A computer that drags with every click can be really annoying. The good news is that in most cases it can be significantly sped up without buying a new one. Let us go through the steps from the most effective to the supplementary ones.

The biggest leap: switching to an SSD

If the computer still has an old mechanical disk (HDD), switching it to an SSD is the biggest possible speedup. The system boots in a few seconds and the whole computer comes alive. More in the article is it worth switching to an SSD. This single measure often turns an old machine into a usable computer.

More memory (RAM)

If you have little memory, the computer stutters with several programs at once. Adding RAM helps especially with working with several windows and browser tabs.

Clean up startup

Many programs launch right at startup and run in the background, even though you do not need them. Disabling unnecessary startup items speeds up both the boot and the overall running of the system.

Tidy up and clean the system

Uninstall programs you do not use, delete temporary files and free up disk space. A full disk and a pile of unnecessary software slow the computer down. In Windows 10 and 11 the Storage Sense feature helps with this, automatically deleting temporary files and emptying the recycle bin. Keep at least a tenth of the disk free, because the system needs room to do its work.

Check for malware and viruses

An unexpected slowdown can also be caused by a virus or malware. It pays to check the computer, because malicious software runs in the background and steals performance.

Dust and overheating

A dusty computer overheats and lowers its own performance to avoid overheating. Cleaning and re-pasting helps, which we also write about in the article on maintenance.

Updates and drivers

Keep the system and drivers up to date. Sometimes an outdated driver is exactly what causes a slowdown.

In what order to proceed

Start with what has the biggest impact: switching to an SSD and adding RAM. Only then deal with startup, freeing up space, checking for malware and dust. This order saves you time, because often the first or second step is enough and the computer flies again.

A reinstall as a last resort

If the system does not speed up even after these steps, a clean reinstall of Windows comes into play. It fixes a cluttered system and accumulated errors, but it is more laborious and you need to back up your data first. That is why we leave it for last, when the simpler steps do not help.

When it no longer helps

If the computer is very old and you want to do demanding things on it, it is sometimes wiser to consider an upgrade or a new machine. Even then we are glad to advise what is really worth it.

Is your computer dragging? Get in touch, we will speed it up and optimize it so you get the most out of it.