Why Your Computer is Running Slow (& How to Fix It)

You sit down, ready to tackle the day. You click on an email.

Nothing happens.

You click again, harder this time, because obviously computers respect force.

Still nothing.

The cursor turns into a spinning wheel of doom, mocking you. Your laptop is now working on its own schedule, while that little wheel continues to haunt you.

It’s always at the worst possible time, too. Right before an important meeting, while trying to submit something urgent, or in the middle of a Zoom call, leaving you frozen and in a tizzy.

But before you start whispering threats at your screen, frantically mashing keys, or calling I.T. in a fit of rage, try these quick fixes first. You just might save yourself a support ticket (and your last shred of sanity).

1. Restart Your Computer

Why it helps: Over time, your laptop accumulates background processes that eat up memory. Restarting clears RAM, closes unnecessary programs, and gives your system a fresh start.

Fix it:

• Click Start > Power > Restart (not just "Shut Down").
• Make it a habit to restart at least once a week to keep things running smoothly.

2. Check Your Storage Space

Why it helps: If your hard drive or SSD is 90% full, your computer slows down significantly because it lacks space for temporary files and updates.

Fix it:

• Go to Settings > Storage and check your free space.
• Delete unused files, old downloads, and unnecessary programs.
• Use OneDrive, Google Drive, or an external hard drive for large files.

3. Close Unused Apps & Browser Tabs

Why it helps: Each open app or browser tab consumes RAM and can slow your system down, especially if you're running memory-hungry apps like Chrome or Excel.

Fix it:

• Close any programs you’re not actively using.
• In Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), check which apps are using the most memory and end them if needed.
• Consider switching browsers and apps that use fewer system resources.

4. Disable Startup Programs

Why it helps: Some programs auto-start when you turn on your laptop, making boot times slower and consuming resources.

Fix it:

• Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) → Go to the Startup tab.
• Disable anything non-essential (e.g., Spotify, Zoom, Adobe Updater).
• Restart your computer to see the improvement.

5. Update Your System & Drivers

Why it helps: Outdated software can cause performance issues, security risks, and crashes.

Fix it:

• Go to Settings > Windows Update and install updates.
• Check for driver updates (especially graphics and chipset drivers) in Device Manager.

6. Scan for Malware & Bloatware

Why it helps: Viruses, adware, and unnecessary background apps can hog system resources.

Fix it:

• Run a scan using Windows Security or a trusted antivirus program.
• Uninstall any programs you don’t recognize in Control Panel > Programs & Features.

7. Adjust Power Settings

Why it helps: If your laptop is on battery saver mode, it might throttle performance to conserve energy.

Fix it:

• Plug in your charger if you're running low on battery.
• Go to Control Panel > Power Options and select High Performance (if plugged in).

8. Upgrade Your Hardware (If All Else Fails)

If you’ve tried everything and your laptop is still crawling, it may be time for a hardware upgrade:

• Upgrade RAM (especially if you have less than 8GB).
• Switch to an SSD if you're still using a traditional hard drive (HDD).
• If your laptop is 5+ years old, consider replacing it with a newer model.

Still Having Issues? Call I.T.!

If none of these fixes worked and your laptop is still moving at the speed of a snail on vacation, it might be dealing with bigger issues, like a failing hard drive, outdated hardware, or software conflicts that require more than just wishful thinking.

Sounds like your experience? That’s where we come in. We specialize in diagnosing and fixing tech nightmares. Whether your laptop needs a tune-up, an upgrade, or a full-blown intervention, we’re here to help.

Let’s get your tech (and your sanity) back on track. Reach out today for a free consultation!