Nothing is more frustrating than a slow computer—especially when you’re trying to work, study, or run your business. At Computer Squad, we help Toronto clients fix slow PCs every week. The good news? Most slowdowns are caused by a small handful of issues, and many are easy to diagnose.

1. Too Many Startup Programs

Apps like OneDrive, Zoom, Edge, Teams, and Adobe often launch automatically. These eat RAM before you even open anything.

Fix:
Go to Task Manager → Startup Apps and disable anything unnecessary.

2. Lack of Storage Space

If your C: drive is above 85% capacity, Windows struggles.

Fix:
Delete temp files, uninstall unused software, or upgrade to a larger SSD.

3. Failing Hard Drive

Old mechanical HDDs slow down dramatically as they age.

Fix:
Upgrade to an SSD — the most cost-effective performance boost.

4. Too Many Browser Tabs

Chrome and Edge are RAM-hungry. 10+ tabs can slow low-RAM systems.

Fix:
Close unused tabs or add more RAM.

5. Malware or Adware

Unwanted programs often run in the background.

Fix:
Run a malware scan or install proper endpoint security.

6. Outdated Windows or Drivers

Old versions can cause compatibility and performance issues.

7. Overheating

Dust buildup or bad ventilation slows performance to protect hardware.