Why Is My Windows PC Suddenly So Slow? (10 Simple Fixes for Beginners)
It’s the worst feeling in the world. Your computer, which used to be fast and responsive, now takes forever just to open a web browser or a folder. You click, you wait, and you get frustrated.
Before you panic or start shopping for a new PC, the good news is that this problem is almost always fixable. Usually, it's not one big issue but a collection of small things that have built up over time.
You don't need to be a tech expert to fix this. Here are 10 simple, non-scary steps you can follow right now to make your Windows 10 or 11 PC feel fast again.
1. The Classic Fix: Just Restart It
We know it sounds too simple, but it’s the #1 fix for a reason. Restarting your PC doesn't just "turn it off and on." It completely clears out your computer's temporary memory (RAM) and forces all misbehaving programs to close.
How to Fix: Click the Start Menu, click the Power icon, and select "Restart" (not "Shut Down").
2. Stop Programs from Launching at Startup
Many programs (like Spotify, Steam, or Adobe) secretly set themselves to launch the second you turn on your PC. Having 10 programs launch at once is a major cause of slowness.
How to Fix:
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc at the same time to open the Task Manager.
Click the "Startup apps" tab (it looks like a little speedometer).
Look at the "Status" column. If you see something you don't need immediately when your PC starts, right-click it and select "Disable".
3. Clean Out System "Junk" Files
Windows stores thousands of temporary files that it doesn't always clean up. You can safely delete these.
How to Fix:
Click the Start Menu and type "Disk Cleanup".
Open the app and select your
(C:)drive.Let it scan. Once it's done, check the boxes (like "Temporary Internet Files" and "Thumbnails").
Click "OK" and let it run.
4. Make Sure Windows is Up to Date
It might seem counter-intuitive, but not updating Windows can make your PC slow. Microsoft releases "performance patches" and security fixes that can solve speed issues.
How to Fix: Go to Settings > Windows Update and click "Check for updates".
5. Uninstall Programs You Don't Use
Every program you install takes up space and can run hidden background processes. It's time to clean house.
How to Fix:
Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
Scroll through the list. See a game you haven't played in a year? See a tool you installed for one-time use?
Click the three dots (...) next to it and select "Uninstall".
6. Close Your 50 Browser Tabs
This isn't technically a Windows problem, but it's a major culprit. Each browser tab you have open consumes RAM. If you have 50 tabs open in Google Chrome, your PC will be slow, no matter what.
How to Fix: Be honest with yourself. Bookmark the tabs you really need and close the rest.
7. Check for Malware (Viruses)
Sometimes, slowness is caused by something malicious. The good news is that Windows has a powerful, free, built-in tool to check for this.
How to Fix:
Go to Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Security.
Click "Virus & threat protection".
Click "Quick scan".
8. Turn Off Fancy Visual Effects
Windows 11 has pretty animations and transparent menus. These look nice, but they use system resources. You can trade "pretty" for "fast."
How to Fix:
Click the Start Menu and type "Adjust performance".
Select "Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows".
In the new window, simply select the option for "Adjust for best performance". Click "OK".
9. Check Your Free Disk Space
If your main hard drive (the C: drive) is more than 90% full, Windows has no "breathing room" to operate.
How to Fix: Open File Explorer and click "This PC". Look at your Local Disk (C:) drive. If the bar is red, you need to uninstall more programs (Step 5) or move your personal files (Photos, Videos) to another drive.
10. Turn Off Background Apps
Many apps run in the background even when you're not using them, checking for notifications and updates.
How to Fix:
Go to Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
Find an app you don't need notifications from (e.g., a simple game or a photo editor).
Click the three dots (...) and select "Advanced options".
Under "Let this app run in background," change it from "Always" or "Power optimized" to "Never".
Conclusion
You don't have to live with a slow PC. By spending just 20 minutes going through this checklist, you can solve 99% of the common issues that cause a PC to feel sluggish.