1. Restart Your Computer (The Classic Cure)

This is the number one fix for almost any temporary problem. Restarting clears out old memory, stops hidden background processes, and gives your system a fresh start.

• For Windows:

  • Click the Start Menu (Windows icon) in the bottom-left.

  • Click the Power icon, then select Restart.

• For Mac:

  • Click the Apple Menu () in the top-left corner.

  • Click Restart... and confirm the restart.

• Wait: Let the computer fully shut down and turn back on before doing anything else.

2. Check for System Updates (The Security & Speed Boost)

Updates often contain bug fixes and performance improvements that can instantly speed up your machine.

• For Windows:

  • Click the Start Menu or press the Windows key.

  • Type updates and select Check for updates.

  • Click the Check for updates button.

  • Install any updates found and restart if prompted.

• For Mac:

  • Click the Apple Menu () in the top-left corner.

  • Select System Settings (or System Preferences).

  • Click General > Software Update.

  • If an update is found, click Update Now and restart if prompted.

🔎 Intermediate Troubleshooting

3. Checking and Stopping Resource-Heavy Apps

An app or process can sometimes get stuck and demand all of your computer's attention, making everything else slow. This step helps you find and stop it.

• For Windows (Task Manager):

  • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.

  • Click the Processes tab.

  • Click the CPU column heading to sort by usage.

  • Look for: Any app using a high percentage (e.g., constantly over 30%) when you're not doing much.

  • To Stop: Select the app, then click End Task in the bottom-right.

• For Mac (Activity Monitor):

  • Open Finder > Applications > Utilities > Activity Monitor.

  • Click the CPU tab at the top.

  • Click the % CPU column heading to sort by usage.

  • Look for: Any app using a high percentage (e.g., constantly over 50%) when you're not doing much.

  • To Stop: Select the app, then click the (x) button in the toolbar and choose Force Quit.

4. Testing Websites in Incognito/Private Mode

If your slowdown only happens when you browse the web, the problem might be an extension or old data. Incognito mode runs your browser without either.

• Open your browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, etc.).

• Shortcut: Press Ctrl + Shift + N (Windows) or Command + Shift + N (Mac) to open a new Incognito/Private window.

• Test: Try loading the slow website again in the Incognito/Private window.

• Result: If the website works perfectly, the issue is likely a browser extension or old data/cache.

5. Clearing Your Browser's Cache

If the Incognito test worked, your browser's "cache" (stored images and files) is probably too full. Clearing it can help.

• Shortcut: Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete (Windows) or Command + Shift + Delete (Mac) in your browser.

• Time Range: Change the time range to All Time or Everything.

• Select: Make sure Cached images and files is checked. (You can also check Cookies and other site data for a deeper clean, but this will log you out of most websites.)

• Click Clear data/Clear Now and then Restart your browser.

6. Checking Hardware Specs 

When your computer is too old or doesn't have enough memory (RAM), it will always feel slow. This step gets the details your technician needs.

• For Windows:

  • Press the Windows key, type About, and select About your PC.

  • Look for: Processor (CPU) and Installed RAM (Memory).

• For Mac:

  • Click the Apple Menu () in the top-left corner.

  • Select About This Mac.

  • Look for: Chip/Processor and Memory.

• Keep this information handy.