This guide walks you through six proven optimization steps that help your computer run smoother, start faster, and perform better for both work in Blue Border and for personal use.

While your device specifications set the foundation for how quickly your apps load and respond (check our device requirements and recommendations here), a few simple adjustments can make a noticeable difference in how your device runs.

1. Change battery power mode

Your computer's power settings directly affect how fast and responsive it feels. Power-saving modes slow down your processor, dim the display, and limit background activity to preserve battery. While helpful if you're away from an outlet, these settings can make everything feel sluggish when you need performance.

Disabling energy saving options will enhance performance, but it will also drain your battery faster. Consider re-enabling these settings when you're away from your desk.

Windows: Set your power mode to Best Performance or disable Battery Saver from activating automatically. Learn how to change Windows power settings.

macOS: Disable Low Power Mode or set Energy Mode to Automatic. Learn how to manage Mac power modes.

2. Remove unused applications

Over time, your computer accumulates applications you no longer use—trial software, apps downloaded for one-time tasks, or programs you've outgrown. These unused applications take up valuable storage and can run background processes that slow things down.

Take a few minutes to identify and remove apps you don't need to free up space.

Windows: Review your list of installed apps in the Start menu and right-click to uninstall. Learn how to uninstall apps on Windows.

macOS: Review your list of installed apps in the Applications folder in Finder and drag to the Trash to uninstall. Learn how to delete apps on Mac.

3. Disable unnecessary startup apps

Every app that launches automatically adds to startup time and consumes system resources in the background. Over time, as more applications add themselves to your startup routine, your computer takes longer to become usable after turning it on.

By reviewing and disabling startup items you don't need, you can significantly speed up how quickly your computer is ready to use.

Be thoughtful about what you disable. Security software, cloud sync apps you rely on, and your organization's required tools should typically remain enabled.

Windows: Use Task Manager (right-click Start select Task Manager) to review which apps start automatically and disable high-impact items you don't need. Learn how to manage Windows startup apps.

macOS: Go to Login Items (System Settings General Login Items or Login Items & Extensions) and remove items from the list that you don't need. Learn how to change Mac login items.

4. Ensure you have one updated antivirus solution installed

Venn recommends having one updated antivirus installed on your computer. Regular updates ensure your antivirus can detect and block the latest threats. Running multiple antivirus programs causes conflicts, significantly slows down your computer, and can lead to crashes or system instability.

The best approach is to use one reliable, up-to-date antivirus solution and remove any others. Running more than one real-time antivirus leads to performance degradation, system instability, and conflicts between security tools.

Review your installed apps (Windows: Start menu, macOS: Applications folder in Finder) and look for common antivirus program names. Google app names in your application list if you're not sure what they're for to determine if they are antivirus solutions.

Common antivirus program names: Norton (360, Security), McAfee (Total Protection, LiveSafe), Bitdefender, Avast, AVG, Kaspersky, Trend Micro, Webroot, Malwarebytes, Windows Defender (built into Windows)

If you have one antivirus installed, make sure it is updated. For instructions on updating specific antivirus applications, refer to your antivirus provider's documentation.
If you don't have an antivirus installed, install one. We maintain a list of antivirus products that are compatible with Blue Border here.
If you have more than one antivirus installed, uninstall all but one of them following the instructions above.

5. Turn off third-party VPNs

VPN software encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through remote servers. While useful for privacy in certain situations, VPNs can interfere with your computer's performance and connectivity when you don't need them active.

Most VPN applications (NordVPN, Norton Secure VPN, ExpressVPN, GlobalProtect, etc.) have a disconnect button in their system tray icon (Windows) or menu bar (macOS). For detailed instructions on disabling specific VPN applications, refer to your VPN provider's documentation.

6. Install operating system updates

Venn recommends installing the latest updates to your operating system. Updates include security fixes, bug resolutions, performance improvements, and compatibility updates that help your computer run smoothly and securely.

Windows: Go to Settings Windows Update and click Check for updates. Learn how to install Windows updates.

macOS: Go to System Settings General Software Update and click Check for updates. Learn how to keep your Mac up to date.

Disable "Get the latest updates as soon as they're available" in Windows Settings, and do not opt in to get early access or preview versions of Windows or macOS unless necessary. Preview and beta versions are designed for testing and will contain unresolved bugs that can cause crashes, data loss, and compatibility issues with your applications. Learn more here.