Top 7 Tips to Speed Up Your Slow Computer Today

Top 7 Tips to Speed Up Your Slow Computer Today

Is your computer running slower than you'd like? A slow PC or laptop can be frustrating and interfere with your productivity. Fortunately, many performance issues can be resolved quickly with some routine maintenance and adjustments—no expensive upgrades necessary.

Whether you’re using your computer for work, gaming, or everyday browsing, these 7 tips will help you speed things up and extend your computer’s useful life.

1. Remove Unnecessary Startup Programs

Many applications are set to launch automatically when your computer starts up. While convenient, too many startup programs can drastically increase boot times and slow down overall performance.

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
• Click the Startup tab to view programs set to run on startup.
• Disable non-essential apps by selecting them and clicking Disable.

2. Clean Up Disk Space

A nearly full hard drive can cause your system to lag. Removing unnecessary files frees up space for your operating system to operate efficiently.

• Use the built-in Disk Cleanup tool (search for "Disk Cleanup" in Windows).
• Remove temporary files, empty the recycle bin, and delete old downloads.
• Consider uninstalling software you no longer use.

3. Defragment Your Hard Drive

Fragmentation occurs when files are broken into pieces scattered around the hard drive, making reading and writing slower.

• If you use an HDD (not an SSD), go to This PC > Right-click your drive > Properties > Tools > Optimize.
• Use the Optimize tool to defragment your hard drive regularly.

4. Scan for Malware and Viruses

Malicious software can silently consume system resources and severely degrade performance.

• Run a full system scan using your antivirus software.
• Consider additional tools like Malwarebytes for a thorough cleanup.

5. Update Your Operating System and Drivers

Keeping your OS and drivers up to date ensures your computer runs smoothly and has the latest security patches.

• Check Windows Update regularly to install updates.
• Visit your hardware manufacturer’s website for driver updates if needed.

6. Adjust Visual Effects for Better Performance

Windows includes many visual effects that make your experience look nicer but can slow down performance on older or less powerful hardware.

• Search for "Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows".
• Select "Adjust for best performance" or customize which effects to disable.

7. Consider Adding More RAM or Upgrading to an SSD

Sometimes, the easiest way to boost performance long-term is to upgrade hardware.

• More RAM allows your computer to handle multitasking better.
• Upgrading from a traditional hard drive (HDD) to a solid-state drive (SSD) improves boot speeds and file access dramatically.

If you’re unsure what upgrades make sense for your machine, professional advice is invaluable.

Final Thoughts

A slow computer doesn’t always mean it’s time for a new one. With simple maintenance and a few tweaks, you can make your computer responsive again and save money in the process.

If you’re experiencing persistent issues or need expert help with upgrades, repairs, or maintenance, Will Fixit Solutions in Mount Pleasant, SC is here to help. Our professional technicians provide reliable computer repair and IT support tailored to your needs. Contact us today to get your computer running like new!