The short answer
Install Windows updates and restart, close apps and browser tabs you don't need, and turn off unnecessary startup apps in Settings › Apps › Startup. Free up disk space with Storage Sense, scan for malware with Windows Security, and set Power mode to Best performance when plugged in.
A slow PC is usually doing too much at once, running low on disk space, or waiting for an update. Microsoft recommends trying several fixes, since more than one thing can slow a computer down. Work through these in order.
1. Install updates and restart
Updates include performance fixes and new drivers.
- Select Start › Settings › Windows Update.
- Select Check for updates and install what’s available.
- Restart your PC.
See our guide on how to update Windows.
2. Close apps and tabs you’re not using
Lots of open apps and browser tabs use memory. Close what you don’t need. If things are still slow, restart and open only what you need.
3. Turn off unnecessary startup apps
Many apps start automatically when you sign in and run in the background.
- Select Start › Settings › Apps › Startup.
- Turn off apps you don’t need at startup.
You can also open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and use the Startup apps tab, which shows each app’s startup impact.
4. Free up disk space
A nearly full drive slows Windows down.
- Go to Start › Settings › System › Storage.
- Turn on Storage Sense, or select Temporary files to clean up now.
See how to free up disk space on Windows for more.
5. Scan for malware
- Select Start › Settings › Privacy & security › Windows Security › Virus & threat protection.
- Select Quick scan.
6. Set the power mode
When plugged in, choose Start › Settings › System › Power & battery › Power mode › Best performance. On battery, a balanced mode saves energy.
7. Adjust visual effects
- Select Start, type Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows, and open it.
- On the Visual Effects tab, choose Adjust for best performance, then Apply.
Windows will look plainer but feel snappier on older hardware.
8. Pause OneDrive syncing (temporarily)
If OneDrive is syncing lots of files, it can slow things down. Select the OneDrive icon in the taskbar, then Settings › Pause syncing. Remember to resume it later.
9. Check for apps using lots of resources
Open Task Manager and sort by CPU, Memory or Disk. If one app is using a lot, close it or update it. Uninstall apps you no longer use in Settings › Apps › Installed apps.
10. Restore or reset as a last resort
If your PC became slow after installing something, System Restore can take it back to an earlier point. A Reset this PC reinstalls Windows; choose Keep my files if offered, and back up first either way.
Related guides
A full drive slows everything down. See how to free up disk space on Windows. Before trying a reset, back up your Windows PC. Also make sure you’ve installed the latest Windows updates.
The bottom line
Update and restart, trim startup apps, free up disk space and scan for malware. Those four steps fix most slow PCs. If it’s still sluggish, an SSD or more RAM may be the real cure.
Frequently asked questions
Do PC cleaner apps speed up Windows?
Most aren't needed. Windows already includes Storage Sense, startup app controls and Windows Security. Some third-party “optimizers” add their own background processes or unwanted software.
Does restarting really help?
Yes. Restarting clears memory, ends stuck processes and finishes installing updates. Many people only close the lid or use Sleep, which doesn't do the same.
When is it time to upgrade hardware?
If your PC still has a traditional hard drive (HDD), upgrading to a solid-state drive (SSD) is often the biggest speed boost. More memory (RAM) helps if you keep many apps and tabs open.
Why you can trust this guide
- Based on official sources. The steps here are checked against the 2 official sources listed below, such as the help pages of the companies involved.
- Checked and dated. Last checked on November 10, 2026. We update guides when software or advice changes.
- Independent. No company paid for or reviewed this guide. We don't sell products, and ads never influence our advice.
- Open to corrections. Spotted an error? Tell us and we'll fix it. Read how we research.
Sources
- Microsoft Support — Tips to improve PC performance in Windows
- Microsoft Support — Manage drive space with Storage Sense
This guide is general information. Menus and features can change with software updates, and steps may differ on your device or version. Back up important data before making big changes. Read our disclaimer.
