Top 5 Reasons Your Computer Is Running Slow (and How to Fix It)

Few things are more frustrating than a slow computer, especially when you need to get work done. Whether it’s your PC or Mac, here are the top five reasons your computer may be running slow and, more importantly, how to fix them.

1. Too Many Programs Starting Up

Every time you turn on your computer, programs like Zoom, Spotify, or even printer software may automatically launch in the background. This eats up memory before you even open a browser.

Fix: On Windows, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc → go to Startup and disable apps you don’t need at launch. On macOS, check System Settings → Login Items.

2. Not Enough Memory (RAM)

If you like to keep lots of browser tabs and apps open at the same time, your computer can run out of memory. Once that happens, it slows to a crawl.

Fix: Close what you don’t need, or consider a RAM upgrade. It’s one of the fastest ways to give an older PC new life.

3. Old or Failing Hard Drive

Traditional hard drives (HDDs) slow down as they age, and eventually they fail. If your PC takes forever to boot up, you might still be running on a spinning hard drive.

Fix: Upgrade to a solid state drive (SSD). It’s like swapping a bicycle for a sports car, you’ll see the difference instantly.

4. Malware or Unnecessary Background Programs

Viruses, adware, and even too many “free” apps can eat up resources. They often run silently in the background, leaving you wondering why everything is sluggish.

Fix: Run a trusted antivirus scan, uninstall programs you don’t use, and keep your system updated. If things still feel off, a professional cleanup might be needed.

5. System Clutter and Missed Updates

Temporary files, old drivers, and skipped updates can drag down performance over time.

Fix: Run built-in cleanup tools like Disk Cleanup on Windows, or use Storage Management on macOS. Make sure your operating system and apps are up to date.

Still Running Slow?

If you’ve tried these fixes and your computer still feels sluggish, don’t worry, that’s where we come in. At HomeTech Solutions, we help with virus removal, tune-ups, SSD upgrades, and more. Serving Atlanta, Monroe, Loganville, Lawrenceville, and surrounding areas.

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