How to Speed Up a Slow Computer: 20 Fixes That Actually Work

Is your computer running slower than a snail? Before you throw it out the window or spend hundreds on a new one, try these 20 proven fixes that can transform your sluggish machine into a speed demon. From 30-second quick fixes to more advanced solutions, this guide covers everything you need to restore your computer's performance—most without spending a dime.

Quick Wins: Immediate Speed Boosts (5 Minutes Each)

1. Restart Your Computer

Why it works: Clears memory, ends stuck processes

• Closes memory leaks
• Applies pending updates
• Resets system resources
• Do this weekly minimum

2. Close Unnecessary Browser Tabs

Impact: Each tab uses 50-300MB RAM

• Keep under 10 tabs open
• Use bookmarks instead
• Try tab suspender extensions
• Close tabs eating CPU

3. Disable Visual Effects

Windows:

1. Right-click "This PC" → Properties
2. Advanced system settings
3. Performance Settings
4. Select "Adjust for best performance"

Mac:

1. System Preferences → Accessibility
2. Display → Reduce motion
3. Reduce transparency

4. Clear Browser Cache

Steps for all browsers:

• Press Ctrl+Shift+Delete (Cmd+Shift+Delete on Mac)
• Select time range: "All time"
• Check: Cached images, cookies, history
• Clear data

Storage Solutions: Free Up Space (10-20 Minutes)

5. Run Disk Cleanup

Windows:

1. Type "Disk Cleanup" in search
2. Select drive (usually C:)
3. Check all boxes except "Downloads"
4. Click "Clean up system files"
5. Include Windows Update Cleanup

Mac:

1. Apple menu → About This Mac
2. Storage → Manage
3. Review recommendations
4. Empty Trash automatically

6. Uninstall Unused Programs

What to remove:

• Trial software that expired
• Old versions of programs
• Manufacturer bloatware
• Toolbars and adware
• Duplicate programs

7. Move Files to Cloud Storage

Free options:

• Google Drive: 15GB free
• OneDrive: 5GB free
• Dropbox: 2GB free
• Move photos, videos, documents

Startup Optimization: Boot Faster (15 Minutes)

8. Disable Startup Programs

Windows:

1. Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc (Task Manager)
2. Click "Startup" tab
3. Sort by "Startup impact"
4. Disable High impact items
5. Keep only essentials

Mac:

1. System Preferences → Users & Groups
2. Login Items tab
3. Select and click minus (-)
4. Remove unnecessary items

9. Enable Fast Startup (Windows)

1. Control Panel → Power Options
2. Choose what power button does
3. Change unavailable settings
4. Check "Turn on fast startup"

System Maintenance: Deep Cleaning (20-30 Minutes)

10. Update Everything

Priority updates:

• Operating system: Security and performance
• Drivers: Especially graphics and chipset
• BIOS: If recommended by manufacturer
• Software: Browsers and frequently used apps

11. Run System File Check

Windows:

1. Open Command Prompt as admin
2. Type: sfc /scannow
3. Wait for completion
4. Restart if repairs made

Mac:

1. Restart holding Command+R
2. Open Disk Utility
3. Run First Aid

12. Defragment Hard Drive

Note: Only for HDDs, not SSDs

1. Search "Defragment"
2. Select drive
3. Analyze first
4. Optimize if over 10% fragmented

Security Checks: Remove Malware (30-60 Minutes)

13. Run Full Antivirus Scan

• Update virus definitions first
• Run complete system scan
• Quarantine threats found
• Consider second opinion scan

14. Check for Malware

Free tools:

• Malwarebytes (free version)
• Windows Defender (built-in)
• AdwCleaner for adware
• Run in Safe Mode if needed

15. Remove Browser Extensions

Red flags:

• Extensions you don't remember installing
• Coupon/shopping helpers
• Search redirectors
• Keep maximum 5-10 extensions

Advanced Solutions: Power User Tips

16. Adjust Virtual Memory

Windows:

1. System Properties → Advanced
2. Performance Settings → Advanced
3. Virtual Memory → Change
4. Set to 1.5x your RAM initially
5. Maximum 3x your RAM

17. Change Power Settings

• Select "High Performance" plan
• Disable USB selective suspend
• Set hard disk to never sleep
• Maximum processor state: 100%

18. Disable Background Apps

Windows 10/11:

1. Settings → Privacy
2. Background apps
3. Turn off unnecessary apps
4. Keep only essential ones

19. Reset Network Settings

If internet is slow:

1. Command Prompt as admin
2. Run: netsh int ip reset
3. Run: netsh winsock reset
4. Restart computer

20. Clean Install Operating System

Last resort but most effective:

• Backup all data first
• Create installation media
• Fresh install OS
• Install only needed programs

Hardware Upgrades: When Software Isn't Enough

RAM Upgrade ($30-100)

Signs you need more RAM:

• Using over 80% constantly
• System using page file heavily
• Slowdowns when multitasking
• 8GB minimum for 2024

SSD Upgrade ($50-150)

Biggest bang for buck:

• 10x faster than HDD
• Instant program loading
• Silent operation
• Clone existing drive

Maintenance Schedule

Daily:

• Close unused programs
• Clear browser tabs
• Empty Recycle Bin

Weekly:

• Restart computer
• Run quick antivirus scan
• Check for updates

Monthly:

• Clear browser cache
• Run disk cleanup
• Check startup programs
• Uninstall unused software

Quarterly:

• Full system scan
• Driver updates
• Defragment (HDD only)
• Clean computer physically

Signs It's Time for New Computer

• Over 5 years old and maxed upgrades
• Can't run current OS version
• Repair costs exceed 50% of new
• Hardware failures occurring
• Can't meet work requirements

Prevention: Keep It Fast

Good habits:

• Install only necessary software
• Regular maintenance routine
• Avoid suspicious downloads
• Keep 15% disk space free
• Use cloud storage
• Regular backups

Quick Reference: Speed Impact

Fix	Time	Impact
Disable startup programs	5 min	High
Clear disk space	15 min	High
Remove malware	30 min	Very High
Add RAM	30 min	Very High
Install SSD	1 hour	Extreme

A slow computer doesn't always mean you need a new one. By methodically working through these 20 fixes, starting with the quick wins and progressing to more advanced solutions, you can dramatically improve your computer's performance. Most slowdowns are caused by software issues that cost nothing to fix—just a little time and patience. Start with the basics, maintain regularly, and your computer will reward you with years of speedy performance.