There are few things more frustrating than a computer that struggles with simple tasks. Whether you’re working from home on the North Shore or gaming in Penrose, a slow PC usually comes down to one of two things: software clutter or outdated hardware.
Here are 10 expert tips from our workshop to get your machine running like new.
1. Identify the “Resource Hogs”
Before changing settings, find out why it’s slow.
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The Fix: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc (Windows) or open Activity Monitor (Mac). Look for apps using high CPU or Memory (RAM) percentages. Common culprits in 2026 include heavy web browsers, unoptimised “Electron” apps (like Discord or Slack), and background update services.
2. Manage your “Startup Apps”
If your computer takes ages to become usable after turning it on, too many apps are trying to start at once.
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The Fix: In Task Manager, click the Startup Apps tab. Disable anything you don’t need immediately. You can still open these apps manually whenever you need them.
3. Check for “Bloatware” and Unused Apps
New computers often come with pre-installed “trial” software that runs in the background.
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The Fix: Go to Settings > Apps > Installed Apps and uninstall anything you haven’t used in the last six months. This frees up storage and stops background services from draining your power.
4. Switch to “Best Performance” Power Mode
Windows and macOS often prioritise battery life over speed, which can “throttle” your processor.
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The Fix: In Windows, go to Settings > System > Power & Battery and set Power Mode to “Best Performance.” (Note: This will drain laptop batteries faster).
5. Clear Your Browser’s “Digital Weight”
Modern web browsers are incredibly resource-heavy. If you have 50 tabs open, your computer is effectively running 50 mini-programs.
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The Fix: Use a “Tab Suspender” extension or simply close tabs you aren’t using. Clear your cache and remove unused extensions, as these often run hidden scripts that slow down every page you visit.
6. The SSD Upgrade (The #1 Speed Hack)
If your computer still has an old mechanical Hard Drive (HDD), no amount of software cleaning will make it “fast.”
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The Upgrade: Upgrading to a SATA SSD or an NVMe SSD is the single most effective way to speed up an old computer. It can make a 7-year-old laptop feel faster than a brand-new budget model.
7. Optimise (Don’t Defrag!) Your SSD
Important: If you have an SSD, never “Defragment” it.
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The Rule: Modern Windows versions use “TRIM” to optimise SSDs automatically. To check yours, type “Defragment and Optimize Drives” in the Start menu and ensure your SSD status says “OK.”
8. Add More RAM for Multitasking
In 2026, 8GB of RAM is the bare minimum, and 16GB is recommended for smooth multitasking.
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The Fix: If your Task Manager shows “Memory” usage constantly above 80%, you need a RAM upgrade. Most laptops and desktops can be upgraded in our workshop in under an hour.
9. Pause “Heavy” Cloud Syncing
Apps like OneDrive, Google Drive, and Dropbox constantly scan your files for changes. If you are saving a large project, the syncing process can slow down your entire system.
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The Tip: Pause syncing while doing heavy tasks like video editing or gaming to free up CPU and disk resources.
10. Thermal Throttling: Clean the Dust!
If your computer starts fast but slows down after 20 minutes, it’s likely overheating. Dust build-up inside the fans causes the processor to slow down to prevent damage.
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The Fix: Bring your device into our North Shore or Penrose branches for a professional internal cleaning and thermal paste refresh.
Need a Performance Boost?
If these tips don’t do the trick, it might be time for a professional touch. Advanced Computers offers a Full System Tune-up where we deep-clean your OS and advise on the best hardware upgrades for your specific model.
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Visit us in Rosedale: 7C Triton Drive
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Visit us in Penrose: 67 Station Road
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Call us: 0800 622 349