5 easy ways to troubleshoot a slow computer

Time marches on, and even our tech gadgets aren't immune. A sluggish computer often signals aging hardware. Just as regular checkups benefit our health, consistent maintenance keeps your computer running smoothly.

If your computer's performance is lagging, it's time for a digital checkup. With a few clever strategies, you can restore some of its former speed.

1. App Audit: Declutter Your Software

The main culprit behind a slow computer is often the sheer number of installed applications. Over time, unused programs accumulate, hogging valuable hard drive space.

Regularly review your installed programs. Only keep those you use frequently. Uninstalling unused apps is easy; you can always reinstall them later if needed.

Windows: Access Settings (cog icon in the Start menu), then select Apps. (Windows 11: Click Installed apps; Windows 10: Apps & features). Sort by size or installation date to identify forgotten programs. Uninstall by clicking the three dots (Windows 11) or selecting the app and clicking Uninstall (Windows 10). Bulk uninstall options are also available.

macOS: Open Applications in Finder, drag unwanted apps to the Trash. For Mac App Store apps, use Launchpad (hold Option, click the x). Note that some apps leave residual files, so thorough uninstallation is recommended.

2. Free Up Disk Space: Breathe Room for Your System

Insufficient storage space is a guaranteed performance killer. Beyond removing unused apps, ensure ample free space on your hard drive – at least 20%, if possible.

Windows: In File Explorer, click This PC to check available space.

macOS: Go to System Settings, General, then Storage.

Freeing up space involves identifying and deleting unnecessary files – old documents, installation packages, etc. Consider moving infrequently accessed files to the cloud or an external hard drive. Always maintain backups of important files.

3. Tame Resource-Hogging Programs: Background Process Control

Many programs, by default, run in the background, consuming resources even when not actively used. While convenient, excessive background processes significantly impact performance.

Windows: Right-click the taskbar, select Task Manager, and review the Processes tab. High CPU or memory usage indicates potential culprits. Disable automatic startup within the app's settings or via Task Manager's Startup apps tab (Windows 11) or Startup tab (Windows 10).

macOS: Use Spotlight (Cmd Space) to open Activity Monitor. Identify resource-intensive processes and adjust their settings or prevent automatic login via System Settings, General, Login Items.

4. Software Updates: Preventative Maintenance

Regular software updates address bugs, security vulnerabilities, and often improve performance. Most programs update automatically, but manual checks are worthwhile. Remove unnecessary add-ons, older software versions, and leftover installation files.

This is especially crucial for web browsers. Regularly review and remove unused browser extensions, as too many can severely impact browser speed. (Instructions for Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari are similar – locate the extensions manager in the browser's settings.)

5. System Reset: A Clean Slate for Optimal Performance

Keeping your operating system up-to-date is crucial for performance. Use Windows Update (Windows 11) or Update & Security (Windows 10), or Software Update (macOS) to ensure you have the latest version.

As a last resort, a factory reset restores your computer to its original state, removing accumulated data, reverting programs, and eliminating bloatware. Back up your files before proceeding. (Instructions for Windows and macOS are readily available online.)

This article has been updated. It was originally published on March 21, 2021.

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