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How to Speed Up a Slow Windows PC

A practical checklist to find out why your Windows computer is slow — and fix the most common causes first.

By Howpedia Editorial Team · 8 steps · Technology · Updated November 9, 2026

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  1. 1. Restart, then check for updates

    A full restart clears temporary problems that a sleep cycle does not. Then go to Settings > Windows Update and install pending updates. Restart again if prompted. Old updates can slow boot times and cause driver conflicts.

  2. 2. Trim startup apps

    Open Task Manager > Startup apps and disable programs you do not need at login. Focus on apps marked "High" impact. Leave security software and system utilities enabled. You can always reopen an app from the Start menu.

  3. 3. Free up disk space

    Windows needs free space for updates and temporary files. Aim for at least 10–15% free on the system drive. Use Settings > System > Storage to review large folders and run Storage Sense. Uninstall apps you no longer use.

  4. 4. Scan for malware

    Run a full scan with Windows Security. If you use a third-party antivirus, run its scan instead and avoid running two real-time scanners at once. Remove anything it flags, then restart.

  5. 5. Check memory and disk health

    In Task Manager, see whether memory sits near 100% during normal work. Under 8 GB is tight for modern browsers and apps. Also check whether your system drive is a hard drive; upgrading to an SSD is the single biggest speed improvement for…

  6. 6. Reduce browser load

    Browsers are often the real memory hogs. Close unused tabs, remove extensions you do not use, and enable memory saver features if available. A clean browser can feel like a new computer.

  7. 7. Adjust power and graphics settings

    Set the power mode to Balanced or Best Performance, especially on a laptop plugged in. Check Settings > System > Display > Graphics for apps using the wrong GPU. Avoid "high performance" on battery unless you need it.

  8. 8. Know when to reinstall or upgrade

    If the machine is more than eight years old, has a spinning drive, or cannot hold 8 GB of RAM, software tweaks have limits. A clean Windows install can help; hardware upgrades help more. Back up first.