The Tech Grandkid · thetechgrandkid.com/guides/windows-slow/
Your Windows computer is slow. Try these steps.
A slow computer usually needs a restart, an update or some room. Try these steps in order and stop when it feels better.
This page is for you if
- Programs take a long time to open
- The computer takes forever to start
- Everything feels sluggish
Do these steps
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Step 1: Restart the computer
Save your work. Click Start, then the Power button, then Restart.
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Step 2: Install updates
Click Start, Settings, Windows Update, then Check for Windows updates.
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Step 3: Scan for viruses
Click Start, Settings, Privacy & security, Windows Security, Virus & threat protection, then Quick scan.
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Step 4: Free up space
Click Start, Settings, System, Storage. Click Storage Sense, then Run Storage Sense now.
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Step 5: Stop apps that start by themselves
Press Ctrl, Shift and Esc together to open Task Manager. Click Startup apps. Click an app you don't need right away, then click Disable.
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Step 6: Close what you're not using
Having many programs and browser tabs open at once slows things down. Close the ones you're done with.
Good to know
- To remove an app you never use, click Start, Settings, Apps, Installed apps. Click the three dots next to the app, then Uninstall.
- Disabling a startup app doesn't delete it. It just stops it from opening every time you turn on the computer.
Check it with the source
We wrote these steps from these official pages. If your screen looks different, the official page is always right.
- Microsoft: Tips to improve PC performance in Windows https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/experience/performance-optimization/tips-to-improve-pc-performance-in-windows
Still stuck?
Tell Buster what you see, in your own words.
Or email us at buster@thetechgrandkid.com. Never send us a password or a code.