Slow PC First Aid – Basic Diagnostics & Speed-Up Guide

This guide is for helping residents with a Windows PC laptop that is running slowly. It covers safe, basic checks to improve performance or decide if professional help is needed. Always back up important files before making major changes.

1. Initial Checks

• Confirm system specs: Windows Key + R → type ‘winver’ for version, check RAM & CPU in Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc → Performance).
• If under 4GB RAM or mechanical hard drive, expect limited performance.
• Restart the laptop – full shutdown, wait 30 seconds, restart.

2. Free up disk space

• Check free space: File Explorer → right-click C: → Properties. Aim for 15% free.
• Run Storage Sense: Start → Settings → System → Storage → turn on & run cleanup.
• Uninstall unused programs: Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall.

3. Reduce startup programs

• Open Task Manager → Startup tab.
• Disable non-essential items (keep antivirus & drivers).

4. Scan for malware

• Update antivirus, run Full Scan.
• Optional: Run Microsoft Safety Scanner (download from Microsoft site).

5. Install Windows updates

• Start → Settings → Update & Security → Check for updates.
• Install important updates, restart.

6. Check background processes

• Task Manager → look for high CPU or memory use.
• If a program is always high, consider reinstalling or disabling it.

7. Hard drive health check

• If HDD (not SSD), run: Command Prompt (Admin) → ‘chkdsk C: /f /r’.
• Listen for unusual noises (clicking/grinding).

8. Optional hardware upgrades

• Upgrade to 8GB RAM.
• Replace HDD with SSD – major speed boost.

9. Decision point

• If still slow, free space is OK, and no malware, consider reinstalling Windows or professional help.

Safety Notes

• Always back up files before changes.
• Avoid ‘PC speed-up’ programs – often ineffective or harmful.
• If unsure about disabling something, check Microsoft’s site or another reputable source.