Slow or Freezing PC – Self-Service Steps

Step 1 – Restart your computer

A restart clears temporary files and memory. If your computer has not been restarted for several days, this alone often improves performance significantly. Choose Start → Restart (not Shut Down and then Power On).

Step 2 – Close unused applications

Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete → Task Manager → look at the CPU and Memory columns. If any application is using a very high percentage, select it and click End Task (only do this for applications you recognise).

Step 3 – Check available disk space

Open File Explorer → right-click the C: drive → Properties. If less than 10% is free, the computer will slow down significantly. Empty the Recycle Bin and delete files from your Downloads folder that you no longer need.

Step 4 – Check for Windows Updates

Go to Start → Settings → Windows Update. Install any pending updates, then restart.

Step 5 – Run a virus scan

Open Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Quick scan.

When to contact IT

Contact IT if:

• The computer is still slow after a restart and closing unused apps
• You get Blue Screen errors (note any error codes shown)
• The computer is less than 2 years old and already very slow
• You hear unusual noises from the computer (clicking, grinding)