Does your computer take ages to start? Are programmes slow to open, or does the screen seem to freeze whenever you try to do something simple?

You’re not alone. Slow computers are one of the most common technology problems we hear about from homes, families, seniors and home workers across Boston and Lincolnshire. The good news is that the cause is often something simple.

Before you call for computer repair, try these seven straightforward fixes. You don’t need to be a computer expert. Take your time, follow the steps carefully and stop if something doesn’t make sense. There’s no jargon, no rushing and no judgment.

> Important: These instructions are mainly for Windows 10 and Windows 11 computers. The names of menus may be slightly different on a Mac, Chromebook or older computer.

1. Stop Unnecessary Programmes Starting Automatically

When your computer starts, several programmes may open in the background. Some are useful, but others may not need to run straight away.

Too many startup programmes can make your computer take longer to turn on and leave less memory available for the things you actually want to do.

Try this on Windows

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard.
2. Select Startup apps. You may need to select More details first.
3. Look through the list of programmes.
4. Disable apps you recognise but don’t need immediately after starting your computer.

Common examples might include music apps, game launchers, chat apps or software you rarely use.

Be careful: Don’t disable something if you’re unsure what it does. Avoid changing security software, Windows components or anything you don’t recognise. If you’re not confident, leave it alone and ask for help.

Restart your computer afterwards. You may notice that it starts more quickly.

2. Free Up Space on Your Computer

A computer needs some free storage space to work properly. If your hard drive or SSD is almost full, Windows may struggle with temporary files and updates.

Large videos, old downloads, duplicate photographs and unused programmes can quietly take up a lot of room.

Safe ways to create space

• Empty your Downloads folder , Remove installers and files you no longer need.
• Delete unwanted videos , Move important family videos to a backup drive or trusted cloud storage first.
• Uninstall unused apps , Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps and remove programmes you no longer use.
• Empty the Recycle Bin , Deleted files still take up space until you do this.
• Use Windows Storage settings , Windows can identify temporary files that are safe to remove.

Please don’t delete documents, photographs or family files unless you’re completely sure they are backed up or no longer needed. If you’re worried about losing something important, stop and ask someone you trust.

As a general rule, try to keep a reasonable amount of free space available rather than filling the drive completely. A computer with plenty of breathing room is usually easier to keep healthy.

3. Run a Malware and Virus Scan

Viruses, malware, unwanted pop-ups and suspicious software can make a computer slow. They can also put your personal information at risk.

If your computer suddenly became sluggish, starts showing strange adverts or opens websites you didn’t request, a security problem could be involved.

What to do

• Open your trusted antivirus software.
• Run a full scan, rather than only a quick scan.
• Allow the software to quarantine or remove anything it identifies as dangerous.
• Uninstall programmes you don’t recognise, but only if you’re certain they are unwanted.

Windows includes built-in protection through Microsoft Defender. Make sure it is switched on and up to date.

Never trust a pop-up that suddenly tells you to call a number because your computer has a virus. This is a common scam. EB IT Support will never cold-call you or send a pop-up claiming that your computer is infected.

If you think you may have clicked something suspicious, don’t enter passwords or banking details. Disconnect from the internet and contact a trusted person or speak to EB IT Support.

4. Install Important Updates

Updates can improve security, fix problems and sometimes make software work more smoothly. If updates have been waiting for a long time, your computer may become less reliable.

Check for Windows updates

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Windows Update.
3. Choose Check for updates.
4. Install important updates and restart your computer when asked.

You should also update your web browser and regularly used programmes. Only download updates from the software’s official website or its built-in update screen.

Be patient while updates install. Some updates take longer than expected, especially on older computers or slower broadband connections. Don’t turn the computer off halfway through unless it has been completely stuck for a long time.

For more general background, Intel’s guide to improving a slow computer covers several of the same common causes.

5. Check How Much Memory You’re Using

Your computer’s memory, often called RAM, helps it manage open programmes. If you have too many things running at once, the computer may start to feel slow or unresponsive.

This is especially common when you have many browser tabs open alongside email, video calls, documents and other work programmes.

Try these simple steps

• Close programmes you aren’t using.
• Save your work before closing anything.
• Reduce the number of open browser tabs.
• Restart your computer if it has been running for several days.
• Check memory usage in Task Manager > Performance > Memory.

If memory usage is regularly close to 100%, your computer may benefit from a memory upgrade. An older computer with limited RAM may also struggle with modern websites and video calls.

Don’t worry if the word “RAM” sounds technical. It simply describes one part of your computer’s working space. Our computer repair service can check whether an upgrade would be worthwhile before you spend money.

6. Check for Overheating and Blocked Air Vents

Computers slow themselves down when they become too hot. This helps protect the internal parts, but it can make everyday tasks frustratingly slow.

You may notice:

• A fan that is constantly loud.
• A laptop that feels unusually hot.
• Performance that gets worse after the computer has been running for a while.
• Sudden shutdowns or freezing.

Place your laptop on a hard, flat surface rather than a bed, sofa or cushion. Make sure air vents are not covered by papers, furniture or other objects.

You can carefully remove surface dust from vents using a soft brush or suitable compressed air, but don’t take the computer apart unless you know what you’re doing. Never pour liquid onto the device.

Regular computer maintenance can help prevent heat and dust from becoming bigger problems. If the fan is still noisy or the computer becomes hot very quickly, it’s safer to have it checked professionally.

7. Tidy Up Your Web Browser

Your browser may be the reason the whole computer feels slow. Too many open tabs, extensions and background browser processes can use a surprising amount of memory.

Give your browser a quick tidy

• Close tabs you no longer need.
• Remove browser extensions you don’t recognise or use.
• Clear temporary browsing data through the browser’s settings.
• Update the browser to its latest version.
• Restart the browser regularly.

Be cautious when installing browser extensions. Some are useful, but others can show unwanted adverts, track your browsing or cause performance problems.

If your browser keeps redirecting you to strange websites, showing fake warnings or changing its search page, stop clicking and ask for help. It may need a proper malware clean-up.

Still Slow? It May Need a Professional Check

If these fixes haven’t helped, the problem could be more involved. The computer may have an ageing hard drive, a failing component, damaged software, overheating inside the case or hardware that is no longer suitable for modern programmes.

That doesn’t automatically mean you need to buy a new computer. A professional check may identify a practical repair or upgrade, such as a new SSD, more memory, a software clean-up or improved security.

EB IT Support provides friendly computer repair and remote IT support for homes, families, seniors and home workers throughout Boston and Lincolnshire. Many common problems can be diagnosed and fixed remotely, without waiting for an engineer to travel to you.

Our remote support is available from £55 per hour, with transparent pricing and no hidden fees. You remain in control during the session, and we’ll explain what we’re doing in plain English.

If you prefer face-to-face help, we also offer on-site support across Lincolnshire. All home-visit engineers are DBS checked, carry official photo ID and confirm your unique customer PIN before entering your property. If an engineer cannot provide your PIN, do not let them in.

Need a Hand? We’re Here to Help 🙂

You’re welcome to try the suggestions above at your own pace. If you’re still struggling, there’s no need to feel embarrassed or frustrated. Slow computers can have several causes, and finding the right one is often the most important step.

You can:

• Contact EB IT Support online
• Call 01205 627240
• Email [email protected]
• Visit us in Boston for friendly technology advice, Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm

We aim to respond to enquiries within three hours during business hours. Whether you need a quick remote fix, patient help with an older laptop or a complete computer repair, we’re ready to help : with no jargon, no pressure and no judgment.