If your computer takes a long time to start, freezes often, or appears to struggle to open programs, you are not on your own. Many people experience slow computer speed – especially after using the same computer for a few years. The good news is that most slowdowns such as this have simple causes and easy fixes.

Let’s look at the most common reasons your computer might be running at a slow speed and what you can do about it.

1. Too Many Programs Running at Once

When you turn on your computer, many programs will start automatically in the background. Each one uses some of your computer’s memory and power.

Over time, these can pile up and slow everything down.

Signs:

• Your computer is slow right after turning on
• Programs take a long time to open
• The fan runs loudly

What you can do:

• Close programs you are not using (and remove them from being launched on startup if you do not need them there)
• Restart your computer regularly (daily is ideal)
• Remove apps you no longer need

Restarting once every few days can make a big difference.

2. Not Enough Storage Space

Your computer needs free space to work properly. If your hard drive is almost full, your system has less room to operate, which can slow it down.

Signs:

• You get “Low disk space” warnings
• Saving files takes longer
• Updates fail to install

What you can do:

• Delete old files and downloads
• Empty the recycle bin
• Move photos and videos to a USB drive or cloud storage (movies and videos can take up a huge amount of space)

Try to keep at least 15–20% of your storage free at all times.

3. Viruses and Unwanted Software

Sometimes slow computers are caused by harmful programs (viruses) or unwanted apps that run without you knowing.

These can:

• Use your internet connection
• Show unwanted ads
• Track your activity
• Slow everything down

Signs:

• • Pop-up ads appear often

 

• New programs appear that you didn’t install

 

What you can do:

• Run a virus scan using your security software
• Only download programs from trusted websites
• Avoid clicking suspicious links

Most computers already include basic antivirus protection—make sure it is turned on and updated.

4. Your Computer Is Getting Old

Like phones and cars, computers slow down as they age. New software often needs more power than older machines can provide.

If your computer is more than 5–7 years old, it may struggle with modern programs.

Signs:

• New apps run very slowly
• Updates take hours
• Simple tasks feel difficult

What you can do:

• Use lighter (simpler) programs
• Avoid running many apps at once
• Consider upgrading memory (RAM) or storage (SSD)
• Think about replacing the computer if it’s very old

A small upgrade can sometimes make an old computer feel new again.

5. Too Many Browser Tabs and Extensions

Web browsers like Chrome, Edge, or Firefox can use a lot of memory—especially if you keep many tabs open.

Each open tab is like a mini-program running in the background.

Signs:

• Computer slows when using the internet
• Browser freezes
• Pages load slowly

What you can do:

• Close tabs you don’t need
• Remove browser extensions you don’t use
• Restart your browser occasionally

Keeping fewer tabs open can instantly improve speed.

6. Software Updates Are Missing

Updates are not just for new features—they also fix problems and improve performance.

If you skip updates, your computer may run poorly or become unsafe.

Signs:

• You see update reminders
• Programs crash often
• Security warnings appear

What you can do:

• Allow your system to install updates
• Keep important programs up to date
• Restart when updates are finished

Updates may take time, but they help your computer work better.

Click here to download our driver update tool to check your software drivers.

7. The Computer Needs a Fresh Start

Sometimes, after years of use, small problems build up. Even if nothing seems “wrong,” your system may become cluttered.

What you can try first:

• Restart your computer
• Clean up files
• Remove unused programs
• Run virus scans

If problems continue, a technician can help reset your system safely.

Simple Habits to Keep Your Computer Fast

Here are easy habits that help prevent slowdowns:

✅ Restart weekly
✅ Delete old files monthly
✅ Keep software updated
✅ Avoid unknown downloads
✅ Close unused programs

These small steps can save you a lot of frustration.

When to Get Help

You may need professional help if:

• Your computer is extremely slow all the time
• It crashes often
• You suspect serious virus problems
• You are unsure what to delete

If the tips in this post have not helped sufficiently then it may be time to take your computer to a repair shop for advice.

A slow computer can be annoying, but it doesn’t always mean something is broken. In most cases, it’s caused by too many programs, low storage, old hardware, or simple maintenance issues.

With a little care and regular cleaning, your computer can stay fast and reliable for years.