How to Speed Up a Slow Computer
A slow computer usually has a few common culprits: too many startup programs, low free storage, or out-of-date software. Work through these and you'll often see a big improvement.
Step-by-step
- 1
Restart properly
A full restart (not just sleep) clears memory and closes background processes. Do this first — it resolves many slowdowns.
- 2
Trim startup programs
On Windows, open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) → Startup tab and disable programs you don't need at boot. On Mac, go to System Settings → General → Login Items.
- 3
Free up disk space
A nearly full drive slows everything down. Remove unused apps and large files, and empty the Recycle Bin/Trash. Aim for at least 15% free space.
- 4
Check for resource hogs
In Task Manager (or Activity Monitor on Mac), sort by CPU and Memory to spot a single app using everything, then close or uninstall it.
- 5
Update your system and drivers
Install pending operating system and driver updates — they often include performance and stability fixes.
- 6
Scan for malware
Hidden malware is a common cause of slowdowns. Run a full scan with your security software.
Helpful tips
- The single biggest speed upgrade for an older computer is replacing a hard drive (HDD) with an SSD — we can do this and migrate your data.
- Adding more memory (RAM) helps if you keep many apps or browser tabs open at once.