- Quick Start: 5 Fixes in 10 Minutes
- Windows (Windows 10 and Windows 11)
- Turn Off Startup Apps (Check Startup Impact)
- Disable Background Apps (Hidden Slowdown)
- Clean Temporary Files and Turn On Storage Sense
- Set Power Mode to Best Performance
- Uninstall Programs You Do Not Use
- Speed Up Your Browser (Chrome and Edge)
- Scan for Malware
- Update Windows
- Keep 20% Disk Space Free
- Test With Safe Mode
- When You Need Hardware Upgrade
- Mac (macOS Sonoma and Sequoia)
- Remove Login Items
- Use Activity Monitor to Find Heavy Apps
- Uninstall Apps You Do Not Use
- Clear Cache Safely
- Reduce Visual Effects
- Update macOS and Apps
- Keep 20% Storage Free
- Speed Up Safari or Chrome
- Use Safe Mode Test
- When Hardware Upgrade Helps
- Monthly Maintenance Checklist
- Conclusion
Your computer was fast when you bought it. Now it takes too long to start. Apps open slowly. The browser freezes with a few tabs. The fan gets loud during simple tasks. You start to wonder if the device is getting old or if you need to replace it.
I have fixed this problem for many Windows and Mac users who felt the same way. In most cases, the system was not broken. It was just full of hidden load from startup apps, low storage, background programs, and heavy browser use. The steps in this guide are the same ones I use in real situations. They are simple, safe, and work without paid tools. If you often face system issues, you can also read our guide on common computer problems and fixes.
What Makes a Computer Slow Over Time?
- Too many startup or login apps
- Storage space becomes full
- Apps running in the background
- Browser overloaded with extensions and tabs
- Temporary files after updates
- Old HDD instead of SSD
Quick Start: 5 Fixes in 10 Minutes
- Restart your computer
- Remove startup or login apps
- Delete temporary files
- Uninstall apps you do not use
- Update your system
These steps fix many slow systems.
Quick Diagnosis: Find Your Problem Fast
| Symptom | Most Likely Cause | First Fix to Try |
|---|---|---|
| Slow startup | Too many startup or login apps | Disable startup or login items |
| Browser freezing | Extensions and too many tabs | Clean browser and remove extensions |
| Fan noise and heat | Background apps using CPU | Check Task Manager or Activity Monitor |
| Low storage warning | Temporary files and large apps | Clean storage and uninstall apps |
| Slow after update | Background indexing | Restart and follow steps |
| System freezes | Low RAM or HDD | Upgrade to SSD or add RAM |
Windows (Windows 10 and Windows 11)
Turn Off Startup Apps (Check Startup Impact)
Too many apps start with Windows and keep running.
Steps
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc
- Open Startup tab
- Check the Startup impact column
- Disable high-impact apps you do not need
Keep security and driver apps enabled.
Disable Background Apps (Hidden Slowdown)
Many apps run in the background even when closed.
Steps
- Settings → Apps → Installed apps
- Open an app → Advanced options
- Set Background app permissions to Never
Clean Temporary Files and Turn On Storage Sense
Steps
- Settings → System → Storage → Temporary files
- Delete selected files
- Turn on Storage Sense
Set Power Mode to Best Performance
Steps
- Settings → System → Power
- Set Power mode to Best performance
Uninstall Programs You Do Not Use
- Settings → Apps → Installed apps
- Remove old software, games, and trials
Speed Up Your Browser (Chrome and Edge)
- Remove unused extensions
- Clear browser cache
- Close extra tabs
Browsers often cause lag.
Scan for Malware
- Open Windows Security
- Virus & threat protection → Scan options → Full scan
Update Windows
- Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates
Restart after updates.
Keep 20% Disk Space Free
Low space slows Windows. Delete large unused files.
Test With Safe Mode
If Windows runs fast in Safe Mode, a program is causing the problem.
When You Need Hardware Upgrade
| Problem | Best Fix |
| Very slow startup | Install SSD |
| Freezing with many apps | Add RAM |
| PC older than 5 years | SSD + RAM |
Windows vs Mac: Speed Fix Comparison
| Fix | Windows | Mac |
|---|---|---|
| Remove startup apps | Task Manager → Startup | Login Items |
| Stop background apps | App permissions | Activity Monitor |
| Clean temporary files | Storage → Temporary files | Clear cache folders |
| Reduce visual load | Best performance mode | Reduce motion |
| Check heavy apps | Task Manager | Activity Monitor |
| Free storage rule | Keep 20% free | Keep 20% free |
For more Details, see the Microsoft guide to manage startup apps on Microsoft Support.
Mac (macOS Sonoma and Sequoia)
Remove Login Items
Steps
- System Settings → General → Login Items
- Remove unwanted apps
Apple explains this process in detail in the Apple guide to manage login items on Apple Support
Use Activity Monitor to Find Heavy Apps
Steps
- Open Activity Monitor
- Sort by CPU or Memory
- Close heavy apps
Uninstall Apps You Do Not Use
- Use Launchpad or drag apps to Trash
Clear Cache Safely
- Finder → Go → Go to Folder
- Type ~/Library/Caches
- Delete files inside folders only
Reduce Visual Effects
- System Settings → Accessibility → Display
- Turn on Reduce motion
Update macOS and Apps
- System Settings → General → Software Update
Restart after updates.
Keep 20% Storage Free
Apple menu → About This Mac → Storage
Speed Up Safari or Chrome
- Remove extensions
- Clear cache
- Close extra tabs
Use Safe Mode Test
If Mac runs fast in Safe Mode, a login app is the cause.
When Hardware Upgrade Helps
| Problem | Best Fix |
| Slow startup on old Mac | SSD |
| Apps freezing | More RAM |
| Heating and loud fan | Clean dust |
Monthly Maintenance Checklist
- Restart every week
- Check startup or login items
- Delete temporary files
- Remove unused apps
- Check for updates
- Keep enough free storage
Conclusion
From years of helping people with slow laptops and desktops, one thing is clear. Most computers slow down because of clutter, not age. When you remove startup load, clean storage, control background apps, and manage your browser, the system feels fast again. If you follow these steps and keep the monthly checklist, your Windows PC or Mac will stay smooth for a long time, and you will know exactly when a hardware upgrade is truly needed.
