Few things are more frustrating than a sluggish computer. Tasks that should take seconds drag on for minutes, making even simple work a headache if you can’t speed up your computer.
If you’re tired of waiting for your system to catch up, we’ve got you covered with a comprehensive guide to fixing these PC problems.
Start with the Basics
If your computer is acting slow, always start with these three basic steps to try to speed up your computer:
Restart Your Computer
It may seem too simple to be true, but a restart fixes many common problems. Rebooting clears temporary files, resets memory, and stops processes that might be hogging resources. If you haven’t restarted your computer in a while, give it a try before moving on to more complex solutions.
Close Unnecessary Programs
Your computer has limited resources like RAM and CPU power. Running too many programs at once slows it down. Open your Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc on Windows, or Activity Monitor on macOS) to see which applications are using the most resources. Close anything you’re not actively using by right-clicking the program name and selecting End Task.
Check Your Internet Connection
Before blaming your computer, check your internet speed. Slow loading times might be caused by laggy Wi-Fi rather than your system. Use tools like Speedtest to diagnose connection issues, or the app or website of your internet provider. If it’s your Wi-Fi, reboot your router or contact your service provider to speed up your computer.
Clean Up Your System
The next step is to clean up your system and optimize its performance.
Delete Temporary Files and Cache
Over time, your computer builds up temporary files that take up space. To use Disk Cleanup on Windows, follow these steps:
- Open the Start menu and type “Disk Cleanup” into the search bar. Select the Disk Cleanup app from the results.
- Choose the drive you want to clean (usually the C: drive) and click “OK.”
- Disk Cleanup will scan your drive and present a list of file categories you can delete, such as temporary files, recycle bin contents, and system files.
- Check the boxes next to the files you want to remove and click “OK.”
- Confirm your choice by clicking Delete Files, and Disk Cleanup will remove the selected items.
Uninstall Unused Programs
Unused software not only consumes storage but also slows your computer during startup. Go to your Control Panel (Windows) or Applications folder (macOS) to remove anything you don’t use regularly and speed up your computer.
Empty the Recycle Bin
You might think deleting a file removes it from your system, but it actually will go to your Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash (macOS). Be sure to delete these periodically to free up space.
Optimize Startup and Background Processes
Still experiencing a slow startup? Here are the next steps.
Disable Unnecessary Startup Apps
If your computer feels slow when starting up, it might be because too many programs are opening automatically. Here’s how you can stop unwanted apps from launching at startup, depending on your operating system:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc or right-click on the Taskbar and select Task Manager.
- Click on the hamburger menu (the three horizontal lines) on the left, then Startup Apps.
- Check what’s enabled to run at startup. Look for apps you don’t need to open automatically (like chat apps or software you rarely use).
- Right-click any apps you want to disable, then click the Disable button from the pop-up menu. Repeat this for any other unnecessary programs.
For macOS:
- Open System Preferences from the Apple menu in the top-left corner of your screen.
- Select Users & Groups, then click your account on the left-hand side.
- Click the Login Items tab to see a list of programs that open when you start your Mac.
- To stop an app from launching, select it from the list and click the minus (-) button below. If you want to add an app later, use the plus (+) button to include it.
Turn Off Visual Effects and Animations
Windows uses visual effects to enhance the user experience, but these can slow performance, especially on older systems.
On Windows, search for “Advanced Settings” and select View advanced system settings. This will bring up the System Properties window. Under the Advanced tab, look for Performance and select Settings. Here’s where you can reduce animations and speed up your computer.
Keep Everything Up to Date
The best way to keep bugs and issues at bay is to ensure that your operating system and apps are always up-to-date. If you haven’t completed the following, do so now.
Update Your Operating System
Outdated software can lead to performance issues. Check for OS updates regularly to ensure your computer runs efficiently and has the latest features.
Update Drivers and Firmware
Drivers control how your hardware communicates with your OS. Outdated drivers can cause lag, so use Windows Update or a manufacturer’s website to install the latest versions. Some drivers will have their own software to keep them updated automatically—you’ll find more information on the manufacturer’s website.
Install the Latest Security Patches
Don’t ignore your security patches! They’re designed to protect you from bugs and vulnerabilities that are already being exploited by cyberhackers. Be sure to regularly check for and install the latest security patches from your OS provider or software developer. You can also set up automatic updates to ensure you’re always protected.
Run a Full Security Scan
Viruses and malware can really mess up your computer, slowing it down or even putting your personal data at risk. That’s why it’s so important to use trusted antivirus software, like Norton or Malwarebytes, to keep things running smoothly.
Start by running a full system scan—this will check your entire device for any hidden threats. If the scan finds anything suspicious, don’t panic! Just follow the steps to remove the threats, and you’ll be back to normal in no time.
For even stronger protection, especially if you’re managing multiple devices, consider advanced solutions like endpoint protection tools.
When to Call a Pro
If your computer remains slow despite your best efforts, it could be a hardware issue or a deeper technical problem. Look for signs like unexplained crashes, loud fan noise, or unresponsive programs.
If you’re trying to fix a company PC with no luck, Managed Service Providers (MSPs) or IT support teams are your best bet. They’ll be able to diagnose any underlying issues, provide a more comprehensive solution, and speed up your computer.
Partner with Simple Systems to Keep Business Technology Up to Par
Struggling to keep up with company tech problems on your own? Simple Systems can help. Our expert MSP team is here to diagnose issues, find solutions, and keep your systems running smoothly. Contact us today to experience the difference expert support makes.
