My work computer is running slow
- Restart it first. Many office computers go weeks without a restart.
- Then check what is eating memory, how full the drive is, and whether updates are waiting.
Try these steps, in order
- Restart the computer. Use Restart, not Shut down. Save your work first.
- See what is busy. Press Ctrl, Shift and Esc together to open Task Manager. Click the Memory and Disk columns to see what uses the most. If one program is stuck, close it.
- Turn off programs that start by themselves. In Task Manager, open Startup apps. Turn off the ones you do not need at start. Do not turn off security software.
- Free some space. Windows runs slowly when the drive is almost full. Aim to keep at least 15 percent free. Move old files to cloud storage or an external drive you have backed up.
- Install waiting updates. Open Settings, then Windows Update, and install what is waiting. Restart when it asks.
- Run a security scan. Open Windows Security and run a Quick scan. Pop-ups, new toolbars and slow browsing can be signs of unwanted software.
Is the computer just old?
If it takes minutes to start and it still has a spinning hard drive, a new solid state drive and more memory can make it feel new. For a computer more than about five or six years old, replacing it is often cheaper than paying for hours of fixes. Ask a pro to look before you buy.
When to call a pro
- The drive makes clicking sounds. Back up your files first, then call.
- Slow plus strange pop-ups or programs you did not install.
- Everyone's computer is slow, not just one.
- You want a plan for replacing old computers on a schedule.
Need IT support for your business?
Call Ava, or book a free check. We look at your setup and tell you what we would fix first, in plain words, whether or not you hire us.
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Common questions
Why is my computer slow after an update?
Updates run in the background for a while after install. A restart and an hour usually fixes it.
Does adding memory help?
Often yes, if Task Manager shows memory almost full. A pro can check if your model can take more.
Can a slow computer be a virus?
Sometimes. Run the security scan, and call a pro if you see pop-ups or things you did not install.
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Where we help
Minority- and Black-owned businesses are welcome here, and so is every other small business.
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Tell us what is not working. We will look at your setup and tell you what we would change, whether or not you hire us.
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