If your computer suddenly slows down, start with the basics.
- Restart it. A restart clears temporary processes that can pile up over time.
- Close programs and browser tabs you are not using.
- Check free storage space. A nearly full drive can cause major slowdowns.
- Install pending operating-system updates, then restart again.
- If the slowdown started after installing something new, note what changed.
Avoid random “PC cleaner” downloads.
If the problem continues, get help before installing more software.
Still stuck?
If the computer is still slow after the basics, the next step is figuring out whether the problem is storage, startup software, updates, hardware, malware, or something else. That is much more useful than adding another cleanup program and hoping for the best.