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How to Speed Up a Slow Computer: Step-by-Step

Tap each step to follow along in order.

  1. Clean up startup programs

    In Task Manager's Startup tab, disable any programs that automatically launch at boot but don't need to.

  2. Clear temporary files and run disk cleanup

    Run your disk cleanup tool to delete cache, temporary files, and items in the recycle bin, freeing up storage space.

  3. Remove software you no longer use

    Check the apps list in Settings and uninstall anything you're no longer using.

  4. Check background processes

    In Task Manager, look for background processes using a lot of CPU or memory and close the ones you don't need.

  5. Update your operating system

    The latest updates often include performance improvements and bug fixes, so keep your OS up to date.

  6. Consider a hardware upgrade

    If none of the above helps, switching to an SSD or adding more memory (RAM) is usually the most effective way to noticeably improve speed.

Try the easy fixes first, in order

Slow computers can have many different causes, but clearing out startup programs and freeing up disk space alone often makes a noticeable difference. If none of the software-side fixes help, that's when it makes sense to consider a hardware upgrade.

Checking memory usage can point you to the cause

Before jumping straight to a hardware upgrade, open Task Manager (or Activity Monitor on Mac) to see whether a specific program is eating up memory or CPU. Identifying the actual culprit first often solves the problem without spending any money at all.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my brand-new computer still slow?

Real-time antivirus scanning, too many startup programs, and browser extensions are common culprits even on new machines β€” worth checking those first.

Will switching to an SSD really make a noticeable difference?

If you were previously using a traditional hard disk drive (HDD), switching to an SSD gives a very noticeable boost to boot time and how quickly programs launch.