Slow Computer? 10 Approved Fixes to Speed Up Your PC Today

Is your computer crawling at a snail’s pace? A sluggish PC can ruin productivity, gaming, or even simple web browsing—but before you consider buying a new one, try these proven slow computer fixes. At Computer Repair Sydney, we’ve helped countless Sydney residents revive their slow machines with simple tweaks and professional optimizations. Whether your Windows PC is freezing, taking forever to boot, or just feels generally unresponsive, these 10 solutions can breathe new life into your system.

1. Restart Your Computer

It sounds obvious, but many performance issues stem from memory leaks or background processes that a simple restart can fix.

✅ How to do it:

• Save your work and click Start > Restart (not "Shut Down," as Windows 10/11 uses fast startup).

• For a deeper reset, hold Shift while clicking "Restart."

Why it works: Clears RAM and stops unnecessary background tasks.

2. Close Background Apps & Processes

Too many programs running at once can throttle your PC’s performance.

✅ How to do it:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.

2. Sort by CPU or Memory usage.

3. Right-click unnecessary tasks and select End Task.

Pro Tip: Disable startup programs (more on this below).

3. Run a Malware Scan

Viruses, spyware, and crypto-mining malware can silently slow down your system.

✅ Recommended tools:

• Windows Defender (built-in)

• Malwarebytes (free version available)

Signs of infection: High CPU usage when idle, strange pop-ups, or unknown processes.

4. Free Up Disk Space

When your hard drive is nearly full, performance plummets.

✅ How to do it:

• Delete temporary files (Windows + R, type %temp%, delete all).

• Uninstall unused programs (Settings > Apps > Uninstall).

• Use Disk Cleanup (search in Start menu).

Critical for HDD users: Keep at least 15-20% free space for optimal speed.

5. Disable Startup Programs

Too many apps launching at boot can slow down startup by minutes.

✅ How to do it:

1. Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc).

2. Go to the Startup tab.

3. Disable unnecessary apps (e.g., Spotify, Steam).

Note: Only disable programs you recognize.

6. Upgrade to an SSD (If Still Using HDD)

Hard disk drives (HDDs) are 5-10x slower than solid-state drives (SSDs).

✅ What to buy:

• Budget: Crucial BX500 ($60 for 500GB)

• Mid-range: Samsung 870 EVO ($99 for 1TB)

Performance boost: Expect 3x faster boot times and near-instant file access.

7. Add More RAM

Running out of RAM forces your PC to use slow "virtual memory" (page file).

✅ How to check RAM usage:

• Open Task Manager > Performance > Memory.

• If usage is consistently >80%, consider upgrading.

Recommended: 8GB minimum, 16GB for gaming/multitasking.

8. Update Windows & Drivers

Outdated software can cause compatibility issues and slowdowns.

✅ How to do it:

• Windows Update: Settings > Update & Security > Check for updates.

• Drivers: Visit manufacturer websites or use Snappy Driver Installer.

Critical updates: GPU, chipset, and storage drivers.

9. Adjust Visual Effects for Better Performance

Fancy animations consume resources.

✅ How to optimize:

1. Search for "Adjust appearance" in Start.

2. Select "Adjust for best performance" or disable effects manually.

Best for: Older PCs or integrated graphics users.

10. Reset Windows (Last Resort)

If all else fails, a fresh Windows install can wipe out deep-seated issues.

✅ How to do it:

1. Backup files.

2. Go to Settings > System > Recovery > Reset this PC.

3. Choose "Remove everything" for a clean slate.

Warning: This erases all programs and settings.

When to Call the Professionals?

If your computer is still slow after trying these fixes, it might have:

• Failing hardware (dying HDD, overheating CPU)

• Deep malware infections

• Software corruption

At Computer Repair Sydney, we specialize in:

• Diagnosing stubborn slowdowns

• Hardware upgrades (SSD/RAM installations)

• Virus removal & system optimizations

Need Help Speeding Up Your PC in Sydney?

Don’t suffer through a sluggish computer! Whether you need a quick tune-up or a hardware upgrade, Computer Repair Sydney can help.

We also offer:

• Laptop repairs Sydney (all brands, fast turnaround)

• Laptop screen repair or replacement (cracked or flickering displays)

• Custom Gaming Computer (high-performance builds)

Contact us today for a faster, smoother PC!