Tech Tips: Troubleshooting the Common Causes for a Slow Computer

Is there anything as frustrating as a slowdown preventing you from watching videos, working on documents and more? If you’re running up against some lag, this video is for you.

Hear from one of our Service Desk experts on the common causes for a slow computer, and how you can take steps to get your device back up to speed.

Mac

Windows

Find some of the common resolutions below, and make sure to watch the full video for all of the quick tips:

Resolving Slowdowns on Mac
 

Close Unused Applications

Step 1: Look in your taskbar at the bottom of the screen

Step 2: Right-click an app and select “Quit”

Step 3: In the search menu, search for “Task Manager”

Step 4: Select any apps you want to close and click “End task”

Restarting Your Computer

Step 1: Click the Windows icon in the bottom-left corner

Step 2: Click the Power button

Step 3: Select “Restart”

Check Computer Storage

Step 1: Click the Windows icon in the top-left corner

Step 2: In the search bar, type “storage”

Step 3: Select “Storage settings”

Clearing Browser Cache (Example using Chrome)

Step 1: Open Chrome

Step 2: Click the three dots in the top-left corner and open “History”

Step 3: Select “Clear browsing data” on the left side

Step 4: Change time range to “All time” and click “Clear data”

Resolving Slowdowns on Windows

Close Unused Applications

Step 1: Look in your taskbar at the bottom of the screen

Step 2: Two-click an app and select “Quit”

Restarting Your Computer

Step 1: Click the apple icon in the top-left corner

Step 2: Select “Restart”

Check Computer Storage

Step 1: Click the apple icon in the top-left corner

Step 2: Select “About This Mac”

Step 3: In the top bar, select “Storage”

Deleting Browser Cache (Example using Safari)

Step 1: Open Safari

Step 2: Click Safari in the top-left corner and select “Preferences”

Step 3: Navigate to the “Advanced” tab

Step 4: Check “Show Develop menu in menu bar” and close window

Step 5: Select the “Develop” tab

Step 6: Select “Empty Caches”

About Tech Tips

Before you call tech support the next time you run into a jam, check out our Tech Tips videos. Each video features a member of Impact’s Service Desk who offers their expertise and guides viewers through troubleshooting steps for both Apple and PC devices.

You can also follow the hashtag #TechTipTuesday on social media to stay on top of the latest episodes in the series.

This video features Alec England, Help Desk Analyst in Lake Forest, IL.