If you install too many fonts you will probably notice a dramatic reduction in the performance of your computer. Programs could take much longer to open, and in general the performance is lethargic.

Do you really need so many fonts? Chances are that you use the same half dozen or so on a regular basis and never use the others at all. So why have them on there taking up space and slowing things down? It's so quick and easy to install a couple of hundred extra fonts, but more time consuming to get rid of them.

If, on the other hand you are happy with the way things are running, then leave well alone!

Before you even look in the Fonts folder, you have to understand that many fonts are necessary for the computer to run at all, so don't think you can just go in and delete a font because you don't like the name of it. In the Word document, which is downloadable at the bottom of this page is a list of the fonts you must not touch.

And don't worry if you do delete one you didn't want to, it's only in your Recycle Bin, until such time as you empty it. (And don't forget, programs like Window Washer etc. will automatically empty the Recycle Bin if you have it set to do so).

OK, so you want to see if you can get rid of any fonts. Open the Control Panel and click on the Fonts folder.

Select this view:

If you see a font with an icon like this then DO NOT DELETE IT.

And I leave fonts with icons like this alone 

Remember, anything you delete is in the Recycle Bin and should you need to put it back, just open the bin, right click on the font and select Restore. A good idea is to create a folder in My Documents called "Deleted Fonts", then go to your Recycle Bin, highlight all of the fonts in there, right click and select CUT. Now paste them into your newly-created folder, and they are there for safe-keeping, should you ever need them.

Please, now download the Word document and read a list of the fonts that must not be deleted.