Slow computer? Try these 5 fast fixes

Fed up with your computer being slow? Try one of these fixes. (Getty Images)

Picture this: coffee to your left, your mouse to your right, and a computer display (or two) in front of you. You glance at the clock and realise your meeting — the one with your boss’s boss — starts in exactly 2 minutes. You click to open your teleconference software and then sit there, in a sweat, as your slow computer takes forever to join the meeting, making you late — again.

What you need is a lightning-fast fix. With an eye towards quick tips for slow computers, we’ve gathered a few tools for your toolbox:

First and foremost, installing and running a comprehensive system tune-up, such as System Mechanic, can assist in de-junking and speeding up your computer. System Mechanic fixes multiple problems that can affect your computer's performance. Deep Scan, a feature included with System Mechanic, can identify why your computer is so slow. It also adjusts hidden broadband settings to unleash even more speed.

Shop now: System Mechanic | try for 30 days free*, then £3.90 a month

*to avoid being charged the recurring subscription fee, cancel before your free trial ends

Slow computers can disrupt your workflow. (Getty Images) (Yagi Studio via Getty Images)

Try a restart

Restart and refresh your device, suggests Richard Roth, founder and chief executive officer of technology solutions firm Progressive Tech. “If you haven’t restarted recently, this can assist with speed,” Roth tells Yahoo Life. “If slowness persists, consider a factory reset for a bit of spring cleaning. Check to see what applications are automatically loading at startup. Many of these are not necessary to have running all the time.”

Check how many tabs you have open

Your browser could be at fault, according to CNET — especially if you’re like most people who keep several windows and tabs open at once. Think of every window and tab as a drain on your system’s memory and processing, which can slow down your computer.

An older computer can start to slow down. (Getty Images) (Inside Creative House via Getty Images)

Think about your recent downloads

Check your download history. “You may have installed an application, utility, or update recently, which might have impacted your performance,” Roth cautions. “Try removing these if possible.”

Try shutting it down

When you close some apps, they can keep running in the background, which may slow down your computer. However, most apps that would normally continue to run can be closed completely by right-clicking the icon and choosing quit or exit.

While it’s not a fast fix, if you’ve been troubleshooting your computer and it’s still slow, it may be time to consider the age of your device. “If your system is 3 to 5 years old or more, it may be time for service, upgrades, or outright replacement,” says Roth.

Shop now: System Mechanic | try for 30 days free*, then £3.90 a month

*to avoid being charged the recurring subscription fee, cancel before your free trial ends

Watch: 5 easy ways to improve your WiFi