The story’s conclusion:Since the orange cat repaired the company’s computer, it has become the company’s “favorite”. Everyone brings it delicious cat food and various cute toys. From time to time in the office area, you can see it lazily lying on a pile of documents to bask in the sun, or chasing after paper balls thrown by colleagues.
We’ve all been there: you’re trying to check an email or open a document, and your computer takes forever to respond. Frustrating, right? But don’t toss it out the window just yet — a slow computer is usually fixable, and sometimes the solution is easier than you think.
As a tech who’s fixed thousands of sluggish PCs, here’s what’s really going on — and how to speed things back up.
1. Too Many Startup Programs
The problem:
When you turn on your computer, a bunch of apps may launch in the background — eating up memory before you even click anything.
The fix:
On Windows, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc, go to the Startup tab, and disable anything you don’t use daily (like Skype, Spotify, or Zoom auto-launch). On Mac, go to System Settings > Users & Groups > Login Items.
2. Your Hard Drive Is Almost Full
The problem:
A nearly full drive slows everything down. Your computer needs free space to run smoothly, especially for updates and background processes.
The fix:
Delete old files, uninstall unused apps, empty your trash/recycle bin, and consider moving big files (like videos or photos) to an external drive or cloud storage.
3. You Haven’t Restarted in a While
The problem:
Computers need a fresh start. If you always keep it on or just close the lid, memory gets clogged over time.
The fix:
Do a full shutdown and restart once or twice a week. You’ll be surprised how much faster it feels after a clean reboot.
4. Too Many Browser Tabs Open
The problem:
Each tab eats RAM — and 10+ tabs (especially with media playing) can crush performance.
The fix:
Use a browser like Microsoft Edge or Chrome with memory-saving features, or close unused tabs. Extensions like The Great Suspender can also help.
5. Malware or Background Processes
The problem:
Your computer might be running hidden software or even malware that slows everything down.
The fix:
Run a full scan using Windows Defender, Malwarebytes, or any reputable antivirus. Also, check Task Manager or Activity Monitor to see if anything unusual is using up resources.
6. Not Enough RAM
The problem:
If your computer only has 4GB of RAM and you’re trying to multitask, it’ll crawl.
The fix:
Upgrade to 8GB or more (if possible), especially if you’re using memory-heavy apps like Photoshop, Zoom, or video editing software.
7. Outdated Operating System or Drivers
The problem:
Old software can cause conflicts, glitches, and security issues that drag performance down.
The fix:
Keep your OS, drivers, and apps up to date. On Windows, go to Settings > Update & Security. On Mac, check System Settings > General > Software Update.
Bonus Tip: Consider a Solid-State Drive (SSD)
If you’re still using an older computer with a traditional hard drive (HDD), upgrading to an SSD can literally make your computer feel brand new. It’s one of the best performance boosts out there.
Final Thoughts
A slow computer doesn’t always mean it’s time to buy a new one. With the right fixes, most systems can be brought back to life — or at least made bearable again.