01

Check startup programs

Too many apps launching at startup is one of the most common causes of a slow computer.

  • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
  • Click the Startup tab
  • Right-click unnecessary apps and select Disable
02

Check what's using your system

Something running in the background may be consuming your CPU or memory without you knowing.

  • Open Task Manager
  • Click the Processes tab
  • Sort by CPU and then Memory
  • Look for anything with unusually high usage
03

Check storage space

Windows needs breathing room on your drive. If it's nearly full, performance drops significantly.

  • Press Windows + E to open File Explorer
  • Click This PC
  • Your main drive should have at least 20% free space
04

Run disk cleanup

Clear out temporary files and system junk that build up over time.

  • Press the Windows key and type Disk Cleanup
  • Select your main drive
  • Tick all the boxes and click OK
05

Check for Windows updates

Pending updates, especially driver updates, can cause slowdowns until they're installed.

  • Go to Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update
  • Click Check for updates
  • Install anything available and restart if prompted
06

Check for a hardware issue

If none of the above helps, the problem may be physical rather than software-related.

  • Constant freezing or random crashes may indicate a failing drive
  • Clicking or grinding sounds from your PC are a warning sign, back up your data immediately

If your computer is still slow after working through these steps, it's usually a sign of an underlying issue such as a failing drive, background software conflicts, or system corruption. At that point, continuing to tweak settings rarely solves it long-term. If you're in Johannesburg or Gauteng and this is becoming a regular frustration, feel free to reach out and have it properly checked.

Get It Checked →