Unlock Lightning Speed: Essential Steps to Turbocharge Your Surface Go

Tired of your Surface feeling sluggish? We’ve all been there, staring at the spinning wheel, longing for the days of zippy performance. But fear not, fellow Surface users! This guide will equip you with the knowledge and tools to how to make surface go faster, transforming your device from a slowpoke to a speed demon.

1. The Power of a Clean Slate: Disk Cleanup and Storage Optimization

Let’s start with the basics: a cluttered hard drive is a slow hard drive. Over time, temporary files, system caches, and unwanted programs can accumulate, clogging up your precious disk space and slowing you down.

• Disk Cleanup: Windows 10 and 11 come equipped with a handy tool called Disk Cleanup. Access it by searching for “Disk Cleanup” in the Start menu. Select the drive you want to clean up, and then choose the file types you want to remove. This includes temporary files, system files, and even recycle bin contents.

• Storage Sense: For automatic cleaning, enable Storage Sense. This feature regularly frees up space by deleting temporary files, moving infrequently used files to the cloud, and even suggesting files to delete. Find it in Settings > System > Storage.

• Uninstall Unnecessary Programs: Take a look at your installed programs and uninstall anything you don’t use. You can find this list in Settings > Apps > Apps & Features. This frees up valuable disk space and reduces the number of programs running in the background.

2. The Background Noise: Manage Startup Programs and Services

Many programs, even those you don’t actively use, start running in the background when you boot up your Surface. These programs can eat up valuable resources and slow down your device.

• Task Manager: Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager. Navigate to the Startup tab to see a list of programs that launch automatically. Disable any programs you don’t need by clicking on them and selecting “Disable”.

• System Configuration: Search for “msconfig” in the Start menu to open System Configuration. Go to the Startup tab and uncheck any programs you don’t want to start automatically.

• Services: In the same System Configuration window, go to the Services tab. Here, you can disable services that aren’t essential for your Surface to function properly. Be cautious here, as disabling the wrong service can cause problems. If you’re unsure about a particular service, leave it enabled.

3. The Power of a Refresh: Restart and Update

Simple but effective, restarting your Surface can clear out temporary files and refresh processes, often leading to a noticeable speed boost.

• Updates are Your Friends: Windows updates often include performance improvements and bug fixes. Make sure your Surface is running the latest version of Windows by going to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and checking for updates.

4. The Visual Feast: Adjust Display Settings

High-resolution displays are beautiful, but they can also strain your Surface’s resources.

• Lower Resolution: Consider lowering your display resolution. You can find this setting in Settings > System > Display. Reducing the resolution can free up processing power and make your Surface feel snappier.

• Visual Effects: You can also adjust visual effects to reduce the load on your system. Go to Settings > System > About and click on “Advanced system settings”. In the System Properties window, go to the Advanced tab and click on “Settings” under Performance. Choose the “Adjust for best performance” option.

5. The Power of a Clean Machine: Keep it Dust-Free

Dust can accumulate inside your Surface, obstructing airflow and causing overheating.

• Regular Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the exterior of your Surface regularly. For the ports and fan vents, use a compressed air can to blow out any dust. Avoid using liquids or harsh chemicals.

• Cooling Pad: Consider using a cooling pad to help keep your Surface cool. These pads have built-in fans that help dissipate heat, which can improve performance and longevity.

6. The Art of Prioritization: Manage Your Processes

• Close Unnecessary Programs: When you’re not using a program, close it. Every program running in the background consumes resources, so closing unnecessary programs can free up valuable processing power.

• Resource-Hungry Apps: Be mindful of resource-hungry applications. If you’re using a program that requires a lot of processing power, such as a video editing software or a game, consider closing other programs to give it more resources.

7. The Ultimate Power Move: Upgrade Your Hardware

If you’ve tried all of the above and your Surface is still sluggish, it might be time to consider upgrading your hardware.

• RAM: Adding more RAM can significantly improve your Surface’s performance, especially if you’re running demanding applications or have many programs open at once.

• SSD: If your Surface still uses a hard disk drive (HDD), upgrading to a solid-state drive (SSD) will provide a massive performance boost. SSDs are much faster than HDDs, resulting in quicker boot times, faster application loading, and overall smoother performance.

The Final Lap: Beyond the Basics

• Background Processes: Use the Task Manager to identify and terminate any processes that are using a lot of CPU or memory. Pay attention to processes that you don’t recognize or that are using a disproportionate amount of resources.

• Third-Party Optimization Tools: While caution is advised, some third-party optimization tools can help you identify and manage resource-intensive processes, clear out temporary files, and optimize your system settings. Do your research before using any such tools, as some can be unreliable or even harmful.

• Clean Install: As a last resort, consider performing a clean install of Windows. This will wipe your hard drive and install a fresh copy of Windows, potentially resolving any performance issues caused by corrupted files or accumulated system junk.

Answers to Your Questions

1. How often should I clean my Surface?
It’s recommended to clean your Surface regularly, at least once a week. However, if you use your Surface in a dusty environment, you may need to clean it more frequently.
2. What are some signs that my Surface needs more RAM?
If you notice your Surface lagging, freezing, or taking a long time to load applications, especially when running multiple programs simultaneously, it may be a sign that you need more RAM.
3. Is it safe to disable services in System Configuration?
Be cautious when disabling services in System Configuration. Only disable services that you are certain you don’t need. If you are unsure about a particular service, leave it enabled.
4. Can I use a cooling pad with any Surface model?
Most cooling pads are compatible with Surface models, but it’s always a good idea to check the manufacturer’s specifications to ensure compatibility.
5. What are some tips for keeping my Surface running smoothly?

• Keep your Surface updated with the latest software.
• Regularly clean your Surface to remove dust and debris.
• Close unnecessary programs and processes.
• Avoid installing unnecessary software.
• Use a cooling pad to help keep your Surface cool.