🐢My Computer Is Running Slow: Self-Help Steps
Self-help steps to speed up a slow computer before contacting the helpdesk.
A slow computer can be incredibly frustrating. Before submitting a ticket, try these steps — they resolve the majority of performance issues and can save you time waiting for a response.
Step 1: Restart Your Computer
This is the single most effective fix for slowness. A restart:
Clears temporary files and memory leaks
Applies pending updates
Resets stuck processes
Important: Use Restart, not Shut Down. In Windows 10/11, "Shut Down" uses Fast Startup which doesn't fully reset your system. Click Start → Power → Restart.
If your computer hasn't been restarted in a while, this alone may fix the issue.
Step 2: Check What's Using Your Resources
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
Click "More details" if needed to see the full view.
Click the CPU column to sort by processor usage, then check Memory and Disk.
Look for any application using an unusually high percentage (above 80-90%).
Common culprits:
Browser with many tabs — Each tab uses memory. Close tabs you're not actively using.
Outlook — Large mailboxes can slow things down. See our Outlook Performance Guide.
Windows Update — Updates running in the background can temporarily slow your computer. Let them finish.
Antivirus scan — Scheduled scans may run during work hours. Let the scan complete if possible.
Step 3: Close Programs You're Not Using
Every open application uses memory and CPU. If you typically keep many programs open:
Close applications you're not actively working in.
Close browser tabs you're done with (bookmark them if you need them later).
Quit programs from the system tray (the small icons in the bottom-right) that you don't need running.
Step 4: Check Your Available Disk Space
A nearly full hard drive causes significant slowness:
Open File Explorer (Windows Key + E).
Click "This PC" in the left panel.
Check your C: drive — if it shows red or has less than 10 GB free, that's likely contributing to the problem.
Quick ways to free space:
Empty your Recycle Bin (right-click it on the desktop → Empty Recycle Bin).
Clear your Downloads folder — move files you need to OneDrive and delete the rest.
Run Disk Cleanup: Search for "Disk Cleanup" in the Start menu, select your C: drive, and clean up temporary files.
Step 5: Check for Overheating
If your laptop is physically hot to the touch, it may be throttling performance to cool down:
Make sure vents are not blocked — don't use your laptop on soft surfaces like beds or pillows.
Use a hard, flat surface or a laptop stand for better airflow.
If you're using a laptop dock, make sure the laptop has adequate ventilation.
Dust buildup in vents can cause overheating over time — a can of compressed air can help.
Step 6: Check Your Internet Connection
If websites, cloud apps (Teams, OneDrive, email), or remote desktops feel slow, the issue might be your network, not your computer:
Try opening https://fast.com to check your internet speed.
If speeds are below 10 Mbps download, your connection may be the bottleneck.
Try connecting to a different Wi-Fi network or use an Ethernet cable if available.
Restart your router or access point (unplug for 30 seconds, then plug back in).
When to Contact eTop
Reach out to us if:
Your computer is slow even after a restart and closing unnecessary programs
Task Manager shows high disk usage that won't go down (this can indicate a failing drive)
Your computer is more than 4-5 years old and consistently sluggish
You're seeing error messages or blue screens alongside the slowness
Multiple users in your office are experiencing slowness at the same time
📧 Email: [email protected] ☎️ Phone: 951-398-0021
When you contact us, let us know:
When the slowness started
Whether it's constant or comes and goes
Whether a restart helped at all
Any recent changes (new software, updates, spilled coffee, etc.)
Category: Education → Self Help Guides Author: eTop Technology Last Updated: March 2026
Last updated