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How to Speed Up a Slow Windows PC

A slow computer may have different causes depending on when the slowdown happens.

These steps use Windows 11 menu names. Windows 10 has similar tools, though labels may differ. Normal Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025, according to Microsoft's performance guidance. Plan a supported system as well as a speed fix.

Find out when the slowdown happens

A slow startup, a stuttering game and a slow website are different symptoms. Write down when the problem started and what you were doing. Does the whole desktop respond slowly, or only one app? Does it happen after the PC has been on for a while, or right after sign-in?

1. Save your work and close apps and browser tabs you do not need.
2. Select Start > Power > Restart. A restart closes running programs and gives you a fresh comparison.
3. Open the same app or file and repeat the task that felt slow. Note how it responds.
4. Make one change at a time, then repeat that task under similar conditions.

Let a large update or file transfer finish before comparing results. If only a website is slow, try another site and another device on the same connection. If only a game struggles, compare the same scene and settings each time. Our gaming laptop setup guide covers game-specific checks.

Inspect busy apps in Task Manager

Task Manager shows which running apps are using the processor, memory and drive. A brief spike can be normal, so watch while the slowdown occurs instead of judging a single moment. The performance guide recommends using these views to find heavy processes.

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. Select Processes.
2. On the Processes tab, review the apps you are not using.
3. Save work in that app and close it normally. Repeat your test and see whether the PC responds better.

Do not end an unfamiliar Windows process merely because it appears on the list. If a familiar app keeps causing trouble, check its settings and updates.

Disable unnecessary startup apps

Startup apps open automatically when you sign in. Removing an app from startup does not remove it from the PC. You can open it when needed. Microsoft's startup instructions explain the controls and startup impact labels for Windows 10 and 11.

1. Open Task Manager with Ctrl + Shift + Esc and select Startup apps.
2. Look at the startup impact. Choose an app you recognize and do not need as soon as you sign in.
3. Select it and choose Disable. Leave security tools and entries you cannot identify alone.
4. Restart, sign in and test again. To reverse the change, return to the same list, select the app and choose Enable.

Examples might include a game launcher or chat app that you use only occasionally.

Make space on the system drive

A nearly full drive can slow work and leave too little room for updates. First move or back up files you want to keep. Then review the suggested cleanup items rather than selecting everything without reading. Storage Sense guidance describes how Windows handles temporary files and the system drive.

1. Open Settings > System > Storage and inspect the categories taking space.
2. Open Temporary files. Review each category and clear only items you no longer need.
3. Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps. Select an unused app, then its menu and Uninstall. Keep apps you do not recognize until you know their purpose.
4. Empty the Recycle Bin only after checking its contents. Restart and repeat your original test.

Storage Sense can automate cleanup, but review its settings first. Downloads and cloud files can be affected by chosen options. Keep a separate, verified copy of anything important before deleting or moving it.

Update Windows and check for malware

Updates can fix problems, while malware can use resources in the background. Use the built-in controls and your existing security provider. The performance guide covers both checks.

1. Save your work. Open Settings > Windows Update, select Check for updates, and install available updates.
2. Restart if prompted and let the update finish before testing.
3. Open Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection and select Quick scan. Follow the displayed instructions if it finds a threat.
4. If another security product is active, use its scan controls and review its results instead.

For more on choosing and checking protection, see our Windows security guide. Keep protection active while troubleshooting.

Check power, heat and the workload

On a laptop, compare performance while plugged into the correct charger with performance on battery. In Settings > System > Power & battery, try a performance-oriented power mode if available, then repeat the task. A higher performance mode can use more power and make the laptop warmer.

Decide whether to upgrade or reinstall

Our SSD buying guide explains the choices.

Before spending, check the exact model, upgrade limits and cost. Compare that cost with a replacement that supports the software you need. Our PC builder guide helps with part compatibility and budgeting.

Reinstalling Windows is a later option when simpler checks have failed. Confirm a separate backup by opening copied files, and read the keep-or-remove choices carefully. The Windows installation guide explains official media and the consequences of a clean install.