Free Up Disk Space and Speed Up Your Computer
A computer that is almost out of space, or that starts too many programs at once, gets slow. These simple steps often bring back much of the speed, without buying anything.
Before deleting anything, make sure your files are backed up. Never delete files from system folders such as C:\Windows or the Mac System and Library folders.
How much free space do you need?
Try to keep at least 15 to 20 percent of the drive free. When a drive is nearly full, updates fail and the computer slows down.
Windows: free up space
Use Storage Sense
- Go to Settings > System > Storage.
- Review the categories to see what is using space.
- Click Temporary files, check the items you want to remove and click Remove files. Review the Downloads item carefully before selecting it.
- Turn on Storage Sense so Windows cleans temporary files and the Recycle Bin automatically.
Uninstall apps you do not use
- Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps.
- Sort by size, find programs you no longer use, click the three dots and choose Uninstall.
If you are not sure what a program is, leave it and ask us.
Limit startup apps
- Go to Settings > Apps > Startup (or press Ctrl + Shift + Esc and open the Startup apps tab in Task Manager).
- Turn off programs you do not need right when the computer starts, such as music apps, game launchers or updaters.
- Leave security, backup, OneDrive and touchpad or audio software turned on.
Mac: free up space
- Click the Apple menu and choose System Settings > General > Storage.
- Review the Recommendations, such as Empty Trash Automatically or Optimize Storage.
- Click the i button next to categories such as Applications or Documents to find large or unused items and delete them.
- Empty the Trash when done.
To manage startup items, go to System Settings > General > Login Items & Extensions (called Login Items on some versions) and remove apps you do not need at login.
Other quick wins
- Empty the Recycle Bin or Trash.
- Clean out the Downloads folder.
- Move old photos and videos to OneDrive, iCloud or an external drive (and keep a backup).
- Close browser tabs you are not using; each one uses memory.
- Install pending Windows or macOS updates.
Restart at least once a week
Closing the lid or using sleep is not the same as restarting. A full restart clears memory, finishes updates and fixes many small slowdowns. Choose Restart, not just Shut down, at least once a week.
A sudden slowdown with constant pop-ups, a new browser home page or unknown programs can be a sign of unwanted software. Contact us instead of installing "PC cleaner" or "speed booster" tools, which often make things worse.
When it is the hardware
If the computer is still slow after these steps, the hardware may be the limit:
- Hard drive (HDD) instead of SSD: older computers with spinning hard drives are much slower. Upgrading to an SSD can make a big difference.
- Not enough memory (RAM): if the computer slows down with only a few programs open, more RAM may help, when the model allows it.
- Age: computers over five or six years old may not be worth upgrading and may no longer receive security updates.
We can check your computer and tell you whether an upgrade or a replacement makes more sense.
