A slow computer is not always a computer to replace. Before giving up, here are the checks our BRAVUM Tech technicians do first, in order, for families and small businesses in Greater Montréal. Most take less than ten minutes.
1. Restart for real
Closing the lid puts the computer to sleep without clearing it. On Windows, even “Shut down” can keep part of the system in memory to start faster. Choose Restart: memory is cleared and pending updates finish.
2. Install updates
Windows, macOS and your browser regularly fix speed and security issues. On Windows, open Settings > Windows Update; on a Mac, System Settings > General > Software Update. Let the installation finish, with the computer plugged in.
3. Lighten the startup
Many programs launch on their own when you sign in and keep running in the background. In Windows Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), the Startup apps tab lets you turn off the ones you don’t need right away. On a Mac, check System Settings > General > Login Items. Turning a program off doesn’t delete it.
4. Free up disk space
A nearly full disk slows everything down, because the system needs free space to work. Keep a healthy margin, ideally at least 10 to 15% of the disk. Empty the trash, delete useless downloads, uninstall software you no longer use, and move photos and videos to an external drive or the cloud.
5. Clean up the browser
Thirty open tabs are thirty pages using memory at once. Close the ones you don’t use, then remove unknown or useless extensions. If the browser stays slow, a fresh profile or a reinstall often solves it.
6. Remove unwanted software
Toolbars, miracle “cleaners”, programs bundled with another install: remove anything you did not install on purpose. Run a scan with the protection already built into Windows (Windows Security). Avoid installing two antivirus programs: they watch each other and slow the computer down.
7. Listen to the device
A racing fan, a very hot case, a clicking drive or a swelling battery are hardware signs. A swollen battery is dangerous: stop using the device and have it checked. On an older computer, replacing a mechanical hard drive with an SSD is often the single biggest speed boost.
When should you call a technician?
- The computer is still slow after these seven steps.
- Pop-ups appear on their own or your browser’s home page keeps changing.
- The computer shuts down, restarts or shows error screens for no reason.
- You want to recover your files before it’s too late.
Repair or replace?
An honest diagnosis compares the cost of the repair with the value of the device and how you use it. An SSD and a little more memory often give a sturdy laptop several more years; on the other hand, a very old device that no longer gets security updates should be replaced. Either way, back up your files before any work.
Still slow? BRAVUM Tech diagnoses the device at home in Greater Montréal or remotely, explains what is happening without jargon and confirms the price before doing anything.
Frequently asked questions
Why did my computer suddenly become slow?
Most often: an update running, a program launching at startup, a nearly full disk or unwanted software. If the slowdown comes with noise or heat, the cause may be hardware.
Does an SSD really speed up an old computer?
Yes. On a computer that still has a mechanical hard drive, it is usually the most noticeable change: startup and opening programs and files become much faster.
Do I need to buy an antivirus?
For most home users, the protection built into Windows, kept up to date, is enough. What matters is not running two antivirus programs and installing updates.
Can BRAVUM Tech come to my home?
Yes. BRAVUM Tech travels across Greater Montréal and also offers remote support for problems that don’t require touching the device.
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