Slow Computer or Laptop? Our IT Gurus Share 5 Fixes  

At Eton Computer Services, we know how frustrating it is when your computer or laptop slows to a crawl. 

Whether you’re a student in Eton, a local business owner, or a remote worker in Windsor, a sluggish machine disrupts productivity and patience.  

In this guide, our IT experts share 5 proven fixes to revive your device. 

No jargon, no fluff—just actionable advice. 

Let’s dive in.  

Why Is Your Computer or Laptop Slow?  

Before we fix the problem, let’s understand it. Common culprits include:  

• Too many programs running at startup  

• Malware or viruses (yes, even on Macs!)  

• Outdated software or drivers  

• Full hard drives or failing hardware  

• Background processes hogging resources  

Now, let’s tackle these head-on.  

Fix 1: Close Unnecessary Startup Programs  

Why It Works:

Too many apps launching at startup can overload your CPU and RAM.  

How to Do It:

• Windows: Press `Ctrl + Shift + Esc` to open Task Manager > “Start-up” tab > Disable unused programs.  

• Mac: Click the Apple logo > System Settings > Users & Groups > Login Items” > Remove unnecessary apps.  

Pro Tip: Microsoft recommends limiting start-up programs to 5 or fewer for optimal performance [^1].  

Fix 2: Clean Up Your Hard Drive  

Why It Works:

A full hard drive (especially on older HDDs) slows everything down.  

How to Do It:

• Windows: Use “Disk Clean-up” (search in the Start menu) to delete temporary files.  

• Mac: Open “About This Mac” > “Storage” > “Manage” > Optimise Storage.  

• Delete unused apps, cache files, and large media you’ve been meaning to sort.  

Need more space? Consider upgrading to an SSD—[our team](#) can help with that.  

Fix 3: Scan for Malware or Viruses  

Why It Works:

Malware can secretly run background processes, slowing your device.  

How to Do It:

• Windows: Run a full system scan using Windows Defender (built-in) or AVG Free Antivirus [^2].  

• Mac: Use Malwarebytes (free version) to detect adware or other threats.  

Fun Fact: AVG found that 1 in 3 devices globally run with undetected malware [^2]. Don’t be a statistic!  

Fix 4: Upgrade Your Hardware  

Why It Works:

Old hardware, like HDDs or 4GB RAM, can’t keep up with modern software demands.  

How to Do It:

• Upgrade to an SSD: Transforms boot times and file access.  

• Add More RAM: 8GB is the minimum for most users; 16GB+ if you multitask.  

• Replace Your Laptop’s Battery: A swollen battery can throttle performance.  

Confused? Our Eton technicians can assess your device and recommend cost-effective upgrades.  

Fix 5: Update Software and Drivers  

Why It Works:

Updates often include performance patches and security fixes.  

How to Do It:

• Windows: Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.  

• Mac: Apple menu > System Settings > General > Software Update.  

• Drivers: Use Device Manager (Windows) or third-party tools like Driver Booster.  

Don’t ignore those pesky update notifications—they’re your friend!

Quick Checklist: Fix a Slow Computer or Laptop  

1. Disable startup programs  

2. Delete temporary/cache files  

3. Run a malware scan  

4. Upgrade hardware (SSD, RAM)  

5. Install software/drivers updates  

FAQs: Common Questions About Slow Computers  

Q: How often should I restart my PC or laptop?

A: At least once a week to clear memory and apply updates.  

Q: Can too many browser tabs slow my laptop down?

A: Absolutely. Each tab uses RAM. Stick to 10–15 tabs max.  

Q: Do pop-up ads mean my computer is infected?

A: Possibly. Run a malware scan immediately.