How to Speed Up Your Slow Computer

By David Park Jun 30, 2026 7 min read How-To Guides

Few things are more frustrating than a slow computer. Before you give up and buy a new one, try these simple fixes that can dramatically improve your computer performance.

Restart Your Computer

The oldest trick in the book still works. Restarting clears temporary files, stops background processes, and gives your system a fresh start. Make it a habit to restart at least once a week.

Remove Unused Programs

Over time, you accumulate software you no longer use. These programs take up space and often run in the background. Uninstall anything you do not need through your system settings.

Clean Up Your Hard Drive

A full hard drive slows down your computer. Delete old files, empty the recycle bin, and use built-in tools like Disk Cleanup on Windows or Storage Management on Mac to free up space.

Delete temporary files: These accumulate quickly
Clear browser cache: Browsers store massive amounts of data
Move files to cloud storage: Free up local space

Check for Malware

Malware can slow your computer to a crawl. Run a full antivirus scan to check for infections. Free options like Windows Defender or Malwarebytes work well.

Consider Hardware Upgrades

If software fixes are not enough, adding more RAM or switching to an SSD can give your old computer a new life. These upgrades are often cheaper than buying a new computer.