My computer is slow: what to try first

1. Restart it properly

Choose Restart, not Shut down. On Windows, “Shut down” can keep part of the system running, so a true restart clears more problems. If the computer hasn’t been restarted in weeks, this alone often helps.

2. Close what you’re not using

Browsers with dozens of open tabs use a lot of memory. Close tabs and programs you’re finished with.

3. Cut down what starts with the computer

• Windows: press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, click “Startup apps”, and turn off programs you don’t need at startup (right-click, Disable). Leave anything from your computer’s maker, your antivirus, or that you don’t recognize and aren’t sure about.
• Mac: open System Settings, General, Login Items & Extensions, and remove apps you don’t need opening at login.

4. Make sure you have free space

A computer with almost no free storage gets very slow. Aim to keep at least 10 to 15 percent of the drive free. See our guide to freeing up space.

5. See what’s using the computer

• Windows: in Task Manager, click the CPU, Memory, and Disk headings to sort. If one program is using nearly everything, close it, and if it keeps happening, tell me which one.
• Mac: open Activity Monitor (in Applications, Utilities) and look at the CPU and Memory tabs the same way.

6. Install updates

Pending updates can run in the background and slow things down. Let them finish, then restart.

Good to know: If your computer is five or more years old and still uses a traditional hard drive (not an SSD), it may just be showing its age. An SSD upgrade often makes older computers feel new. Send a ticket if you’d like to know whether yours would benefit.

Careful: Be wary of “PC cleaner” and “speed booster” programs, or pop-ups claiming your computer is slow or infected. Many are scams or unwanted software that make things worse.