A slow computer is rarely "just old." It usually comes down to one or two fixable things. Here are the most common culprits.

1. Too many startup programs

Apps that launch at boot quietly eat memory. Trimming the startup list is often an instant win.

2. A spinning hard drive (no SSD)

This is the big one. Swapping an old mechanical hard drive for an SSD is the single most dramatic speed upgrade you can make — older machines feel brand new.

3. Not enough RAM

If you tend to have lots of tabs or apps open at once, more memory keeps everything snappy.

4. Malware or junkware

Hidden malware and "PC cleaner" junk can hog resources. A proper cleanup restores performance and security.

5. A nearly full drive

When storage fills up, everything slows down. Clearing space (or upgrading the drive) helps.

6. Heat and dust

Clogged fans cause the CPU to throttle itself. A cleaning and fresh thermal paste can fix mysterious slowdowns.

Want us to pinpoint it? A tune-up diagnoses the real cause and we tell you exactly what is worth doing — no upsell.