Nothing is more frustrating than a slow computer. You click something and wait... and wait... and wait. The good news? Most slowdowns have simple fixes. Here are the most common causes and what you can do about them.
1. Too Many Programs Running
Every open program uses your computer's memory. Too many running at once can slow everything down.
What to do:
- Close programs you're not using (click the X)
- Close extra browser tabs—each one uses memory!
- Restart your computer once a week to clear things out
Quick tip: If you have 20+ browser tabs open, try bookmarking them and closing them. Your computer will thank you!
2. Your Hard Drive is Full
Computers need free space to work properly. When your storage is nearly full, everything slows down.
What to do:
- Delete files you no longer need
- Empty your Trash or Recycle Bin
- Move photos and videos to an external drive or cloud storage
- Uninstall programs you don't use anymore
Goal: Keep at least 10-15% of your storage free for best performance.
3. Outdated Software
Old software can cause conflicts and slowdowns. Updates often include performance improvements.
What to do:
- Install Windows or Mac updates when prompted
- Update your web browser regularly
- Keep your antivirus software current
4. Viruses or Malware
Malicious software running in the background can seriously slow down your computer—and put your information at risk.
Warning signs:
- Unexpected pop-up ads
- Programs you didn't install appearing
- Your browser homepage changed without your permission
- Computer running hot or fan running constantly
What to do:
- Run a full scan with your antivirus software
- Consider a dedicated malware scanner like Malwarebytes
- If problems persist, get professional help
5. Your Computer Might Need an Upgrade
Sometimes, especially with older computers (7+ years), the hardware just can't keep up with modern software.
Signs it might be time:
- Computer is more than 7-8 years old
- Still slow after trying all the fixes above
- Can't run the latest software updates
- Takes more than 2-3 minutes to start up
Good news: Sometimes adding more memory (RAM) or upgrading to a solid-state drive (SSD) can give an old computer new life—often for much less than buying new!
Still Running Slow?
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