“How to Fix A Slow Computer” as today’s world is moving quickly, with new technologies being developed at an accelerating pace. We have witnessed the emergence of 7G internet and advanced computer devices in many developed countries.
In this fast-paced environment, is your computer frustratingly slow? Does it take a long time to open a browser, launch your email app, move files, or install the best antivirus software? You are not alone. Over time, computers can slow down due to cluttered storage from temporary files, a full recycle bin, old computer viruses, outdated software, unnecessary startup programs, and redundant malware removal apps.
you don’t need to be a tech expert to speed up your computer or laptop! By following “how to fix a slow computer” in a 5 simple steps, you can make your device run faster and more efficiently, and restoring its performance to like new Computer or Laptop.
In this blog, I will discuss “How to Fix A Slow Computer” in five easy steps to fix a slow computer and improve its performance.
Step 1: Restart Your Computer
One of the simplest, yet most effective ways to fix a slow computer is to RESTART it. Many computer users leave their computers on for days or even weeks, putting them in sleep mode or hibernate instead of shutting them down completely. Over time, temporary files build up, cookies and infections get stored, and background processes slow down performance.There are the few way how to fix a slow computer .
If you restart your computer, it will do the following:
✅ Clear temporary files
✅ Stop unnecessary background processes
✅ Refresh system memory (RAM)
✅ Fix minor software errors
✅Applying Updates
✅ Troubleshooting
How to Restart Your Computer Properly
How to Fix slow computer in 5 easy step
WINDOWS:
Normal Method:
- Click the Start button (the Windows logo in the bottom left corner).
- Click the Sign out /Shut down
- Select the “Restart” option from the menu.
Keyboard Shortcut:
- Press the Ctrl, Alt, and Delete keys simultaneously.
- Locate the Power icon in the lower right-hand corner of the lock screen.
- Select “Restart” from the menu that appears.
Force Restart (if needed):
- If your computer is unresponsive, hold down the power button until it shuts down. Then, press the power button again to start the computer.
IMAC OR MAC :
Normal Restart:
- Click the Apple menu (the Apple logo in the top left of the screen).
- Select Restart.
Force Restart :
- Press and hold the power button until your iMac shuts down.
- After Few moment, press the power button again to start your iMac.
- Note: This method may cause the loss of unsaved changes in your open documents.
Keyboard Shortcut:
You can also use the keyboard shortcut to restart your Mac.
- Control + Command + Power/Eject
Step 2: Remove Unnecessary Programs & Files
Why Your Computer Slows Down Over Time and how to fix a slow computer
Your computer’s storage is filled with junk files, unused programs, an unemptied recycle bin, and background processes that waste system resources. The more clutter you have, the slower your computer will become.
Cleaning up your storage not only frees up space but also improves performance.
How to Uninstall Unused Programs
To remove programs, you no longer use:
Windows:
- Go to Control Panel
Click on Programs > Programs and Features >Uninstall a Program - Select the program you don’t use and
- Click Uninstall
Mac:
- Open Finder > Applications
- Drag unwanted apps to the Trash
- Empty the Trash
How to Delete Junk Files
There are few ways to clean up computer Junk files
WINDOWS:
1)Disk Cleanup
- Open Run Box and Type “Cleanmgr.exe” and
- Click ok and opens “Disk Clean UP”
2) Delete Temporary Files
- Open run box and Type “%temp% ” or “temp” or “Prefetch” Click Ok ,Select all and Delete
- Clear Recycle bin
Mac users can go to Apple Menu > About This Mac > Storage > Manage and delete unnecessary files.
Step 3: Manage Startup Programs
Why Startup Programs Slow Down Your Computer or Laptop
When you turn on your computer, some apps automatically start in the background. These are called startup programs. While some are essential (like antivirus software), others — like Skype, Spotify, or Adobe apps or graphics cards — slow down your boot (starting) time and use up system resources
How to Disable Startup Programs
Windows:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
- Click on the Startup tab
- . Right-click on unnecessary programs and select Disable
Mac:
- Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups
- Select your user account
- Click Login Items and remove unnecessary apps
This will speed up your computer’s startup time and enhance overall computer’s performance.
Step 4: Update Software & Drivers
Why Keeping Software Updated is Important
How to Update Windows & Mac
Windows:
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update
- Click Check for Updates and install any pending updates
Mac:
- Click Apple menu > System Settings > Software Update
- Install available updates
How to Update Drivers (Windows Only)
Computer Drivers control your hardware (like graphics card, Wi-Fi, keyboard, Mouse and Printers Driver). Outdated drivers can cause slow performance, crashes, or WIFI or Printer connectivity issues. here you can follow how to fix slow computer.
To update drivers manually:
- Open Device Manager (search for it in the Windows menu)
- Right-click on the hardware you want to update (like Display adapters)
- Click Update driver and follow the instructions
Step 5: Scan for Malware & Viruses
How Malware Affects Your PC
Malware can seriously affect a computer or laptop, causing performance issues, startup problems, slowness, personal or business data loss or theft, system crashes, and even financial losses, often through methods such as ransomware or by turning a computer into a Zombie Computer.
Running a thorough computer scan with the best antivirus can help detect and remove malicious software and viruses.
Best Antivirus Software For pc in 2025
Choose a best antivirus software according to your needs. If you need reliable and trustworthy protection in all aspects, Norton 360 is a great option. If you are looking for a reliable, high-performance and fast-running antivirus, Bitdefender may be a good choice. Avast is suitable for a free but safe and reliable option.
Conclusion:
A slow computer can be incredibly frustrating, but you don’t have to throw it away or buy a new one just because it’s slow! By following how to fix a slow computer in these five simple steps, you can speed up your computer and get it running like new:
✅ Restart your computer to refresh system memory
✅ Remove unnecessary programs and files to free up space
✅ Manage startup programs to reduce background load
✅ Update software & drivers to improve security and performance
✅ Scan for malware and viruses to remove harmful threats
OKAY GOOD