Slow Computer? DIY Computer Repair Advice

If you came here specifically to repair a slow computer, then you came to the right place. The primary goal of Slow-Computer-Repair.com is to help you to fix your own PC.

Why is my computer so slow?

There are many things that can cause a slow computer such as registry errors, a virus, spyware, a lack of memory, or hard drive fragmentation. Luckily, all of these are fixable problems. Most of the issues can be fixed for free. Only a few of the problems listed above need any type of investment in software or hardware.

6 Steps to a Quicker Computer

Generally speaking, 90% of computers will be sped up noticeably by completing ALL of the steps below, assuming you don't have a virus. You should run a virus scan first to see if you have a virus. Also, you will probably notice odd behavior if your computer is infected. The 6 steps below are aimed at the most basic computer users and the guide shouldn't take too long to complete.

1) Defragment the Hard Drive

To Defragment your hard drive, open up "My Computer", Right Click on C:, Click properties, Click the "Tools" Tab, Click "Defragment Now", Click Defragment, click ok. Here is more info from Microsoft on this.

2) Add Memory

Generally speaking, a memory upgrade will be the best bang for your buck hardware upgrade for you. Buying and installing memory is pretty easy as well. Here is a guide talking about the installation of memory.

3) Remove Spyware

Spyware can build up on your computer and slow your PC down over time. Download and Install Ad-Aware, a free anti-spyware tool and then use it to remove all spyware that is on your computer.

4) Remove Unused Programs, Files, Folders

Do you have any files, programs, pictures, music, or videos that you no longer need or use? Can you move some of these files to an external source? If so, deleting these will free up disk space which will increase the speed of your computer. To remove programs, go to the control panel -> add/remove programs (or uninstall programs) -> click on the program you want to uninstall -> click "uninstall". If you were able to find any programs to remove, make sure you clean the defragment again after you removed the unneeded programs.

5) Turn down Windows Graphics

If you have the Windows graphics at high settings, you may be able to regain speed by turning the graphics down. You can find these in the Visual Effects Tab under Performance options which is located in the Control Panel.

6) Optimizing Windows Startup Programs

After you remove unneeded programs, you can also optimize the Windows Startup process so programs you don't use often don't start up automatically when Windows starts.

My Computer is Slow Still, Now What?

If your computer is still slow, then you can check out computer speed up tips here.

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Site Goal

Our primary goal is to give advice on ways to fix your slow PC for users of any computer experience level. We try to post computer tips and articles that both basic and power users can find helpful. Our hope is that after visiting and following the guides on this site, your computer will be back in working order. We also hope that you are able to learn a thing or two along the way. This articles and guides on this website are written by computer engineers and computer scientists. We strive to put our experience with computers to good use on this site.

Our secondary goal is to provide general information about computers including articles about popular PC software and hardware, technology news, and tips to help you to use your computer better. Most of the tips on this site are geared towards PCs (Dell, HP, Toshiba, Sony, Lenovo, Acer, etc), however, we have started to add to our Mac tips as well. Also, keep in my that most tips should be the same or similar for both desktop and laptop computers. We provide technical advice and strategies on this site as is and therefore cannot guarantee your computer problem will be resolved. Please use this site and our affiliate sites at your own risk.