Why is my computer so slow? 5 free fixes

A slow computer is frustrating, but the cause is usually something simple. Before you think about buying a new one, try these five free fixes. Each takes a few minutes. The steps are for Windows 11, with notes for Windows 10 where it’s different.

1. Restart it properly

It sounds too simple, but it often works. Closing the lid or pressing “Shut down” doesn’t always clear everything out, because Windows saves some of it for a faster start next time. A restart gives your computer a genuinely fresh start.

1. Save anything you’re working on.
2. Click Start, then the Power button.
3. Choose Restart, not Shut down.

If your computer hasn’t been restarted for a week or more, you may notice a difference straight away.

2. Stop programs starting by themselves

Many programs set themselves to start every time you turn on your computer. They sit in the background using up memory, even when you never open them.

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc together to open Task Manager. If it opens as a small box, click More details.
2. Click Startup apps on the left. On Windows 10, it’s the Startup tab along the top.
3. Look at the Startup impact column. For anything marked High that you don’t need straight away, click it and choose Disable.

Disabling doesn’t delete anything. The program still works when you open it. Leave your antivirus and anything you don’t recognise alone. If you’re not sure, ask in the forum.

3. Free up some space

When your main drive is nearly full, everything slows down. Try to keep at least 15% of it free.

1. Click Start, then Settings, then System, then Storage.
2. Click Temporary files, tick the boxes, and click Remove files. Check the Downloads box carefully first, as it deletes everything in your Downloads folder.
3. Turn on Storage Sense on the same page, so Windows tidies up for you from now on.
4. Empty your Recycle Bin.

4. Install updates

Updates fix problems that can slow your computer down, and they keep you safe too.

1. Click Start, then Settings, then Windows Update. On Windows 10, it’s Update & Security.
2. Click Check for updates, and install anything it finds.
3. Restart when it asks you to.

Update your web browser too. Most do this automatically when you close and reopen them.

5. Check for unwanted programs

Sometimes a computer is slow because of something that shouldn’t be there, such as a toolbar, a “PC cleaner” or, occasionally, a virus.

1. Click Start, type Windows Security, and open it.
2. Click Virus & threat protection, then Quick scan.
3. Then go to Settings, Apps, Installed apps. Uninstall anything you don’t use or didn’t mean to install.

Be wary of programs that promise to “speed up your PC” for a fee. Many are unnecessary, and some make things worse.

Still slow?

If you’ve tried all five and your computer is still sluggish, it might be time for an upgrade rather than a new computer. Swapping an old hard drive for a solid-state drive (SSD) or adding more memory can make an older computer feel new. Both cost far less than a replacement.

Got a question?

Stuck on a step, or not sure what a startup program is? Ask in the Tech Mouse forum and someone will help you out.