How to Speed Up Your Computer or Phone (No Technical Knowledge Required)

Plus: Windows security update you need to know about, apps that help with device performance, and when browser tabs become a problem

I usually don’t publish Screen Skills newsletters on Sunday, but I was in London last week, so this one is a bit later than usual. (Photos of London, and short stories, are here for Patreon members).

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Your device used to be quick and responsive. Now it takes forever to open apps, switch between programs, or load web pages. You click and wait. Click and wait. The spinning circle mocks you.

This slowness rarely means your device is broken. Most often, it means your computer or phone is working too hard because of simple things you can fix yourself in about ten minutes. These fixes require no technical knowledge and cannot harm your device.

Today you’ll learn:

• The three safest ways to speed up a slow device without risking your files or settings

• Which programs are secretly slowing down your computer every time you turn it on

• How to check if your device is running out of storage space (and what to do about it)

• Two apps that help identify what is causing slowness on your device

• A scam alert about fake “computer speed-up” programs that actually make things worse

For new readers: Screen Skills provides practical digital advice that everyone can understand and apply within minutes. Discover hundreds of simple tricks that make your digital life more efficient and enjoyable.

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Today, you can get a 20% discount on the first year of your subscription. If this newsletter provides useful information that reduces your screen frustration, improves your output, and makes spending time online more fun for you, please consider supporting this newsletter that occupies a unique niche on Substack: digital tips for non-digital people.

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Why do devices slow down over time

Every app you open, every browser tab you keep active, and every file you save uses your device’s memory and processing power. Think of your device’s memory like a desk. The more papers and projects you spread across it, the harder it becomes to work efficiently.

Modern devices are remarkably powerful, but they have limits. When you approach those limits, everything slows down. The good news is that you can usually fix this slowness without technical knowledge or expensive repairs. The fixes I am sharing today are completely safe and cannot damage your files or settings.

The three safe fixes for a slow device

Note: Different computers and phones have different methods. I will explain each one clearly so you can find what works for your device.

The restart fix: Your most powerful tool

This sounds almost too simple, but restarting your device clears out temporary problems and gives everything a fresh start. Many people leave their computers or phones running for weeks at a time. This allows small problems to accumulate.

For computers, do a complete shutdown and restart, not just closing the lid on a laptop. Go to your Start menu or Apple menu and choose Shutdown. Wait ten seconds, then turn it back on. For phones, turn the device completely off, wait a few seconds, and turn it back on.

You should restart your device at least once a week. If your device feels slow right now, restart it before trying anything else. This single action often solves the problem completely.

After restarting, test your device’s speed. If it feels noticeably faster, you have solved the problem. If not, move on to the next fix.

Photo by Vitaly Gariev

The startup program fix: Stop the stampede

Many programs automatically launch when you start your computer. Each one consumes memory and processing power before you even begin working. You likely do not need most of these programs to start automatically.

For Windows computers, press Ctrl, Shift, and Esc all at the same time to open Task Manager. Click on the Startup tab at the top. You will see a list of programs that launch when your computer starts. Each program shows an “Impact” rating.

Look for programs marked “High” impact that you do not need immediately when starting your computer. Right-click on any program you want to stop from automatically starting and select Disable. This does not uninstall the program. It simply prevents it from launching automatically. You can still open it manually whenever you need it.

For Mac computers running macOS Ventura or later, click the Apple menu in the top left corner, then System Settings, then General, then Login Items. For older Mac versions, go to System Preferences, then Users and Groups, then Login Items. You will see programs that open automatically when you log in. Select any you do not need and click the minus button below the list to remove them.

For iPhones and Android phones, automatic startup is less of an issue because mobile operating systems manage this differently. However, you should close apps you are not actively using. On iPhone, swipe up from the bottom of the screen and pause in the middle. Swipe up on any app windows to close them. On Android, tap the square or three-line icon and swipe away app windows you do not need.

Test your device again after disabling startup programs. Restart your computer to see the effect. If slowness continues, the problem might be storage-related.

The storage space fix: Making room to breathe

When your storage space fills up, your device slows down dramatically. Your device needs empty space to function properly, similar to how you need clear counter space to cook efficiently.

Photo by Andrianto Cahyono Putro

For Windows computers, you can check storage in two ways. The quick method is to open File Explorer and click on This PC. You will see your main drive, usually labeled C: with a storage bar showing how full it is. If the bar is red or more than 80% complete, you need to free up space.

Windows also offers a newer storage tool. Go to Settings, then System, then Storage. This shows you a visual breakdown of what is using space and offers one-click cleanup options for temporary files.

Start with your Downloads folder. Many people accumulate years of downloaded files here. Open your Downloads folder, sort the files by size by clicking the Size column header, and delete large files you no longer need. Empty your Recycle Bin afterward to remove these files permanently.

For Mac computers, click the Apple menu, then About This Mac, then Storage. You will see a visual representation of what is using space. Click Manage to see recommendations for freeing up space. The system will suggest removing old files, emptying the trash, and optimizing storage.

For iPhones, go to Settings, then General, then iPhone Storage. Wait a moment while it calculates. You will see precisely what is using space. The system will suggest ways to free up space, such as offloading unused apps (which removes the app but keeps your data) or reviewing large attachments in Messages.

For Android phones, go to Settings, then Storage. You will see what is using space. Tap on categories like Downloads or Photos to review and delete items you no longer need. Many Android phones also have a Files app with a Clean feature that identifies temporary files and downloads you can safely remove.

One practical tip: Before deleting photos or videos, make sure they are backed up to a cloud service like iCloud, Google Photos, or OneDrive. This way, you keep the memories but free up space on your device.

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Today, you can get a 20% discount on the first year of your subscription. If this newsletter provides useful information that reduces your screen frustration, improves your output, and makes spending time online more fun for you, please consider supporting this newsletter that occupies a unique niche on Substack: digital tips for non-digital people.

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Worth knowing

Computer slowness has been a persistent issue since personal computers became common in the 1980s. Early computers had severe memory limitations measured in kilobytes. Modern devices have thousands of times more memory and processing power, yet slowness remains a top complaint.

The reason is simple. Software has grown to use whatever resources are available. A basic word processor in 1990 used a few megabytes of memory. Modern web browsers can easily use several gigabytes when multiple tabs are open.

The Task Manager tool in Windows dates back to Windows 3.1 in 1992, originally designed to help users close frozen programs. It has evolved into a comprehensive system monitoring tool that shows exactly what is consuming your computer’s resources.

Storage technology has also evolved dramatically. Older hard disk drives (HDDs) with spinning platters slow down significantly when nearly full because the drive head must search longer for available space. Newer solid-state drives (SSDs) maintain better performance when full, but still benefit from having free space available for optimization.

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Tech news you can use

December Windows security updates are now available

Microsoft released its monthly security updates for Windows 10 and Windows 11 this week. These updates fix vulnerabilities that could allow malicious software to access your computer. If you use Windows, go to Settings, then Windows Update, and click Check for updates. Install any available updates, then restart your computer. These regular updates are particularly important for anyone who uses their computer for banking or shopping online.

iPhone security update addresses web vulnerabilities

Apple released security updates for iPhones this month, including support for devices as old as iPhone 8. The updates address how the phone handles certain types of web content. If you have an iPhone, go to Settings, then General, then Software Update. If an update is available, install it while connected to Wi-Fi and a charger. This update takes about 15 minutes, and your phone will restart during installation.

Google Photos storage reminder

Google Photos offers free storage with compression in its Storage Saver mode (previously called High Quality). This service provides 15 gigabytes of storage shared across Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Photos. If you rely on Google Photos for backup and approach this limit, the service will notify you. Photos uploaded in Storage Saver quality use compression to save space while maintaining good visual quality for everyday viewing and sharing.

App spotlight: CCleaner (Windows and Mac)

CCleaner helps identify what is slowing down your computer by showing you temporary files, browser history, and other digital clutter that accumulates over time. The free version is sufficient for most people.

The app scans your computer and shows you exactly what it found in categories like temporary files, browser caches, and old update files. You can review the list before deleting anything. This makes it safer than some built-in cleanup tools because you see what you are removing.

Download CCleaner only from the official website at ccleaner.com. The free version includes the cleaner and basic system monitoring. Installation takes about two minutes. The program may prompt you to upgrade to the paid version, but the free version works perfectly well for monthly maintenance. Run it once a month to keep your computer running smoothly without accumulating digital debris.

App spotlight: Files by Google (Android)

Files by Google is a free app that helps Android users identify and remove files that slow down their phones. Unlike many “cleaner” apps that are actually scams, Files by Google comes directly from Google and contains no advertisements or hidden charges.

The app scans your phone and shows you duplicate files, large files you might have forgotten about, and unused apps taking up space. It also identifies memes and screenshots you have already shared, suggesting you might not need local copies anymore.

Download Files by Google from the Google Play Store. The app includes a feature that lets you easily send files to nearby devices without using mobile data, which is useful for transferring photos to family members. The clean-up suggestions appear on the home screen, making monthly maintenance simple.

Scam alert: Fake speed-up programs

If you see pop-up advertisements claiming your computer is running slow and offering to fix it immediately with a downloadable program, do not click. These are almost always scams designed to install malware on your device or trick you into paying for worthless software.

Legitimate computer maintenance does not require special programs. The methods I described earlier in this newsletter are free and built into your device. Real slowness fixes do not come from pop-up advertisements or unsolicited emails.

If a website claims to have scanned your computer and found problems, it is lying. Websites cannot scan your computer without your permission. Close the browser tab immediately. Never download “free PC optimizer” or “system speed-up” programs from advertisements. These programs often make your computer slower while collecting your personal information.

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Meanwhile: When to seek professional help

The three fixes I shared today solve most slowness problems. However, some slowness indicates hardware issues that require professional attention.

If your computer makes clicking or grinding noises from the hard drive area, back up your files immediately and contact a repair service. These sounds often indicate a failing hard drive. If your device becomes extremely hot to the touch during normal use, this suggests a cooling problem that needs professional diagnosis. If slowness persists after trying these fixes and restarting, your device might need more memory or a hardware upgrade.

For severe slowness that none of these methods fix, consider taking your device to a reputable repair shop. Avoid mall kiosks or unfamiliar services. Look for shops with good online reviews and ask about their diagnostic process before agreeing to any repairs.

Did you read this one?

Questions?

Have you noticed your device running slower lately? What specific problems are you experiencing? Reply and let me know what is frustrating you most about your computer or phone’s performance.

Until next time,
Alexander

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Today, you can get a 20% discount on the first year of your subscription. If this newsletter provides useful information that reduces your screen frustration, improves your output, and makes spending time online more fun for you, please consider supporting this newsletter that occupies a unique niche on Substack: digital tips for non-digital people.

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What Every European Knows About Healthcare That Trump's America Refuses to Learn

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Holiday exhaustion? Science reveals the rest mistake you're making