You turn it on. You wait. You click something. You wait. Whether you’re trying to get work done, check email, or print a recipe, a slow computer can bring everything to a halt. The good news? Most of the time, it’s not permanent — and it doesn’t mean you need a new machine.
Let’s walk through what usually causes a system to slow down and what you can do to speed it back up — at home, at work, or here in the shop.
Common Causes of a Slow Computer (and How to Fix Them)
Too Many Things Running at Once
Your computer only has so much memory and processing power. If too many apps or background tasks are open, performance drops.
Fix:
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Close unused tabs and programs
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Restart the computer to clear everything out
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Turn off unnecessary startup apps (Task Manager > Startup tab on Windows)
Not Enough RAM
If your machine only has 4GB of RAM, even light multitasking can drag. You’ll notice lag switching between apps or using Chrome with lots of tabs open.
Fix:
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Upgrade your RAM (if the device supports it)
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Keep fewer programs open at once
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Consider switching to lighter tools or browsers
Old Hard Drive or Too Much Clutter
If you’re still using a mechanical hard drive (HDD), or if your storage is almost full, your system slows down — especially during startup.
Fix:
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Clean up large files, unused apps, or downloads
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Upgrade to a Solid-State Drive (SSD) for a huge speed boost
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Empty the Recycle Bin (seriously)
It’s Overheating
Heat makes your computer slow down on purpose to avoid damage. Dust buildup and poor airflow are the usual suspects.
Fix:
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Clean out vents and fans
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Keep the computer on a hard surface (not blankets or rugs)
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For desktops, make sure it’s not shoved in a cabinet
Malware or Junk Software
If something shady is running in the background — whether it’s malware or just bloated software — your computer’s going to feel it.
Fix:
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Run a full antivirus and malware scan
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Uninstall toolbars, free trials, or anything you didn’t ask for
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Keep your operating system updated
It’s Just Out of Date
Missing updates, old drivers, and outdated software can all slow you down.
Fix:
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Run all system updates
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Update drivers (especially graphics, chipset, and Wi-Fi)
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Check your browser and apps for updates too
Browser Bloat
Web browsers can eat memory fast. Lots of tabs, video ads, or resource-heavy extensions all contribute.
Fix:
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Keep fewer tabs open
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Turn off or remove unnecessary extensions
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Clear your browser cache now and then
When It’s Time to Move On
Sometimes, you’ve done everything right — and it’s still slow. That might mean the hardware just can’t keep up anymore.
Signs you’re due for a replacement:
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It takes more than 2 minutes to start up
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You can’t run modern apps or updates
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Even basic tasks like browsing feel laggy
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You’ve already upgraded RAM and the drive, and it didn’t help much
We’ll help you figure out if it’s worth fixing or time to replace it — no pressure either way.
Sometimes all it takes is a cleanup. Other times it’s an affordable upgrade, like adding RAM or switching to an SSD. Either way, you don’t have to live with a sluggish machine.
Need a hand figuring it out? We’re local, we’re honest, and we’re happy to take a look.