Why is my computer so slow? Simple fixes to try first
A slow computer is one of the most frustrating everyday tech problems. The good news: the cause is usually ordinary, and many fixes take only a few minutes. Here's what to check, in order.
1. Restart it properly
Many people close the lid for weeks at a time. A real restart clears out programs that are stuck and finishes updates that were waiting. On Windows, choose Start, Power, Restart. On a Mac, choose the Apple menu, then Restart.
2. Install waiting updates
Updates often include speed and security fixes. On Windows, go to Settings, then Windows Update. On a Mac, go to System Settings, General, Software Update.
3. Check if your storage is nearly full
Computers need free space to work smoothly. When the drive is nearly full, everything slows down.
- Windows: Settings, System, Storage. Turn on Storage Sense to clear temporary files automatically.
- Mac: Apple menu, System Settings, General, Storage. It shows what's using space and offers recommendations.
The usual space hogs: old downloads, duplicate photos and videos, and old phone backups. Before deleting anything, make sure your important files are backed up.
4. Stop apps from opening at startup
Many apps quietly set themselves to open every time you turn the computer on.
- Windows: press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, then choose Startup apps and disable the ones you don't need straight away.
- Mac: System Settings, General, Login Items. Remove the ones you don't need.
5. Close tabs and remove browser extensions
Dozens of open browser tabs use a lot of memory. Bookmark what you want to keep and close the rest. Remove browser extensions you don't recognize or use, since some slow things down, and a few are unsafe.
6. See what's working hardest
On Windows, Task Manager shows which apps use the most memory and processor. On a Mac, Activity Monitor (in Applications, Utilities) does the same. If one app is always at the top, it may need updating or replacing.
7. Check for unwanted software
Pop-ups everywhere, a new toolbar or a changed home page can mean unwanted software. Run Microsoft Defender on Windows, keep macOS updated on a Mac, and remove programs you didn't install on purpose.
When it might be the computer itself
If your computer is more than six or seven years old, it may struggle with today's websites and apps no matter what you do. A cleanup can still help a lot, and if it's time for a new one, moving your files across carefully matters.
Want someone to do it with you?
If you'd rather not dig through settings, or you're worried about deleting the wrong thing, we can help online. We check your backups first, find what's taking up space and slowing things down, and agree a plan with you before anything is removed. In one recent cleanup, a nearly full computer got 8.51 GB of space back without losing anything that mattered.
Common questions
Why is my computer so slow all of a sudden?
Often a large update is running in the background, the drive has just filled up, or a new app is using a lot of memory. Restart, let updates finish, and check your storage.
Does deleting files make my computer faster?
It helps when your drive is nearly full. If you already have plenty of free space, deleting files won't make much difference. Trimming startup apps and browser tabs will help more.
How much free space should my computer have?
Try to keep at least 10 to 15 percent of your drive free.
Can someone clean up my computer remotely?
Yes. We can help online: you share your screen, and we work through it together, with backups checked first.