Why Is Your Computer So Slow? 7 Actionable Fixes to Restore Speed Today

A sluggish computer disrupts work, frustrates users, and often signals underlying issues. 

For residents and businesses across Berkshire, Ascot Computer Repair demystifies speed problems with seven immediate, non-technical solutions. 

Whether it’s a cluttered hard drive or resource-hogging software, these fixes could save you costly repairs. 

Serving Ascot, Reading, and Bracknell with diagnostics since 2012.

The 7 Most Effective Speed-Boosting Fixes

1. Restart Your Device  

•  Why it works: Clears RAM cache and stops memory leaks.  

•  Action: Full shutdown (not sleep) for 60 seconds.  

2. Terminate Resource-Hogging Applications

Why it works: Stops background processes consuming 90%+ CPU.  

Action:

•   Windows: `Ctrl + Shift + Esc` → "Processes" tab → End tasks >50% CPU.  

•   Mac: `Cmd + Space` → "Activity Monitor" → Quit red-highlighted apps.  

3. Free Up Storage Space

Why it works: Drives slow drastically when <10% free space remains.  

Action:  

• Delete temporary files (`%temp%` in Windows search).  

• Uninstall unused programmes via Settings > Apps.  

4. Disable Start-up Bloatware

Why it works: Reduces boot time by 40-70% (Ofcom study).  

Action:  

• Windows: Task Manager → Start-up tab → Disable non-essential items.  

• Mac: System Preferences → Users → Login Items.  

5. Update Operating System & Drivers

• Why it works: Patches performance bugs and security flaws.  

• Action: Settings > Windows Update or System Preferences > Software Update.  

6. Scan for Malware

• Why it works: Cryptominers/adware can consume 80% resources silently.  

• Action: Run full scans with Windows Defender or Malwarebytes.  

7. Adjust Visual Effects

Why it works: Disabling animations frees GPU bandwidth.  

Action: 

• Windows: Search "Adjust appearance" → Select "Adjust for best performance".  

• Mac: System Preferences > Accessibility > Display → Reduce motion.  

3 Hidden Culprits Behind Persistent Slowness

1. Failing Storage Drive

•  Symptom: Clicking noises + 100% disk usage in Task Manager.  

•  Solution: SSD upgrade (90% speed improvement).  

2. Thermal Throttling

• Symptom: Sudden slowdowns during intensive tasks.  

• Solution: Professional cooling system clean.  

3. Background Windows Services

• Symptom: "System" process consuming high CPU.  

• Solution: Disable Superfetch/SysMain via Services Manager.  

Case Study: Reading Accountant’s 10-Minute Boot Time

Issue:

• 7-year-old PC took 12 mins to boot  

• Constant freezing during Excel use  

Ascot’s Fixes:

• Replaced HDD with SATA SSD (£89)  

• Disabled 23 startup items  

• Removed CoinMiner malware  

Result: Boot time reduced to 22 seconds; 0 crashes in 4 months.  

When DIY Isn’t Enough: Professional Speed Solutions