Is your computer running slower than usual? Before spending money on expensive upgrades, try these proven techniques to boost your computer's performance. Most of these solutions are free and can be done at home.

1. Clean Up Startup Programs

Many programs automatically start when you turn on your computer, slowing down boot time and consuming system resources.

Windows:

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
• Click the Startup tab
• Right-click programs you don't need at startup and select Disable
• Focus on disabling unnecessary programs (keep antivirus and system tools)

Mac:

• Go to System Preferences → Users & Groups
• Click Login Items
• Select unwanted programs and click the minus (−) button

2. Free Up Disk Space

A full hard drive significantly slows down your computer. Aim to keep at least 15-20% of your drive space free.

Quick Cleanup Steps:

• Empty your Recycle Bin/Trash
• Delete temporary files (Windows: Disk Cleanup tool, Mac: OnyX or manual cleanup)
• Uninstall programs you no longer use
• Move large files (photos, videos) to external storage or cloud services
• Clear browser cache and downloads folder

3. Update Your Operating System and Drivers

Updates often include performance improvements and bug fixes that can speed up your computer.

• Windows: Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update
• Mac: System Preferences → Software Update
• Update graphics drivers from manufacturer's website (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel)

4. Disable Visual Effects

Fancy animations and visual effects look nice but consume resources, especially on older computers.

Windows:

• Search for "Performance" and select Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows
• Select Adjust for best performance or customize individual effects
• Click Apply

Mac:

• System Preferences → Accessibility → Display
• Check Reduce motion and Reduce transparency

5. Scan for Malware and Viruses

Malware can significantly slow down your computer by running background processes.

• Run a full system scan with your antivirus software
• Use Windows Defender (built-in) or reputable third-party antivirus
• Consider running Malwarebytes for additional protection
• Remove any detected threats immediately

6. Upgrade RAM (If Possible)

If you've tried everything else and your computer is still slow, adding more RAM (memory) is often the most cost-effective upgrade.

• Check how much RAM you have: Task Manager (Windows) or About This Mac (Mac)
• For Windows 10/11: Minimum 8GB recommended, 16GB ideal
• Consult your computer's manual or manufacturer for compatible RAM

7. Defragment Your Hard Drive (Windows Only)

If you have a traditional hard drive (not SSD), defragmenting can improve performance.

• Search for "Defragment" and open Defragment and Optimize Drives
• Select your drive and click Optimize
• Note: Do NOT defragment SSDs – Windows handles SSD optimization automatically

8. Check for Overheating

Overheating causes computers to slow down to protect components.

• Ensure air vents are not blocked
• Clean dust from vents with compressed air
• Use laptop cooling pads if necessary
• Consider professional cleaning if it's been several years

Maintenance Schedule

Keep your computer running smoothly with regular maintenance:

• Weekly: Empty Recycle Bin, close unused programs
• Monthly: Run disk cleanup, update software, scan for malware
• Quarterly: Organize files, uninstall unused programs
• Yearly: Physical cleaning, check hardware health, consider upgrades

Need immediate help? Call us at (380) 276-6649 or schedule a service appointment.