Computer Running Slow? A Step-by-Step Speed-Up Tutorial

In short

A computer running slow is rarely broken. The usual causes are too many programs starting with the computer, a nearly full drive, pending updates, dozens of browser tabs, or a laptop saving battery. This tutorial works through safe, built-in fixes in order, from a simple restart to checking for malware, so you can find what’s holding your computer back without buying “speed-up” software.

Before you start

Notice when the slowness happens, because it points to the cause:

• Slow to start up often means too many startup programs or pending updates.
• Slow all the time can mean a nearly full drive, too little memory for what you’re running, or malware.
• Slow only in the web browser usually means too many tabs or extensions.
• A laptop slow only on battery may be in a power-saving mode.

Back up important files before deleting or uninstalling anything. And avoid “PC cleaner”, “registry cleaner” and “driver booster” programs: the tools built into Windows and macOS do the same jobs safely.

Key terms

• Startup apps: programs that open automatically when you sign in, and slow down start-up.
• Storage (drive): where files and apps are kept. A nearly full drive slows a computer down.
• Memory (RAM): short-term working space for open apps. Running out makes everything sluggish.
• Task Manager / Activity Monitor: tools on Windows and Mac that show which apps are using the most resources.
• Malware: harmful software, which can slow a computer and steal information.

Lesson 1: quick wins

1. Restart properly. On Windows, select Start, the power icon, then Restart. On a Mac, choose Apple menu > Restart. Restarting clears memory and finishes updates; closing the lid doesn’t.
2. Install updates. Open Settings > Windows Update on Windows 11 and select Check for updates, or on a Mac open System Settings > General > Software Update. Our Windows Update tutorial helps if updates get stuck.
3. Close what you aren’t using. Close apps you’ve finished with, and in your browser close tabs you don’t need. Each open tab uses memory.
4. Plug in a laptop. Many laptops slow down to save power on battery.

Checkpoint: use the computer normally for a few minutes. If it’s noticeably faster, you may be done.

Lesson 2: find what’s using the computer

Windows

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. Select More details if you only see a short list.
2. On the Processes page, select the CPU and then the Memory column headings to sort by usage.
3. If an app you recognize is using a lot and you don’t need it, select it and choose End task. Don’t end items you don’t recognize; search for their name first.

Mac

1. Open Activity Monitor (press Command + Space and type its name).
2. Use the CPU and Memory tabs to see which apps use the most.
3. Quit apps you don’t need from their own menus.

Checkpoint: if one app is always at the top, it may need updating, reinstalling or replacing.

Lesson 3: reduce startup apps and free up space

1. Turn off unneeded startup apps. On Windows 11, open Settings > Apps > Startup and switch off apps you don’t need straight away, such as chat apps and game launchers. Leave security software on. On Windows 10, use the Startup tab in Task Manager. On a Mac, open System Settings > General > Login Items and remove items you don’t need.
2. Check your storage. On Windows, open Settings > System > Storage to see what’s using space. On a Mac, open System Settings > General > Storage.
3. Clean up safely. On Windows, use Cleanup recommendations in Storage settings, and turn on Storage Sense to remove temporary files automatically. On a Mac, review the recommendations on the Storage page.
4. Empty the Recycle Bin or Trash and move large videos and photos you want to keep to an external drive or cloud storage.
5. Uninstall programs you no longer use. See installing and uninstalling software safely.

Checkpoint: aim to leave a healthy amount of free space on the main drive; Microsoft and Apple both recommend not running a drive close to full.

Lesson 4: check for malware and power settings

1. On Windows, open the Windows Security app, select Virus & threat protection, then Scan options, and run a Full scan. It takes a while; you can keep working.
2. Check browser extensions. In your browser’s menu, open the extensions page and remove any you don’t recognize or don’t use.
3. On a Windows laptop, open Settings > System > Power & battery and check the Power mode. Best performance is faster but uses more battery.
4. Make sure a laptop’s air vents aren’t blocked by a blanket or soft surface. Hot computers slow themselves down to protect their parts.

Check that it worked

Restart the computer and time how long it takes to be ready to use, then open the apps you use most. Start-up should be quicker, Task Manager or Activity Monitor should show no single app hogging the computer, and your drive should have comfortable free space.

If something goes wrong

• It’s still slow after every step: the computer may simply not have enough memory or an older hard drive for today’s software. The computer maker’s support site can tell you whether your model can be upgraded; leave any upgrade to a qualified technician.
• The full scan finds threats: follow Windows Security’s recommended actions, then change passwords for important accounts from a safe device.
• The computer gets very hot or the fan is always loud: keep vents clear and use it on a hard, flat surface. If it shuts down from heat, contact the computer maker.
• It became slow right after installing something: uninstall that program and restart.
• Windows itself seems damaged: Microsoft’s Recovery options in Settings can reset the PC while keeping your files; back up first and read Microsoft’s guidance before using them.

FAQ

Do PC cleaner apps really speed up a computer?

Most aren’t needed, and some cause problems or show alarming false warnings. Windows and macOS include safe tools for removing temporary files, managing startup apps and checking for malware.

How often should I restart my computer?

Restarting every few days, and whenever updates ask you to, keeps things running smoothly. Many slowdowns build up when a computer only ever sleeps.

Will more RAM make my laptop faster?

It can help if you often run out of memory, which you can see in Task Manager or Activity Monitor. Many laptops can’t be upgraded, so check with the computer maker first.

Why is my computer slow only when I browse the web?

Too many open tabs, heavy websites and extensions all use memory. Close unused tabs, remove extensions you don’t use and keep the browser updated.