How to fix a slow computer

Byadmin

How to Fix a Slow Computer

(From a handyman who’s fixed a lot more than just leaky pipes)

A slow computer is like a clogged drain. It still works, but it makes you want to rip your hair out. The good news: you can speed it up yourself with some simple steps.

Pro Tip: Before you start, back up important files (photos, documents, work stuff) to a USB drive or cloud storage. That way, if something goes wrong, your data is safe.

Tools

  • Internet connection
  • Your computer (plug in the charger if it’s a laptop)
  • External drive or cloud account (for backups)
  • A clean, soft cloth or microfiber cloth
  • Small Phillips screwdriver (for desktops or older laptops, if you open the case)

Step 1: Do a Simple Reboot

  1. Save your work in all programs.
  2. Close all programs you are not using.
  3. Restart the computer (don’t just shut the lid). Click Start → Power → Restart.
  4. After it restarts, wait a few minutes, then see if things feel faster.

Step 2: Check for Too Many Programs at Startup

On Windows

  1. Right-click the taskbar and click Task Manager.
  2. At the top, click "Startup" (or "Startup Apps").
  3. Look at the list. For apps you don’t need at startup (Spotify, Zoom, game launchers), right-click and choose "Disable".
  4. Restart the computer and test again.

On Mac

  1. Click the Apple logo in the top-left, then System Settings (or System Preferences).
  2. Go to General → Login Items.
  3. For apps you don’t need at startup, select them and click the minus (-) button.
  4. Restart the Mac and see if it runs better.

Step 3: Close Heavy Programs and Browser Tabs

  1. Open Task Manager (Windows) by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc. On Mac, open Activity Monitor (Search "Activity Monitor" with Spotlight).
  2. Look at which apps use the most CPU and Memory (RAM).
  3. Right-click and choose "End task" (Windows) or click the X button in Activity Monitor for apps you don’t need.
  4. Close extra browser tabs you are not using. Many tabs can slow things down.

Step 4: Check for Low Disk Space

  1. On Windows, open File Explorer and click "This PC". On Mac, click the Apple logo → About This Mac → Storage.
  2. Look at your main drive (often C: on Windows). If it’s over 80–90% full, your computer can get slow.
  3. Delete or move big files you don’t need, like old videos or installers.
  4. Empty the Recycle Bin/Trash to actually free space.

Step 5: Uninstall Programs You Don’t Use

On Windows

  1. Click Start → Settings → Apps → Installed apps (or Apps & features).
  2. Look through the list and click programs you never use.
  3. Click "Uninstall" and follow the steps.
  4. When done, restart the computer.

On Mac

  1. Open Finder, then Applications.
  2. For apps you don’t use, drag them to the Trash.
  3. Empty the Trash to free space.
  4. Restart and see how it runs.

Step 6: Run a Virus and Malware Scan

  1. Make sure your antivirus is updated (Windows Defender is fine for most people).
  2. On Windows, open Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Quick scan.
  3. After the quick scan, if you suspect problems, run a full scan. It takes longer but checks more.
  4. If malware is found, follow the prompts to remove or quarantine it, then restart.

Step 7: Turn Off Fancy Visual Effects

On Windows

  1. Right-click "This PC" (or "My Computer") and click Properties.
  2. Click "Advanced system settings", then under Performance click "Settings".
  3. Choose "Adjust for best performance", or uncheck things like animations and shadows.
  4. Click Apply, then OK.

On Mac

  1. Open System Settings.
  2. Go to Accessibility → Display.
  3. Turn on "Reduce motion" and "Reduce transparency" if available.
  4. This makes the Mac use less power on visual effects.

Step 8: Clean Up Temporary and Junk Files

On Windows

  1. Open Settings → System → Storage.
  2. Turn on Storage Sense if you see it.
  3. Click "Temporary files" and check items like "Temporary files" and "Recycle Bin" (leave Downloads unchecked if you are not sure).
  4. Click "Remove files" and wait for it to finish.

On Mac

  1. Click the Apple logo → About This Mac → Storage.
  2. Click "Manage" if available.
  3. Follow the suggestions, like "Empty Trash Automatically" or remove large files.
  4. Be careful and don’t delete files you still need.

Step 9: Update Your System and Drivers

  1. On Windows, open Settings → Windows Update, then click "Check for updates".
  2. Install updates and restart when asked.
  3. On Mac, click Apple logo → System Settings → General → Software Update.
  4. Install system updates, then restart and test.

Step 10: Check Your Hard Drive Health (Windows)

  1. Open File Explorer, right-click your main drive (C:), and click Properties.
  2. Go to the "Tools" tab and under Error checking, click "Check".
  3. If it offers to scan, click "Scan drive" and let it run.
  4. If it reports errors and asks to fix them, accept and restart if needed.

Step 11: Add More RAM (If Needed)

(This is more “handyman” style work)

  1. Look up your computer model on the maker’s website and check how much RAM it has and how much it supports.
  2. If you have 4 GB or less, upgrade to at least 8 GB if possible (16 GB is better for heavy use).
  3. Shut down the computer, unplug it, and if it’s a desktop, open the side panel with your screwdriver.
  4. Install the new RAM sticks into the RAM slots (match the notch and press firmly until the clips click), then close it up and test.

If you’re not comfortable opening the case, this is a good time to have a shop do it. The part is usually cheap; labor is what you pay for.

Step 12: Clean Out Dust (Desktops and Some Laptops)

  1. Shut down the computer, unplug it, and hold the power button for 5–10 seconds to discharge power.
  2. Open the case (or access panel) with your screwdriver.
  3. Use short blasts of compressed air (if you have it) and a soft cloth to gently clean dust from fans and vents.
  4. Do not touch delicate parts with fingers and don’t spin fans super fast with air (hold them with a finger or pen if needed).

Dust makes the computer run hot, and heat makes it slow down.

Step 13: Consider an SSD Upgrade

If your computer has an old spinning hard drive, changing to an SSD is like going from a bicycle to a motorcycle.

  1. Check your computer’s specs and see if it uses a 2.5" SATA drive or an M.2 drive.
  2. Buy a compatible SSD from a good brand.
  3. You can clone your old drive to the SSD using free software, or do a fresh install of Windows/macOS.
  4. If this sounds too advanced, have a shop do just this step. It’s one of the biggest speed boosts you can get.

Step 14: Last Resort – Reset or Reinstall the System

On Windows

  1. Back up your files first.
  2. Go to Settings → System → Recovery.
  3. Click "Reset this PC", then choose "Keep my files" if you don’t want to erase personal data.
  4. Follow the steps and let Windows reinstall itself.

On Mac

  1. Back up your files (Time Machine or external drive).
  2. For newer Macs, shut down, then hold the power button until you see startup options and choose Options → Continue.
  3. Use macOS Recovery to reinstall macOS.
  4. Follow the prompts and then restore your files.

When to Call a Pro

  • The computer makes clicking or grinding noises (hard drive may be failing).
  • It overheats and shuts off often.
  • You see strange pop-ups, ads, or settings changing on their own, even after scans.
  • You are not comfortable opening the case or reinstalling the system.

At that point, it’s like a broken main water line: you can try, but a pro might save you time and money.

Final Checkup

After you finish these steps:

  1. Restart the computer one more time.
  2. Open just a few programs and see how it feels.
  3. If it’s faster, keep up the habit: less junk, fewer startup programs, and regular updates.

With a bit of patience and care, your old slow computer can feel almost new again—just like an old house after a solid weekend of repairs.

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