1. Run a full system scan with an anti-malware program. There are several free anti-malware programs available online such as Malwarebytes, Kaspersky, and Avast. Make sure to use the latest version with the most up-to-date virus definitions.
2. Disable unnecessary programs from startup. Many programs start running as soon as you turn on your computer, which can slow it down. To stop them from loading, open the Start menu and type in “MSConfig” and press enter. You should see a window with a list of programs that are currently running at startup. Uncheck the ones that you don’t need and save your changes.
3. Perform disk clean-up. Disk clean-up removes unnecessary files, freeing up space and resources on your computer. Open the Start menu and type “Disk Clean-up” and press enter. Windows will search for files that can be deleted and show you how much space you can regain. Select all the files you want to delete and click ‘OK’.
4. Update your operating system and applications. It’s important to keep your OS and applications up-to-date to get the latest security patches and bug fixes. To check for updates, open the Start menu and type “Windows Update” and press enter. Then, choose the option to check for updates.
5. Add more RAM. If your computer is still running slow, adding more Random Access Memory (RAM) can make a huge difference. Check the specifications of your computer to determine what type of RAM is compatible and purchase accordingly. Then, insert the new RAM into the slots on the motherboard and restart your computer for the changes to take effect.