Top 7 Tips to Speed Up a Slow Computer Today

Introduction

If you’re noticing your computer lagging, stalling, or taking forever to open programs, you’re not alone. Over time, even the best machines slow down. But before you consider a costly upgrade, there are simple steps you can take to speed up your slow computer and improve its performance.

In this post, we’ll walk you through seven effective, easy-to-implement tips that anyone can use to breathe new life into their PC or laptop.

1. Restart Your Computer Regularly

It might sound basic, but restarting your computer is a simple way to clear temporary files and free up system resources. Leaving your computer on for days at a time can cause programs to hang or memory leaks to build up.

Tip: Make it a habit to restart your computer at least once a day, especially if you use it heavily.

2. Disable Startup Programs

Many applications automatically launch when your computer boots up, which can slow down the startup process and overall system speed.

How to disable startup programs:

• Windows: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, go to the Startup tab, and disable unnecessary programs.
• Mac: Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups > Login Items, then select and remove items you don’t need.

Focus on disabling apps that you rarely use right away but aren’t needed at startup, like messaging services or music players.

3. Clean Up Disk Space

A nearly full hard drive can seriously impact your computer’s speed. Removing unnecessary files and apps can free up valuable space:

• Delete temporary files and empty the recycle bin.
• Uninstall programs and games you no longer use.
• Move large files like videos and photos to an external drive or cloud storage.

Tools like Disk Cleanup (Windows) or built-in storage management on Mac can help automate this process.

4. Run a Malware Scan

Malware, viruses, and spyware can silently slow down your computer. Running regular security scans helps catch and remove threats.

Use trusted antivirus software and keep it updated. For peace of mind, scan your system at least once a week.

5. Update Software and Drivers

Keeping your operating system, applications, and hardware drivers up to date ensures optimal performance and security.

• Check for Windows Updates or macOS updates regularly.
• Update apps through their respective stores or websites.
• Visit your manufacturer’s site for the latest drivers.

Outdated drivers can cause hardware to underperform, and old software can have bugs that slow you down.

6. Upgrade Your Hardware

If you’ve tried all software fixes and still experience sluggish performance, your hardware might be the bottleneck.

Two cost-effective upgrades often make a big difference:

• Add more RAM: More memory allows your computer to handle more tasks simultaneously.
• Switch to an SSD (solid-state drive): SSDs are much faster than traditional hard drives, dramatically improving boot times and app loading.

Not sure what to upgrade or how? A professional technician can help diagnose your system and recommend the best improvements.

7. Keep Your Computer Physically Clean

Surprisingly, dust and debris inside your computer can cause it to overheat and throttle performance.

Regularly clean your computer’s vents and fans using compressed air. Just be sure to power off and unplug your device before cleaning.

Conclusion

Speeding up a slow computer doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. By following these seven tips — from software tweaks and malware scans to hardware upgrades and physical cleaning — you can enjoy a faster, smoother computing experience.

If you’re in Mount Pleasant, SC, and need expert help diagnosing or fixing your computer, Will Fixit Solutions is here to assist. Whether it’s a slow laptop, stubborn virus, or hardware upgrade, our professional technicians offer friendly, reliable service — including convenient house calls. Contact us today to get your computer running like new!