A slow computer is one of the biggest productivity killers for businesses. What starts as a minor annoyance often becomes a major frustration that impacts meetings, deadlines, and daily workflows. The good news is that most performance issues can be identified and resolved without replacing your device. Here are the most common reasons computers slow down and what you can do about it.
Too Many Startup Programs
Over time, applications add themselves to your startup routine, making boot times drag. Check your task manager or system preferences to disable programs you do not need every time you power on. Trimming these down often makes a noticeable difference.
Outdated Hardware or Insufficient RAM
Modern applications require more memory and processing power than older systems can provide. If your device is more than five years old or running with less than 8GB of RAM, consider an upgrade. An SSD instead of a traditional hard drive also provides a dramatic speed boost.
Software Issues and Malware
Computers that are not updated regularly can accumulate bugs and security vulnerabilities. Run the latest operating system updates and security patches. Malware can also hijack system resources, so ensure you have a strong cybersecurity solution in place.
Storage Problems
When hard drives reach 80–90% capacity, performance slows. Clear temporary files, archive older documents, or move them into cloud storage. For businesses using Microsoft 365, OneDrive and SharePoint are excellent tools to reduce local storage dependency.
Network-Related Slowness
Sometimes the issue is not the computer but the network. Cloud syncing, video calls, and background app updates consume bandwidth and make devices feel sluggish. If you are experiencing this across multiple systems, it may be time to evaluate your office network or contact your ISP (Telus, Rogers, Shaw, Bell) to check for issues.
When to Call IT Support
If you have tried these fixes and performance issues persist, the cause may be deeper. Failing hardware, corrupted system files, or unmanaged security threats require expert attention. Hexafusion’s IT Support team helps businesses across Canada diagnose, repair, and optimize computers so employees can work without interruption.
How Hexafusion Helps Businesses
Slow computers cost more than time — they cost productivity and revenue. Hexafusion provides proactive monitoring, cybersecurity protection, Microsoft 365 optimization, and hardware lifecycle planning. We ensure your systems stay fast, secure, and reliable.
👉 Book a 15-minute consult at hexafusion.com/contact or call (604) 332-1500.