How to fix a slow computer

[eradicator]

Some of this I already knew, some officials it was new information to me

Step 1: Kill startup programs murdering your boot time.

Windows: Ctrl+Shift+Esc → Startup tab

Mac: System Preferences → Users & Login Items

Disable everything except antivirus. You can launch programs manually when you need them.

Step 1: Kill startup programs murdering your boot time.

Windows: Ctrl+Shift+Esc → Startup tab

Mac: System Preferences → Users & Login Items

Disable everything except antivirus. You can launch programs manually when you need them.

Step 2: Clear the cache nightmare.

Your browser stores gigabytes of junk—old cookies, images, auto-fill data.

Chrome/Edge: Settings → Privacy → Clear browsing data → "All time"

Firefox: Options → Privacy → Clear Data

Safari: Preferences → Privacy → Manage Website Data → Remove All


Step 3: Uninstall bloatware you never use.

Windows: Settings → Apps → Sort by size

Mac: Applications folder → drag to trash

Look for: Trial software, manufacturer apps, old games, duplicate programs.

I usually delete 15-25 programs. Instant 5-10GB freed.

Step 4: Run Disk Cleanup (Windows) or Optimize Storage (Mac)
Step 5: Disable visual effects eating resources
Step 6: Update ALL drivers (outdated drivers = crashes)

These 3 steps take 8 minutes total but triple your speed.

Step 7: Check for malware and adware.

Download Malwarebytes (free version works).

Run a full scan. You'll be shocked what's hiding.

I've found cryptominers, browser hijackers, and keyloggers people didn't know existed.

Remove everything flagged.


Step 8: Upgrade to an SSD if you're still on HDD.

This is the ONLY upgrade worth money.

A 500GB SSD costs $40-60.

Your computer goes from "why won't this open?" to instant.

Boot time: 5 min → 15 seconds.

This is the nuclear option.

Step 9: Adjust virtual memory settings.

Windows: System → Advanced → Performance Settings → Advanced → Virtual Memory

Set to 1.5x your RAM amount.

Most people don't know this setting exists. It's how your computer handles overflow when RAM fills up.


Step 10: Disable Windows Search Indexing.

It constantly scans your files in the background.

Services → Windows Search → Properties → Startup Type: Disabled

You can still search manually.

But your CPU isn't constantly working for no reason.


Advanced move: Reinstall your operating system.

Sounds scary but takes 45 minutes.

Backup your files → Create recovery drive → Fresh install.

This nukes ALL the junk accumulated over years.

Your computer literally runs like new. I do this every 18 months.

Why computers slow down over time:

Software updates add features (bloat).
Temporary files accumulate.
Registry errors multiply.
Malware creeps in.

It's not planned obsolescence (usually). It's digital entropy.

Regular maintenance = eternal speed.


You just saved $200+ on "tech support."

Your computer now boots faster, runs cooler, crashes less.

Save this thread.Repost it to help others.

Do this maintenance every 3 months.

Your "old" computer will outlast everyone who bought new ones.

Technology isn't the problem.
Maintenance is the solution.

 

[Thomas More]

Some of this I already knew, some officials it was new information to me

I've done this before for parents and sister's computers, but I didn't know the complete set of steps an outfit like Geek Squad uses.

I just turned off Windows search on the computer I'm using. I'm expecting a nice improvement.

 

[SCW]

Forget Windows, use Linux.

Thread 'The Linux Thread'

Oct 29, 2023

I've attempted to use Linux as my main OS several times in the past, including a one year streak on a desktop. As I've been mostly using laptops, I have tested distros on and off to find the right candidate to replace Windows. The problem I'm encountering is the lack, or the weak implementation, of high DPI support. Most laptops these days have high resolution screens, so proper fractional scaling is a must to make it usable. Whereas I can set it to 150% or 200% on Windows and everything looks fantastic; even with some fractional scaling options on different Linux window managers, it...

• Narekatsi
• Replies: 55
• Forum: Technology

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[Get2choppaaa]

I always used the Drop Test in the Marines...

Sadly this doesn't work with PCs and hardware in the Civilian World.

I've gone through 3 computers in past 5 years. They ain't made like they used to be.

 

[FrancisK]

Some of this I already knew, some officials it was new information to me

Thank you for this, most I already knew but a few I didn't such as the driver update that one is really helpful I thought it was automatic with the other updates.

 

[FrancisK]

I always used the Drop Test in the Marines...

Sadly this doesn't work with PCs and hardware in the Civilian World.

I've gone through 3 computers in past 5 years. They ain't made like they used to be.

When I first opened my warehouse I think back in 2008 first set of desktops I think I paid $60 each for from some guy on Craigslist and they lasted me until I moved into a larger warehouse 5 years later, I saved them as backups. My next set probably same thing and only replaced them because I ran out of hardware space. Since then I am buying new systems every couple years or less because they just crap out and they're not faster that's the crazy part even though they are supposed to be.

 

[GodfatherPartTwo]

Here's how you fix it:

 

[SCW]

I always used the Drop Test in the Marines...

Sadly this doesn't work with PCs and hardware in the Civilian World.

I've gone through 3 computers in past 5 years. They ain't made like they used to be.

If you want physical durability, I like the ThinkPad X series, they claim to do some heavy testing and they do feel a lot more solid than other brands in my hands

From their website:

THINKPAD TOUGH

When Reliability Isn’t Optional

We use the US Department of Defense MIL-STD-810H for a balance of reliability and durability in ThinkPad laptops. Meeting or exceeding 12 standards, 26 procedures, and 200+ quality checks ensure these devices run in extreme conditions, including harsh variables like Arctic wilderness, desert dust storms, extreme temps, pressure, vibration, and more.

Brand new they're expensive, but you can easily find older generation second-hand ones online and wipe windows off of them.