Your Windows computer is slow. Try these steps.

For: Windows computer

Last checked October 14, 2026 against official help from Microsoft. Written for Windows 11.

A slow computer usually needs a restart, an update or some room. Try these steps in order and stop when it feels better.

This page is for you if

  • Programs take a long time to open
  • The computer takes forever to start
  • Everything feels sluggish

Do these steps

  1. Step 1: Restart the computer

    Save your work. Click Start, then the Power button, then Restart.

  2. Step 2: Install updates

    Click Start, Settings, Windows Update, then Check for Windows updates.

  3. Step 3: Scan for viruses

    Click Start, Settings, Privacy & security, Windows Security, Virus & threat protection, then Quick scan.

  4. Step 4: Free up space

    Click Start, Settings, System, Storage. Click Storage Sense, then Run Storage Sense now.

  5. Step 5: Stop apps that start by themselves

    Press Ctrl, Shift and Esc together to open Task Manager. Click Startup apps. Click an app you don't need right away, then click Disable.

  6. Step 6: Close what you're not using

    Having many programs and browser tabs open at once slows things down. Close the ones you're done with.

Good to know

  • To remove an app you never use, click Start, Settings, Apps, Installed apps. Click the three dots next to the app, then Uninstall.
  • Disabling a startup app doesn't delete it. It just stops it from opening every time you turn on the computer.

Check it with the source

We wrote these steps from these official pages. If your screen looks different, the official page is always right.

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