Computer Troubleshooting Part 1 : How to Troubleshoot a Slow Laptop or PC

Is your laptop or PC crawling slower than a snail uphill? You’re not alone, and you’re definitely not imagining things. A sluggish computer is one of the most frustrating tech issues out there. Whether you’re trying to finish a project, jump into a game, or just check your email, waiting for things to load can drive anyone crazy.

But here’s the good news: most of the time, a slow computer isn’t the end of the world. In fact, with the right steps, you can often fix it yourself no tech support hotline is needed.

Ready to give your system a speed boost? Let’s dive into a simple, practical guide to get your PC or laptop running like new again.

1. Restart Your Computer

It might sound too simple, but restarting your PC can clear temporary files, close background processes, and fix minor glitches.

Pro Tip: Make restarting a habit, especially if you leave your system running for days.

2.   Check for High CPU, RAM or Disc Usage

1. On Windows :

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Go to the Performance tab to check CPU, Memory (RAM), and Disk usage
3. If any of these are near 100%, check the Processes tab to see which apps are consuming the most resources.
4. Close unnecessary programs or background processes (be careful not to close the system processes)

b. On MacOS :

1. Press Command + Space, type Activity Monitor, and hit Enter.

2. Check the CPU, Memory, and Disk tabs for high usage.

3. Quit resource-heavy applications

3.   Disable Startup Programs

1. On Windows :

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Go to the Startup tab
3. Disable unnecessary programs by right-clicking and selecting Disable.

b. On MacOS :

1. Go to System Settings > General > Login Items.
2. Remove unnecessary apps from startup

4. Scan for Malware and Viruses

1. Use Windows Defender (built into Windows) or a trusted third-party antivirus like Malwarebytes.
2. On macOS, use Malwarebytes for Mac or XProtect (Apple’s built-in scanner).
3. 
   Run a full system scan and remove any detected threats.

5. Free Up Disk Space

A nearly full hard drive (especially an HDD) can slow down your system.

1. Delete temporary files (Use Disk Cleanup on Windows).

2. Uninstall unused programs.

3. Clear browser cache (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, etc.).

4. Move large files (photos, videos) to an external drive or cloud storage.

6. Upgrade to an SSD (If Using HDD)

7. Increase RAM (If Needed)

8. Adjust Power Settings

1. On Windows: Go to Control Panel > Power Options > Select High Performance.
2. On macOS: Go to System Settings > Battery > Power Adapter > Set to High Performance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, A sluggish PC or laptop doesn’t automatically mean it’s time for an expensive upgrade. In many cases, a few smart tweaks like killing resource-hogging apps, cleaning out malware, or freeing up storage can bring back that snappy performance you’ve been missing.

But if your system is still struggling after trying these fixes, the culprit might be aging hardware. Swapping an old HDD for an SSD or adding more RAM can work wonders, often giving an older machine a second wind without the cost of a full replacement.

Pro Tip: Before giving up on your computer, test these optimizations you might be surprised by the difference they make!

Kickstart Your Tech Career with a Professional Diploma in IT Support

Dreaming of turning your passion for computers into a rewarding career? With SBIT’s Professional Diploma in IT Support, you're just one step away!

Our hands-on, industry-relevant curriculum dives into everything from computer system operations and repair to real-world troubleshooting techniques. Whether you’re a total beginner or looking to sharpen your existing skills, this flexible part-time course is tailored just for you.

Start learning today and become the go-to tech expert everyone needs!