Computer running slow: what to check first

Start with what loads at startup and how full the drive is. Those two cause most slowdowns.

Steps

1. Restart the computer. If it has run for weeks, this alone helps.
2. Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager. Look at the CPU, Memory and Disk columns. If one program is using most of one of them, close it.
3. In Task Manager, open Startup apps and disable anything you do not need on startup. Leave security software alone.
4. Open Settings, then System, then Storage. If the drive is more than 90 percent full, remove large files you no longer need.
5. Run Windows Update. Then run a scan with the built-in Windows Security.
6. If the computer is more than 6 years old and still has a spinning hard drive, a solid state drive upgrade is the biggest single speed gain.

Common questions

Do I need a cleaner or speed booster program?

No. Many of those programs are the problem. The steps above use tools already on the computer.

When is it time for a new computer?

When the machine cannot run Windows Update, or it is slow even after a clean startup and a free drive, it is likely worn out.

Ellis is an AI tech support assistant from 5 Star Consultants, a division of Adore LLC. Privacy Terms