devices (PCs, Macs, tablets or smartphones)

• A VPN (Virtual Private Network) with unlimited data for all devices in the plan so you can browse privately and securely

• Performance optimization features, automatic PC driver updates and memory cleaning tools

• Anti-tracking technology to prevent malicious actors or advertisers from tracking you and obtaining information about your online behavior.

• Email Guardian helps detect scams and suspicious emails before they reach your inbox.

• Technology that can automatically block fake and malicious websites

So if you want to both secure and speed up your devices, Avast One Gold is a clear recommendation. It offers advanced protection, performance optimization, privacy, priority support, and multi-device coverage. If you’re interested, you can read more about Avast One here.