Why is my computer so slow?

Concerns & risks

You were trying to finish a report, but your laptop takes forever to open anything and the fan sounds like a jet engine.

Slowness kills productivity.

Causes & evidence

Too many startup programs, low storage or outdated software are common causes. See software updates.

What to do

1. Restart it.
2. Uninstall unused programs and disable startup apps.
3. Free up storage space.
4. Install updates.

Common mistakes: Common mistakes: installing 'speed booster' or 'PC cleaner' programs from ads, which can add junk or malware. Use built-in tools instead. Check Task Manager (Windows) or Activity Monitor (Mac) to see what's using resources. Too many browser tabs and extensions can slow things down. Keep at least some free storage. Restarting regularly lets updates finish. If the computer is very old, more memory or a solid-state drive might help, or it may be time to upgrade. Also check that your antivirus isn't running a full scan at the same time you work.

Speed Man tip: Check for malware with your built-in security tool.

Wrap-up: Restart. Trim startup. Free space.