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Speed Up a Slow Computer by Checking These Common Causes

A sudden slowdown can have several causes. Check system activity, storage, startup apps, and updates on Windows or Mac before changing settings or buying hardware.
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A computer that suddenly feels slow does not point to one specific fault. Limited storage, background apps, outdated software, malware, heavy app or browser use, and aging hardware are all possible causes. Start by checking what is consuming resources and when the slowdown happens; avoid deleting files or changing settings until you have evidence of what is wrong.

First, narrow down what “slow” means

Before troubleshooting, note whether the whole computer is sluggish or only one app, whether the problem appears at startup or continues all the time, and whether it began after an app installation, hardware connection, or software update. These clues help choose what to check next; none proves a cause by itself.

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Microsoft Support lists limited storage, too many startup apps, outdated software, and hardware that no longer meets current demands among the possible reasons a Windows device may run slowly. Several factors can contribute at once, so change one relevant thing at a time and see whether performance improves.

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Check a Windows PC

Microsoft’s guidance covers Windows 10 and Windows 11. Menu names may vary by version. Work through these checks in order, stopping to observe whether the slowdown changes.

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  1. Inspect resource use and startup activity. Open Task Manager and review the Processes, Performance, and Startup apps areas. Look for apps using substantial resources or programs set to launch automatically that you do not need. Close only apps you recognize and do not need; avoid ending unfamiliar system processes.
  2. Reduce current workload and restart. Close unused apps and browser tabs, then restart the computer. A restart can clear temporary problems, but if slowness returns, continue investigating rather than assuming it is fixed.
  3. Check storage. Go to Settings > System > Storage. Review what is using space and consider Storage Sense or a careful review of temporary files. Confirm important files are backed up before deleting anything.
  4. Scan for malware. Open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection and run a scan. Malware is one possible cause because it can consume CPU and disk resources; a slowdown alone does not establish that the computer is infected.
  5. Check for Windows updates. Open Windows Update in Settings and install available updates. Choose optional driver updates only when they are relevant to your computer or a specific problem.

Microsoft says support for Windows 10 ended on October 14, 2025. After that date, free software updates through Windows Update, technical assistance, and security fixes are no longer provided. This support change is separate from the cause of a slowdown; Microsoft recommends moving to Windows 11.

Check a Mac

Use these checks to find a likely source before force-quitting processes or changing startup settings. macOS labels and locations can vary by release.

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Find apps using CPU or memory

Open Activity Monitor and inspect CPU and memory use. If the Mac is sluggish or unresponsive, an app or process may be responsible; look for one that is persistently consuming resources. Identify it before force-quitting, since stopping an unfamiliar process can interrupt work or system activity.

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Check available disk space

Check how much space is available on the startup disk. If it is low, consider moving files to another disk or external storage. Verify that important files have a safe copy before moving or deleting them. An external drive can provide somewhere to keep files when space is the confirmed issue, but buying one will not address unrelated causes such as a resource-heavy app or aging hardware.

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Test login items if the problem starts at login

If the Mac slows down during startup or shortly after logging in, record the current login items, remove them temporarily, and restart. Add them back one at a time, observing after each change, to identify whether one is contributing to the problem. Apple notes that a login item can occasionally cause startup problems.

Can low storage or malware make a computer slow?

Yes, either can contribute, but neither should be assumed without checking. Microsoft says low disk space can reduce Windows performance and recommends built-in storage cleanup options. Apple recommends making space available by moving files to another disk or external storage. On Windows, Microsoft also warns that malware can use CPU and disk resources, which is why a Windows Security scan is a sensible check. Protect important files before freeing space, and treat scan results—not slowness alone—as evidence of an infection.

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When routine troubleshooting is not enough

If the checks do not help, or the slowdown is severe and persistent, seek help from the computer manufacturer or a qualified technician. Crashes or drive errors alongside slowness are additional reasons to get the device assessed rather than repeatedly deleting files or changing settings.

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On an older computer, software cleanup may not deliver a significant improvement if its hardware no longer meets the demands of the software and tasks you use. Microsoft cautions that older PCs with outdated hardware may not improve much through software steps and that upgrading may be the better long-term option. Whether an upgrade is possible depends on the specific computer model and compatibility; do not choose a component without checking those details.

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