How to optimise your PC security and performance

So, you want your PC to perform at its best? Outside of just buying the most expensive hardware, one of the keys to achieving this is ensuring top-notch security. A secure PC isn't just safer, it's also faster. By following these tips to optimise 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

Clear up disk space: Running your PC when it's bogged down with junk is like trying to run a marathon with a backpack full of bricks. If your PC is feeling sluggish, the first thing you should check is the amount of available space on your drives. Removing unnecessary files and unwanted programs should quickly provide a speed boost, with plenty more you can do from there.

Restart your PC: Sometimes, things are as simple as turning it off and on again. Rebooting your PC can help close unnecessary background processes, clear the memory (RAM), and provides an opportunity to apply updates. This of course leads to the next tip..

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

Run an antivirus scan: You could have some viruses or malware infecting your system. These malicious programs often run in the background, consuming valuable resources and slowing down your computer. By running a scan using a reputable antivirus, you can detect these threats and eliminate them. Then you’ll not only be safer, but have a faster, more responsive computer.

Choosing an antivirus

Everybody should be using some form of basic antivirus on their computer. Something that only becomes more important if you a) share your devices, or b) use that device for banking or online shopping.

Outside of just scanning for viruses, antivirus software also enhances your PC’s performance by removing and blocking malware, cleaning up unnecessary files, optimising system settings, and providing ongoing protection against new threats. So it’s kind of like having a housekeeper or a robot vacuum cleaner for your PC. Plugging away in the background, sucking up all the digital dirt and keeping your PC squeaky clean. Leading to a smoother, faster, and more reliable computing experience.

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

Avast One Gold

While a free tool such as Avast One Basic is a great place to start, the best features and security tools are always going to be tied to a premium antivirus plan. For Avast One, the golden standard is quite simply: Avast One Gold.

Upgrading to Gold provides:

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

• A VPN (Virtual Private Network) with unlimited data for all devices on the plan to help you browse privately and securely

• Performance optimisation features, automatic PC driver updates, and storage cleaning tools

• Anti-tracking technology to prevent bad actors or advertisers from tracking you and learning about your online behaviour

• Email Guardian, which helps flag scams and suspicious emails before they even reach your inbox

• Technology that helps automatically block fake and malicious websites

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