Step by step guide on how to speed up your PC using a build in tool called CMD or command prompts.

🔊 This guide is fully accessible — written for everyone, including blind, low-vision, screen reader users, seniors, and keyboard-only users. It teaches how to speed up a slow Windows computer using Command Prompt (CMD) — no extra software required.

When your computer starts taking too long to boot, open apps, or connect to the internet, it’s not always because of a virus or lack of memory. Often, it’s just clutter — leftover files, unused startup apps, corrupt system processes, or unnecessary visuals weighing down your machine. The good news? You can clean, repair, and optimize your entire system using built-in tools — all from a single powerful interface: the Command Prompt, also known as CMD.

What is Command Prompt?
CMD is a tool in Windows that lets you talk directly to the operating system by typing commands. It’s like the control room behind the scenes — allowing you to delete junk files, check for errors, reset your network, manage startup programs, and much more — all without needing to open dozens of windows or use a mouse. Best of all, it’s completely screen reader–friendly and ideal for keyboard-only users.

This guide will teach you step-by-step how to use CMD to speed up your PC, clean it, and reduce boot time. You’ll learn everything from basic cleanup to advanced performance tuning — formatted for full mastery.

🧹 Clean Temporary Files (Using CMD Only)

Open Command Prompt as Administrator:

• Press Windows + S

• Type cmd

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Enter

• If prompted, press Alt + Y to approve admin access

Delete Temporary Files:

del /q/f/s %TEMP%\*

Delete Prefetch Files:

del C:\Windows\Prefetch\*.* /q

🧪 Run System File Checker (SFC)

sfc /scannow

Scans for and repairs missing or corrupted system files. This process may take up to 15–20 minutes.

🔧 Repair Windows Image Using DISM

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Fixes deeper Windows errors that SFC might not resolve, especially after system updates.

🧼 Deep Clean Disk Space

Launch Disk Cleanup Tool:

cleanmgr /sageset:1
cleanmgr /sagerun:1

Use arrow keys to select items to clean (like system logs and old updates). Press Tab to reach "OK", then press Enter.

Quick Cleanup with Defaults:

cleanmgr /verylowdisk

Runs automatically with essential cleanup items selected.

🐇 Enable Hibernate and Fast Startup

Enable Hibernate:

powercfg -h on

Turn on Fast Startup (keyboard steps):

• Press Windows + R, type control, press Enter

• Press Tab to "Hardware and Sound", press Enter

• Press Tab to "Power Options", press Enter

• Press Tab to "Choose what the power buttons do", press Enter

• Press Tab to “Change settings that are currently unavailable”, press Enter

• Use arrow keys to highlight “Turn on fast startup”, press Space

• Press Tab to Save Changes, then press Enter

🛠 Disable Unnecessary Startup Programs

View Startup Items:

wmic startup get caption,command

Make note of programs you don’t need to launch automatically (e.g., Skype, Adobe Updater, Spotify).

Disable Startup Apps Using Keyboard:

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager

• Press Tab to the top tabs, use arrow keys to reach “Startup”

• Press Tab to focus the app list

• Use arrow keys to select an app

• Press Enter, arrow down to “Disable”, press Enter

• Repeat as needed

🖥️ Disable Visual Effects for Performance

Open Performance Settings:

SystemPropertiesPerformance

• Use arrow keys to highlight “Adjust for best performance”

• Or manually uncheck visual options (e.g., shadows, animations) using spacebar

• Press Tab to Apply, then press Enter

🌐 Flush DNS and Reset Network Stack

Flush DNS Cache:

ipconfig /flushdns

Reset Network:

netsh winsock reset

Restart your system after both commands.

⏱ Check Boot Time

systeminfo | find "Boot Time"

Displays your last system boot time. Helps measure improvement after cleanup.

⚙ Advanced Boot Configuration

Open System Configuration:

msconfig

• Use Tab and arrow keys to move to the “Boot” tab

• Enable “No GUI boot” to disable boot animations

• Move to the “Services” tab

• Press Tab to reach service list

• Press Space to check “Hide all Microsoft services”

• Use arrow keys to disable unneeded services

• Press Alt + A to Apply, then Alt + O to OK

• Restart your PC

🔋 Optimize Power Plan for Performance

View Available Power Plans:

powercfg /list

Activate High Performance Mode:

powercfg /setactive SCHEME_MIN

Improves speed on laptops and desktops by allocating more power to performance.

🧾 Optional: Clear Browser Cache from CMD

Clear Internet Explorer / Edge Data:

RunDll32.exe InetCpl.cpl,ClearMyTracksByProcess 255

Clears cookies, browsing history, and temporary files.

🧰 Optional: Run Full Security Scan (Windows Defender)

MpCmdRun -Scan -ScanType 2

Performs a deep system scan using the built-in antivirus tool. Results are logged automatically.

📋 Summary of Key Commands

🧠 Automate the Process With One Script (Advanced)

Create a Boost Script:

1. Press Windows + R, type notepad, press Enter

2. Paste the content below

3. Press Ctrl + S to save

4. In the File Name box, type: boost.cmd

5. In "Save as type", select "All Files", then press Enter

6. Right-click the file and select "Run as Administrator" using keyboard: Press Shift + F10, then arrow to "Run as administrator", press Enter

@echo off
echo Cleaning temporary files...
del /q/f/s %TEMP%\*
del C:\Windows\Prefetch\*.* /q

echo Running system file check...
sfc /scannow

echo Repairing Windows image...
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

echo Flushing DNS...
ipconfig /flushdns

echo Resetting network stack...
netsh winsock reset

echo Enabling Hibernate and Fast Startup...
powercfg -h on

echo Done. Please restart your computer.
pause

Let us know your taught at the comment section.