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Before you start
- A backup of important files
- Time to restart and finish updates
A clear way through this guide.
We’ll show you one step at a time. When you’re ready, press Done — next step. You can go back or take a break whenever you like.
5 steps · Your own pace
Check a slow Windows computer
Step 1 of 5: Save and restart
Save your documents, close apps and select Start > Power > Restart. After signing in, give startup activity a few minutes to settle. Check whether one simple app is still slow before opening many programmes.
✓ Step complete. You can practise it again.
Step 2 of 5: Check what is busy
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. Look at Processes for unusually busy CPU, memory or disk usage. Close an app normally if you no longer need it; avoid ending unfamiliar system processes.
✓ Step complete. You can practise it again.
Step 3 of 5: Review free storage
Open Settings > System > Storage. Review suggested temporary-file cleanup carefully. Keep copies before deleting personal documents, Downloads or Recycle Bin items. Do not remove folders merely because their names look unfamiliar.
✓ Step complete. You can practise it again.
Step 4 of 5: Reduce unnecessary startup apps
Open Settings > Apps > Startup. Turn off only apps you recognise and do not need at sign-in. Leave security, accessibility and required work software alone. This changes startup behaviour, rather than uninstalling the app.
✓ Step complete. You can practise it again.
Step 5 of 5: Update and check security
Use Windows Update and the computer’s built-in security tools. Keep power connected for updates. If the computer stays unusually slow, overheats or makes abnormal noises, seek support instead of installing an advertised cleaner.
✓ Step complete. You can practise it again.
Take your time. Next marks this step done.
You’ve finished this guide.
Every step is complete. You can come back and practise again whenever you like.
Your small practice task.
Record whether restarting improves one simple task, such as opening a document.
Completing the guide records your progress here; it does not check your device settings.
A common question.
Does a full cloud account mean my computer disk is full?
They are separate storage limits. Check local Storage and your cloud account independently; either can affect different tasks.
Official help, if you need it.
These links provide the product’s own instructions or relevant public guidance. Settings can differ by model and software version.