IT Security

How to Speed Up Your Slow Computer

June 13, 2026 2 min read

A slow computer is frustrating. Here are proven ways to speed up your Windows computer without spending money.

Restart Your Computer

The simplest fix is often the most effective. Restarting clears memory and stops background processes that may be slowing you down.

Disable Startup Programs

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
  2. Click the Startup tab
  3. Right-click programs you don’t need at startup
  4. Select Disable

Uninstall Unused Programs

  1. Open Control Panel then Programs
  2. Sort by install date
  3. Uninstall programs you no longer use

Run Disk Cleanup

  1. Press Windows + R
  2. Type cleanmgr and press Enter
  3. Select your drive
  4. Check all boxes and click OK

Disable Visual Effects

  1. Right-click This PC and select Properties
  2. Click Advanced system settings
  3. Under Performance, click Settings
  4. Select Adjust for best performance

Check for Malware

Run a full scan with Windows Security or Malwarebytes to ensure malware isn’t slowing you down.

Update Windows

Make sure you have the latest Windows updates installed. Updates often include performance improvements.

Add More RAM

If your computer has less than 8GB of RAM, upgrading can significantly improve performance.

Upgrade to an SSD

If you’re still using an HDD, upgrading to an SSD is the single biggest performance improvement you can make.

Need Professional Help?

Contact Coweta Computers for computer optimization services in Newnan, GA.

Phone: (770) 253-3475

Email: info@cowetacomputers.com