If your laptop has been dragging lately, now’s the perfect time to give it a quick tune-up before holiday shopping, travel, or family video calls. A slow computer isn’t just annoying—it can make online checkouts fail, freeze during Zoom calls, and leave you stressed when you’re already busy.

The good news: most slow-downs come from a few easy-to-fix issues.

1. Restart (Yes, Really)

If it’s been a while, a fresh restart clears temporary files and stuck background processes.

Tip: Fully shut down → wait 10 seconds → turn back on.

2. Update Windows or macOS

Updates improve speed, fix bugs, and close security holes.

• Windows: Settings → Windows Update
• Mac: System Settings → General → Software Update

Install anything marked “important” or “security.”

3. Clean Out Startup Apps

Apps that auto-launch can make your system crawl.

• Windows: Task Manager → Startup
• Mac: System Settings → General → Login Items

Disable anything you don’t use daily.

4. Free Up Storage for Holiday Photos

A nearly-full drive slows everything down.

Quick wins:

• Empty Recycle Bin/Trash
• Delete old downloads
• Move large photo/video folders to an external drive or cloud
• Uninstall programs you no longer use

Try to keep at least 20–25% free space.

5. Run Built-In System Cleanup Tools

• Windows: Search “Disk Cleanup” or use Storage Sense
• Mac: Apple menu → About This Mac → Storage → Optimize

These remove temp files, logs, caches—safe to clean.

If your laptop still feels sluggish…

PCRescue can run a deeper tune-up remotely, check for failing hardware, malware, or outdated drivers, and prep your device for the holidays.