A slow computer is frustrating, but the fix is often simple. Work through these steps in order; each one is safe for most users.

1. Restart and update

Restarting clears temporary issues. Then install operating system, driver and app updates, which frequently include performance and security fixes.

2. Reduce start-up apps

Many apps launch automatically and run in the background. Open your system’s start-up or login items settings and disable anything you don’t need immediately.

3. Free up storage space

  • Uninstall apps you no longer use.
  • Empty the downloads folder and recycle bin.
  • Use the built-in storage tool to find large files.
  • Move photos and videos to an external drive or cloud storage.

4. Check what’s using resources

Open Task Manager (Windows) or Activity Monitor (Mac) and sort by CPU and memory. A single app or browser with dozens of tabs is often the culprit.

5. Scan for malware

Run a full scan with your built-in security software or a reputable antivirus tool.

When hardware is the limit

If the computer is still slow, adding memory or replacing a hard disk with an SSD can be a very effective upgrade on compatible machines.