H1: Why Is My Computer So Slow? A Bracknell Tech's Guide to Speeding It Up.

There are few things in modern life more frustrating than a slow computer. 

That simple task you needed to do five minutes ago is now dragging on, the spinning wheel is becoming a permanent feature of your screen, and your patience is wearing thin. 

It’s a common problem, but the good news is that it can often be fixed.

At Bracknell Computer Man, your local IT experts, we see this issue every day. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common reasons your PC or laptop might be struggling and what you can do about it.

1. Too Many Programmes Running in the Background

One of the most frequent culprits behind a slow computer is having too many applications running at once. 

Many programmes are designed to start automatically when you turn your computer on and will continue to run in the background, consuming your system's memory (RAM) and processing power.

What You Can Do:

• Check Your Start-up Programmes: On a Windows PC, open the Task Manager (press Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and click on the 'Start-up' tab. On a Mac, go to System Settings > General > Login Items. You will see a list of applications that launch on start-up. Disable any that you don't need to have running immediately.

• Close Unused Applications: Get into the habit of completely closing programmes when you have finished using them, rather than just minimising the window.

2. Your Hard Drive Is Nearly Full

Your computer's operating system needs a certain amount of free space on your hard drive to function efficiently. 

It uses this space for temporary files, updates, and as 'virtual memory'. 

If your drive is more than 85-90% full, you will notice a significant slowdown.

What You Can Do:

• Disk Clean-up: Use the built-in Disk Clean-up tool on Windows to remove temporary files, system files, and empty the Recycle Bin. Mac users can use the 'Optimise Storage' feature.

• Uninstall Old Software: Remove any applications or games you no longer use.

• Move Files to the Cloud or an External Drive: Consider moving large files like photos and videos to a cloud storage service (like OneDrive or Google Drive) or an external hard drive.

3. You Might Have a Virus or Malware

Malicious software (malware) running silently in the background is a major cause of performance issues. 

These harmful programmes can be doing anything from tracking your activity to using your computer's resources for criminal tasks, all of which will slow your system to a crawl.

What You Can Do:

• Run a Full Scan: Make sure you have a reputable antivirus programme installed and run a full, thorough system scan.

• Be Careful What You Click: The best defence is prevention. Be cautious of suspicious email attachments and links, and only download software from trusted sources. If you suspect you have an infection, it's vital to get it professionally removed to ensure it is gone for good.

4. Your Hardware Is Crying Out for an Upgrade

Sometimes, the issue is simply that your computer's hardware can no longer keep up with the demands of modern software. 

This is particularly true if your computer is more than a few years old.

Two Upgrades That Make a Huge Difference:

• Upgrading to a Solid-State Drive (SSD): If your computer still uses a traditional mechanical hard drive (HDD), upgrading to an SSD is the single biggest performance boost you can make. It will make your computer start up faster, and programmes will load in a fraction of the time.

• Adding More Memory (RAM): If you often have many tabs or applications open at once, your computer may not have enough RAM. Upgrading your RAM allows your computer to handle more tasks simultaneously without slowing down.

When to Call the Experts in Bracknell

Whilst some of these fixes can be done at home, we understand that not everyone has the time or confidence to start delving into their computer's settings. 

If you've tried these steps and your computer is still slow, or if you suspect a virus or need a hardware upgrade, it's time to call a professional.

At BCM, we can quickly diagnose the root cause of the problem and provide an effective, affordable solution. 

We offer a no-jargon promise and will give you a clear, upfront quote for any work needed.

Don't Put Up with a Slow Computer!

Your time is valuable. Let BCM help you get your computer running like new again.