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Why is my PC slow?
Most slow Windows PCs come down to a few causes: too many apps starting with Windows, one program using most of the CPU or memory, a nearly full drive, or updates running in the background. Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) and sort by CPU and Memory to see which one it is.
Check each cause
1. Too many startup apps
Slow to sign in? Open Settings > Apps > Startup and switch off what you don't need. See disable startup apps.
2. One program hogging CPU or memory
In Task Manager's Processes page, click the CPU and Memory column headers. Browsers with many tabs often top the memory list. Close what you aren't using.
3. A nearly full drive
Windows slows down when the system drive is almost full. Check Settings > System > Storage and clear temp files.
4. Updates or scans in the background
Right after an update, Windows may index files or finish installing for a while. If it's slow only for the first hour, wait it out.
5. Not enough memory for what you run
If Memory sits near 100% in Task Manager's Performance page even with few apps open, the PC may simply need more RAM for your workload.
How RIVET does it
RIVET's 30-second Checkup looks at what usually slows a PC and shows the evidence behind every finding, as measured counts rather than estimated savings. Each fix is previewed first; the free version applies one fix per checkup, and your first checkup can fix everything at once. With Pro, you can also ask Ask RIVET "why is my PC slow?" and it answers from your PC's live readings, on your own machine.
Questions
Why is my PC slow right after I turn it on?
Usually too many apps start at once. Disable or delay the ones you don't need straight away, and give Windows a minute after signing in.
Will a PC cleaner make my computer faster?
Clearing temporary files frees space, which helps if your drive is nearly full. It won't fix a program hogging the CPU or too little memory, so check those first.
Is it safe to end processes in Task Manager?
Ending an app you recognise is safe, though unsaved work is lost. Don't end Windows processes you don't recognise; look them up first in the process library.