Slow Computer? 10 Ways to Speed Up a Laptop or PC

A computer that feels slow is usually overloaded by background apps, low on disk space or overheating. Measure first with a CPU benchmark so you can see whether the changes help.

Common causes

• Too many apps starting with the system
• Disk nearly full
• Malware or adware
• Overheating causing throttling
• Too little memory for the apps you use

Step-by-step fix

1. Benchmark first — Run the CPU benchmark and note your scores.
2. Restart and update — Restart, then install pending system and driver updates.
3. Disable startup apps — Open Task Manager → Startup apps (Windows) or Login Items (macOS) and disable anything you do not need.
4. Free disk space — Keep at least 15–20 % of the drive free. Delete large old downloads and empty the recycle bin.
5. Scan for malware — Run a full scan with Windows Security or a trusted scanner.
6. Check temperatures — Clean vents and fans and use the laptop on a hard surface. Re-run the benchmark to see whether scores improve.

Tip: Switch to the best-performance power mode when plugged in. Battery-saver modes can halve CPU speed.

Still not fixed?

If the computer is still slow with few apps running, upgrade to an SSD if it uses a hard disk, or add memory if usage is constantly above 85 %.