How to Speed Up a Slow Computer
Speed up a slow computer by clearing junk files, stopping background programs, and freeing up space.
Steps
- 1
Restart your computer
by clicking Start then Power and Restart. Restarting clears temporary memory and fixes many slowdowns.
- 2
Close unused browser tabs.
Each open tab uses memory. Leave only the tabs you need right now.
- 3
Disable startup programs
by opening Task Manager on Windows or System Preferences on Mac and turning off unnecessary apps.
- 4
Clear temporary files
using Disk Cleanup on Windows or Storage Management on Mac. Delete system junk.
- 5
Free up hard drive space
by moving old files to an external drive or cloud storage. A full drive makes your computer slow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my computer so slow?Show
Common causes are too many programs running, full hard drive, low memory, or malware running in the background.
Will deleting files make my computer faster?Show
Yes, a hard drive that is almost full slows down your computer. Keep at least 15 percent of your drive free.
Do I need antivirus software?Show
Yes, antivirus software protects your computer from malware that can slow it down and steal your data.
How often should I restart my computer?Show
Restart your computer at least once a week to clear memory and install updates that improve performance.
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Written by the HowToDoStuff.online editorial team. Last updated .