1. Monitor your CPU usage. Press Ctrl+Alt+Del and select Task Manager to launch the Windows Task Manager. Under the “Performance” tab, watch the percentage of CPU usage. If the number is consistently high (75% or more) when you’re not running any programs, this indicates your computer is running slow.
2. Check for malware. Malware such as viruses, Trojans and spyware can significantly slow down your computer’s performance. Check your installed antivirus program for any suspicious or malicious software, or download a free malware scanner such as Malwarebytes.
3. Check your hard drive. When your hard drive becomes full, it can cause your computer to slow down significantly. To check if this is the issue, open “My Computer” and right-click your hard drive. Then click “Properties,” and check the amount of free space listed. If it’s under 20%, try deleting some files to free up space.
4. Clear your web browser’s cache. Over time, your web browser’s cache can become full, which can cause your computer to slow down. To clear the cache, open your web browser, press “Ctrl+Shift+Delete” and select “Cached images and files.”