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How to Fix Your Slow Computer for Good

published 1/4/2022

On average, Americans lose about two hours per week waiting for their slow computers.

If this happens just once, it can be okay. But this number can add up. It's not just frustrating, it can also be a sign of bigger problems. If you have a slow computer, there are some things you can do to fix the problem.

We'll show you what could be causing the issue and give tips on how to fix it so you can get back to work in no time.

Here's a shortlist of how to fix a slow computer:

1. Delete Unnecessary Files

If you're experiencing slow computer loading times, it could be because of clutter. All of that junk and clutter on your computer can be slowing it down, so delete anything that you don't need. This includes programs you don't use, files from uninstalled programs, and more.

Follow These Steps on a PC:

Step 1:Click the search icon in the bottom-right corner of your screen.

Step 2: Type " %temp%" into the box, then press Enter once finished. This will open up Windows' Temp folder where temporary files are stored.

Step 3: Select all files in this folder and delete them by pressing Ctrl + A on your keyboard, then Delete.

Step 4: Make sure you check for any unknown files that might contain personal information, then delete them too.

Follow These Steps on a Mac:

Step 1: Go to the top-left corner of your screen and click 'Finder'.

Step 2: Select ' Home' from the drop-down menu, then go to Library > Temporary > Delete the files inside.

Step 3: Repeat this process with the following folders:

  • Network/Library
  • Library/Caches/com.apple.ATS
  • Library/Preferences/ByHost/.Spotlight-V100

2. Ensure Your Hard Drive Isn't Full

If your hard drive is full, it will affect the computer's performance. Your computer needs free space to access different files quickly and efficiently.

Follow These Steps on a PC:

Step 1: Right-click on 'This PC' or (My Computer), then select Properties.

Step 2: The capacity of your hard drive will be displayed under 'Storage'.

Step 3: If there is less than 10% space available, you need to delete some files.

Follow These Steps on a Mac:

Step 1: Select 'Finder' from the dock at the bottom of your screen.

Step 2: Click on your hard drive then select 'File Manager. The capacity of your hard drive will be displayed at the top of the page.

Step 3: If there are less than 4GB available, you need to delete some files.

3. Disable Unnecessary Startup Programs

Many programs run in the background when your computer starts up—even if you're not using them. These can slow down your computer significantly.

Follow These Steps on a PC:

Step 1: Press CTRL + E on your keyboard.

Step 2: Make sure Safely Remove Hardware is selected from the drop-down menu, then click Scan for hardware changes.

Step 3: In the list of devices, right-click on anything that doesn't look familiar and choose 'Disable'. You can also select a device and click Uninstall to remove it.

Step 4: Repeat this process for anything else you want to disable.

Follow These Steps on a Mac:

Step 1: Go to Finder from the dock at the bottom of your screen.

Step 2: Click on Applications, then Utilities. This will show all the programs that run when your computer starts up.

Step 3: Select any program you don't want to run when your computer starts up, then press 'Option' + 'Command' + 'Delete'.

Step 4: Repeat this process for anything else you want to disable.

4. Empty the Recycle Bin

The Recycle Bin is where deleted files are stored before they're permanently erased from your computer, which can slow it down. It's very easy to clean these files out.

Follow These Steps on a PC:

Step 1: Right-click on your Recycle Bin, then select Empty Recycle Bin.

Step 2: If you need to permanently delete files from the Recycle Bin, right-click and select 'Properties'. You can also get here by going to 'My Computer' then double-clicking on 'Local Disk (C:)'. Click 'Organize', then click on 'Folder and Search options' at the top of your window. Find where it says 'Hide protected operating system files on the second tab, select it, then press OK.

Step 3: Repeat this process for anything else you want to delete on your Recycle Bin.

Follow These Steps on a Mac:

Step1: Open Finder by clicking the icon in the dock at the bottom of your screen.

Step 2: Click 'Go' at the top, then select 'Computer'.

Step 3: Find where it says 'Library', then go into Application Support > iLifeAssetManagement > assets . Delete any files that are stored here.

Step 4: Repeat this process for anything else you want to delete in your Recycle Bin.

5. Remove Unused Fonts

Some applications may add their fonts to your computer's font library, even if you don't use them. This is because the application needs access to run properly and without these fonts, it will slow down - this is especially the case with Adobe software.

Follow These Steps on a PC:

Step 1: Right-click on 'Computer' or 'My Computer.

Step 2: Select 'Properties', then select the Fonts tab at the top of your window.

Step 3: Under File, press Install New Font. A new box will appear — find any fonts that you don't use in your Fonts folder, then press 'Delete'.

Step 4: Repeat this process for anything else you want to remove.

Follow These Steps on a Mac:

Step 1: Open System Preferences from the dock at the bottom of your screen.

Step 2: Select 'Fonts' from the menu on the right of your window, then press the 'Open Font Book' button.

Step 3: Select any fonts you don't use from your library, then click the little cog icon at the bottom left of the window and press 'Remove'.

Step 4: Repeat this process for anything else you want to remove.

Getting the Most Out of Your Slow Computer

Using these tips, you can keep a slow computer running smoothly for longer. The best way to get the most out of your computer is to maintain it regularly, this means getting rid of old files and programs you don't use anymore.

Keep an eye out for any new updates from Microsoft or Apple so you can fix bugs and improve performance.

And if you need some more help, book an appointment with us today!