Does your PC take ages to start, or does it only stall once you open a few tabs? Start by checking where the slowdown happens. If only websites feel slow, try opening the same page on a phone connected to the same Wi-Fi. If folders and applications also struggle, look at the PC itself.
Five things you can check yourself
- Restart Windows. Choose Restart, then open only the app you were using when the problem started. See whether the slowdown returns.
- Look for sustained activity. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. Check CPU, memory and disk while the problem is happening. A brief spike is normal. A resource that stays busy can point to the cause.
- Check available storage. Go to Settings → System → Storage. Review what is taking up space. Check what is in Downloads before selecting that folder for cleanup.
- Review startup apps. In Task Manager, turn off familiar apps you can open yourself when needed. Leave unfamiliar items and security software alone.
- Check updates and security. See whether Windows Update is waiting for a restart. If new pop-ups appeared with the slowdown, run a Windows Security scan.
When is a diagnostic worth booking?
If the PC only struggles with many tabs or apps open, memory could be the limit. If it has a mechanical hard drive and folders take a long time to open, an SSD upgrade may help. Back up important files first if the drive is giving errors or files have gone missing. When you get in touch, tell us which task triggers the slowdown and how long it has been happening.
If the PC is still slow, tell us the model and which task makes it stall. Ask about computer diagnostics · See diagnostic pricing