Published 16 June 2026 · Home Users · by the 365 Techies team — Microsoft Partners & Dell specialists, looking after Dorset since 1995
Before assuming you need a new machine, work through these steps in order — most slowdowns clear up by step three. For the full list of why computers slow down, see our companion guide on why your computer is running slowly.
Quick wins you can do today
Start with a proper restart (use Shut down, not Sleep), then trim what loads at start-up: press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, choose the Start-up tab, and disable apps you do not need running the moment you switch on. Then free up disk space — a nearly-full drive is a classic cause (see how to free up storage space).
When it is not software
If it is still sluggish after updates and a virus scan, the cause may be hardware — an old, tired drive or too little memory. An SSD upgrade in particular can make an older laptop feel new. The honest way to know is to have it checked; our repair-or-replace advisor gives you a steer, and our diagnosis is no-fix-no-fee.
Key points
- Restart properly — use Shut down, not Sleep
- Turn off start-up apps in Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc, Start-up tab)
- Free up disk space on a full drive
- Run a full antivirus scan
- Pause or uninstall heavy background apps
- Install pending Windows and app updates
- Consider an SSD or memory upgrade if it is still slow
Prefer to let us handle it? Our monthly IT support plans include this and much more, from £18.25/month per computer — with a friendly techie on hand whenever you need one. Call 01202 775566 or view our plans.