Fix a Slow Computer (Windows & Mac)

Goal: Make your device feel fast again without buying new hardware.

Quick prep

• Save your work.

• Plug in your laptop (so maintenance doesn’t pause).

Steps (Windows)

1. Install updates
   Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates → Install and restart. Microsoft Support

2. Close heavy background apps
   Right-click the taskbar → Task Manager → Processes → select any app using high CPU/Memory → End task. Apple Support

3. Free up storage
   Settings → System → Storage → turn on Storage Sense → Cleanup recommendations. Aim for 15–20% free space.

4. Scan for malware
   Start → Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Quick scan. Keep Real-time protection on. Microsoft Support

Steps (Mac)

1. Install updates
   System Settings → General → Software Update. Microsoft Support

2. Find resource hogs
   Open Activity Monitor → sort by CPU or Memory → quit or force quit runaway apps. Apple Support

3. Manage storage
   Apple menu → About This Mac → Storage → Manage… → remove large files & unused apps.

Why this helps: Updates patch bugs, closing heavy apps frees memory/CPU, storage headroom prevents slowdowns, and scans remove threats.

Sources:

Windows update: https://support.microsoft.com/windows/update-windows

Task Manager: https://support.microsoft.com/windows/open-task-manager

Free up space: https://support.microsoft.com/windows/free-up-drive-space-in-windows

Windows Security scan: https://support.microsoft.com/windows/virus-and-threat-protection-in-the-windows-security-app

macOS update: https://support.apple.com/macos

Activity Monitor: https://support.apple.com/guide/activity-monitor/welcome

Manage Mac storage: https://support.apple.com/HT206996