My computer is running slow - basic steps to speed it up

Quick fixes for a slow computer

1. Restart your computer. This clears temporary memory and often resolves slowdowns caused by programs that have been running a long time.
2. Check what is running. Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc on Windows) or Activity Monitor (Mac) and look for applications using unusually high CPU or memory, then close ones you are not using.
3. Close unused browser tabs. Each open tab uses memory - a browser with 30+ tabs open is a common cause of slowdowns.
4. Free up disk space. If your main drive is more than 90% full, performance suffers. Delete old downloads, empty the Recycle Bin/Trash, and remove large files you no longer need.
5. Check for pending updates. Outdated operating system or driver updates can affect performance - install any pending updates and restart.
6. Review startup programs. Too many apps launching automatically at startup slow down boot time and ongoing performance. Disable ones you do not need running constantly.

If these steps do not help, please raise a ticket with details on when the slowness started and what you were doing at the time.