Fix a Slow Computer

Speed Up Your Slow Computer

Try these steps to improve your computer's performance.

Step 1: Restart Your Computer

A simple restart clears temporary files and refreshes system processes. Try this first!

Step 2: Check What's Using Resources

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
2. Click More details if needed
3. Look at the CPU, Memory, and Disk columns
4. If something is using high resources (90%+), that's likely the culprit
5. Right-click the program and select End task if it's not essential

Step 3: Disable Startup Programs

1. Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc)
2. Click the Startup tab
3. Right-click programs you don't need at startup
4. Select Disable
5. Restart your computer

Step 4: Free Up Disk Space

Low disk space can slow down your computer. See our guide to free up disk space.

Step 5: Check for Windows Updates

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings
2. Click Windows Update
3. Click Check for updates
4. Install any available updates and restart

Step 6: Scan for Malware

1. Open Windows Security (search in Start menu)
2. Click Virus & threat protection
3. Click Quick scan
4. For thorough scan, click Scan options > Full scan

Still Slow?

If your computer is still slow after trying these steps, contact our helpdesk. There may be a hardware issue or other problem requiring professional assistance.

Need more help? Contact our helpdesk and we'll be happy to assist you.