Cloud4Sure Help

Help articles · Windows 10 and 11

Fix a PC that's running slowly

Before replacing a slow PC, try these. They fix the most common causes and often make an older machine usable again.

  1. Restart it properly

    If it's been on for days, restart (not just shut the lid). A fresh start clears a lot of slowness.

  2. Trim startup programs

    Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) → Startup apps, and disable things you don't need running the moment you log on.

  3. Check free disk space

    A nearly-full drive is a top cause of slowness — see our 'Free up disk space' guide if it's low.

  4. Install pending updates

    Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates. Outstanding updates can drag performance until they're done.

  5. Scan for problems

    Make sure Microsoft Defender is on and run a quick scan to rule out anything unwanted using resources.

Still not working?

If it's still slow, an older PC may benefit from an SSD or more memory — we can advise whether it's worth upgrading or replacing.

Last updated 06 November 2026