Why Is My Windows PC So Slow? 6 Easy Fixes

A slow computer is frustrating, but most of the time the cause is simple. Try these fixes in order. Many people find their PC feels faster after just the first two.

Fix 1: Restart your computer (properly)

It sounds too easy, but it works. Many people only close the lid or press the power button, which puts the computer to sleep instead of restarting it.

1. Click the Start button (the Windows logo at the bottom of the screen).
2. Click the Power icon.
3. Click Restart, not Shut down.

Tip: Try to restart your computer at least once a week.

Fix 2: Stop programs from opening at startup

Some programs start on their own every time you turn on your PC and keep running in the background, slowing everything down.

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard at the same time. This opens the Task Manager.
2. If you see a small window, click More details.
3. Click Startup apps (on Windows 10 it’s called Startup).
4. Look at the Startup impact column. Right-click anything marked High that you don’t need right away, and choose Disable.

Disabling doesn’t delete the program. It just stops it from opening by itself. You can still open it whenever you want.

Careful: Leave your antivirus and anything you don’t recognize alone. When in doubt, don’t disable it.

Fix 3: Install updates

Updates fix bugs that can slow your computer down.

1. Click Start, then Settings (the gear icon).
2. Click Windows Update (on Windows 10: Update & Security, then Windows Update).
3. Click Check for updates and install anything that appears.
4. Restart your computer when asked.

Good to know: Microsoft stopped providing free updates for Windows 10 in October 2025. If your computer still runs Windows 10, see if it can upgrade to Windows 11 for free under Windows Update.

Fix 4: Free up disk space

When your hard drive is nearly full, Windows slows down.

1. Open Settings.
2. Click System, then Storage.
3. Click Temporary files, check the boxes you want to remove, and click Remove files.
4. Turn on Storage Sense so Windows cleans up automatically in the future.

Careful: In Temporary files, look at the Downloads box before removing. If it’s checked, it will delete everything in your Downloads folder. Uncheck it if you keep important files there.

Fix 5: Uninstall programs you don’t use

1. Open Settings.
2. Click Apps, then Installed apps (on Windows 10: Apps & features).
3. Find programs you don’t use, click the three dots (or the program name), and choose Uninstall.

New computers often come with trial programs and games you never asked for. These are usually safe to remove.

Fix 6: Check for viruses

Malware can make a computer very slow. Windows has a free, built-in scanner.

1. Click Start and type Windows Security, then open it.
2. Click Virus & threat protection.
3. Click Quick scan.

If it finds something, follow the steps on screen to remove it.

Still slow?

If your computer is more than 7 to 8 years old, it may simply be struggling with modern software. Before buying a new one, read our guide on giving an old computer a second life with Linux.