Why Is My Computer So Slow? Simple Fixes for Everyday Performance

Does your computer crawl when you are trying to work with big Excel spreadsheets or Word documents? You are not alone. Let’s fix that.

Common Problems

Working with large files often results in several frustrating issues. Microsoft Excel slows down significantly while performing computations that are complex and you are unable to work effectively. Microsoft Word slows down significantly when you try to scroll through documents that are very long or that have a high level of formatting. Changes to large files can take several minutes to save, which can be annoying. Programs often crash when they are unable to handle large data sets, and can result in lost work.

Quick Fixes You Can Do Now

Google Chrome

To clear your cache, open your Chrome browser and press the Control, Shift, and Delete keys at the same time to access the cleanup options. In the time range dropdown menu, we have chosen “All time” so as to do a complete cleanup. Check the box next to “Cached images and files” to only target browser data that takes up space. Last, click the “Clear data” button to clear all cached content.

Microsoft Edge

To clear the history press Control, Shift, and Delete keys at the same time to open the clearing options window. Select “All time” from the time range dropdown to perform a complete cache cleanup. Ensure “Cached images and files” is checked in the options list. Click the “Clear now” button to clear all cached browser data.

Firefox

To access the clearing options press Control, Shift, and Delete keys together. Choose “Everything” from the time range menu for a thorough cleanup. Make sure the “Cache” option is selected in the list of items to clear. Click the “Clear Now” button to clear all cached content from your browser.

Safari

Click on Safari in the top menu bar of your screen. In the dropdown menu that appears, click on “Preferences.” In the preferences window, select the “Privacy” tab. To see stored cache click on the “Manage Website Data” button. Use the “Remove All” option to delete all cached content.

Tips for Ongoing Browser Management

• Go to your browser settings and make it to clear cache on closed window, this will reduce the build up of data over time.
• To avoid cache, use private browsing mode when using applications for work since it does not save cache during a session. This mode deletes data when you exit the window.
• It is good practice to have your open tabs to a maximum of ten or less at a time. Each open tab uses memory and computational resources even when it is not active.
• Instead of having tabs open for a long time, save the pages that are important to you and bookmark them to use them later. This helps to preserve the browser’s efficiency while allowing you to easily get to your information.

Optimize Excel Performance

Enable this feature to enable a decrease in the number of calculations performed. This can be found at File > Options > Formulas and then change the Calculation setting to Manual. Excel will then only recalculates when you tell it to with the F9 key.

It is easier to work with large files if they are broken down into smaller and easier to manage files. You should create different workbooks for your data and then connect them with cell references. This is because your data set is not as large and therefore requires less processing power to manage.

Delete all the formatting that has built up across the years. Select your entire spreadsheet, go to the Home tab, click Clear, and select Clear Formats. It removes the formatting that is hidden but still there and can slow down your file.

Speed Up Word

To improve the document navigation use the draft view. To change the view select the View tab and select Draft. This view strips down many of the heavy formatting elements from your user interface as you work.

Do not use the real-time spelling and grammar checking when you are working on a long document. You can find this option in File > Options > Proofing and there is a checkbox that says “Check spelling as you type” and you should uncheck it. This reduces the processing power needed while editing.

Delete all the unnecessary images and formatting that have been inserted in your document. Select all content, then click Clear All Formatting in the Home tab. This removes any remaining formatting that may be congested in your document and slow down your document.

General Performance Boosters

• Reduce the number of browser tabs that are open as these use memory and computational resources in the background. However, each open tab consumes computer resources even when it is not active.
• Disable some programs that are set to launch at the time of Windows boot up in order to enhance system performance. Use Task Manager to review and control startup programs.
• You should delete your browser’s cache from time to time to avoid it using up space on the disk. The clearing of cache can be done through the browser settings.