How to speed up a slow computer on Windows
If your Windows computer is running slowly, the cause is often something simple like too many open programs, low storage, or background apps using up memory. This guide walks you through the most effective, beginner-friendly ways to speed up your computer without technical tools. Start at the top and stop when your computer feels normal again.
Symptoms
- Apps take a long time to open
- The mouse or keyboard responds slowly
- Web pages and windows freeze or stutter
- The fan runs loudly for long periods
- The computer takes a long time to start up
Step-by-step fix
- 1
Restart your computer
A restart clears temporary glitches and closes programs that may be slowing Windows down. Save your work first, then go to Start and select Power > Restart. After the computer turns back on, check whether it feels faster.
- 2
Close apps you are not using
Too many open apps can use memory and make Windows sluggish. Press
Ctrl+Shift+Escto open Task Manager, then look at the Processes list. If you see an app you do not need, select it and choose End task. Be careful not to close something you do not recognize if it looks like a Windows system process. - 3
Free up storage space
When your drive is nearly full, Windows can slow down. Open Settings, select System, then Storage to see how much space is left. Remove files you no longer need, empty the Recycle Bin, and delete large downloads or old videos if they are safe to remove. If available, turn on Storage Sense to help Windows clean up temporary files automatically.
- 4
Remove temporary files
Temporary files can build up over time and waste space. Open Settings, go to System > Storage > Temporary files, then review the items you want to delete. Select the files you do not need, then choose Remove files. This is a quick way to speed up computer performance without affecting your personal documents.
- 5
Check for malware
Malware can make a computer unusually slow by using memory, disk, or internet activity in the background. Open Windows Security, select Virus & threat protection, then choose Quick scan. If you still suspect a problem, run a Full scan when you have time. Follow any on-screen instructions if Windows finds a threat.
- 6
Reduce startup programs
Some apps start automatically when you sign in, which can slow boot time and make the computer feel laggy. Open Task Manager, then select the Startup apps tab. Right-click apps you do not need right away and choose Disable. You can always open them later when you actually need them.
- 7
Install Windows and driver updates
Updates can improve performance and fix bugs that cause slowdowns. Open Settings, select Windows Update, then choose Check for updates and install anything available. If your computer is still slow after that, open Device Manager only if you are comfortable doing so, or use your PC maker’s update tool to check for newer drivers.
- 8
Restart and test after each change
Make one change at a time, then use the computer for a few minutes to see whether it feels better. This helps you identify which fix made the biggest difference. If the computer is still slow after trying these steps, the issue may be hardware-related, such as too little memory or an aging drive.
Recommended fixes
Restart your device
A restart clears temporary state that often causes transient errors.
- Save your work and close open apps.
- Restart the device from the power menu.
- Reproduce the issue to check whether it persists.
Install Windows updates
- Open Settings > Windows Update.
- Click Check for updates and install everything available.
- Restart if prompted.
Close resource-heavy apps
- On Windows open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc); on macOS open Activity Monitor.
- Sort by CPU or memory usage.
- Quit apps you don't need that are using excessive resources.
Free up disk space
- Empty the Recycle Bin / Trash.
- Remove large files and apps you no longer use.
- Aim to keep at least 10% of the drive free.
Clear temporary files (Windows)
- Press Win+R, type
%temp%, and press Enter. - Delete the contents of the Temp folder.
- Run Disk Cleanup for a deeper clean.
Scan for malware (Windows)
- Open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection.
- Run a Full scan.
- Quarantine or remove anything detected, then restart.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my Windows computer suddenly so slow?
Sudden slowness is often caused by too many apps running, low storage space, a bad update, or malware. A restart and a quick check of Task Manager usually helps you narrow down the cause.
Does restarting a slow computer really help?
Yes. Restarting closes stuck background processes and clears temporary memory use, so it is one of the fastest ways to improve performance.
How much free space should I keep on my Windows drive?
A good rule is to keep at least 10% to 15% of your main drive free. If storage is nearly full, Windows may slow down and update more slowly.
Will disabling startup apps break anything?
Usually no. Disabling startup apps only stops them from opening automatically when Windows starts. You can still open them manually later.
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