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Slow computer? What you can do yourself – and when it needs a repair
Does your computer take minutes to start up and freeze when you open a program? A slow computer is frustrating, but there is often a lot you can do yourself. Here are 7 things to try first – and the signs that it needs a repair.
What does it cost?
You always get a fixed price before we start. See the price for your exact model in the price finder.
Fixed price before we startNo payment online
Why does a computer get slow?
There is rarely just one reason. The most common ones are:
- Too many programs start with Windows and run in the background all the time.
- The drive is almost full, so the system has no room to work.
- An old hard drive (HDD). It is much slower than a modern SSD.
- Dust and old thermal paste. If the computer gets too hot, it slows itself down.
- Not enough RAM (memory) for the programs you use today.
- Viruses or unwanted programs using power in the background.
7 things you can do yourself
1. Restart your computer
Don’t just close the lid. Choose Restart from the Start menu. It clears the memory and often makes a big difference if the computer has been running for days.
2. Install updates
Go to Settings → Windows Update and install anything that is waiting. On a Mac, you find updates under System Settings → General → Software Update. Updates fix bugs that can slow your computer down.
3. Stop programs from starting automatically
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager and choose the Startup apps tab. Disable the programs you don’t need when the computer starts. They are not deleted – they just don’t start on their own.
4. Free up space on the drive
Under Settings → System → Storage you can see what takes up space and delete temporary files. Move large files such as videos and photos to an external drive or a cloud service.
5. Uninstall programs you don’t use
Many computers have trial versions and old programs that nobody uses. Remove them under Settings → Apps.
6. Scan for viruses
Open Windows Security and run a scan under Virus & threat protection. Never download “cleaner” or “speed up” programs from ads, and never call a number in a pop-up that says your computer is infected. It is often a scam.
7. Give it some air
Use your laptop on a table, not in bed or on the sofa, where the air can’t get out. If the fan is loud or the computer gets hot, it may be full of dust inside.
When does your computer need a repair?
If these tips don’t help, the problem is often inside the computer itself. Get it checked if:
- it is still slow after the 7 steps,
- the fan is loud, the computer gets very hot or switches itself off,
- the hard drive clicks, or you get error messages and blue screens,
- ads and pop-ups keep appearing and you can’t get rid of them,
- it is several years old and still has an old-style hard drive.
If it won’t start at all, read laptop won’t turn on – what to check first.
What we can do for a slow computer
We repair both laptops and desktop computers. The prices below are from our price list and include VAT. You always get the price before we start. See today’s prices under laptop and PC repair.
| Service (PC) | Price |
|---|---|
| System tune-up | From DKK 999 |
| Internal clean and new thermal paste | From DKK 625 |
| Upgrade, e.g. SSD or more RAM | Get a quote |
| Format and reinstall (everything is deleted and the system is set up again) | From DKK 999 |
| Data backup | From DKK 625 |
| Diagnosis only if the computer can’t be repaired or you decline the quote | DKK 625 |
If you have a Mac, see Mac repair. You get a quote before we start. To learn more about how we find the fault, read about troubleshooting and diagnostics.
Your data is safe with us
- We don’t delete any data, and nobody looks at your files without your permission.
- We recommend that you make a backup before you hand in your computer.
- If we replace a hard drive, the old one is wiped and we punch a hole in it, so nobody can get to your data.
- On the repair, you have a 2-year statutory right to complain under Danish law.
How to get help from ITech-Rep
- Walk in without an appointment at Hunderupvej 23 or Nørregade 71 in Odense, or at Nørregade 8 in Nyborg. See shops and opening hours. We speak English in all 3 shops.
- Book a time online on our booking page.
- Call +45 52 70 70 28 if you are unsure.
- Live far away? Send your computer with Ship & Repair – shipping is free both ways. (Not if the battery is swollen – then it must be handed in at a shop.)
Questions about a slow computer
How much does it cost to speed up a slow computer?
A PC tune-up costs from DKK 999, and an internal clean with new thermal paste from DKK 625. If we need to find the fault first, a diagnosis costs DKK 625. You only pay it if the computer can’t be repaired or if you decline the quote. You always get the price before we start. See all PC repair prices.
Will an SSD make my computer faster?
If your computer has an old-style hard drive with a spinning disk (HDD), an SSD is often the upgrade that makes the biggest difference. The price depends on the computer and the drive, so you get a quote before we start.
Will I lose my files when you speed up my computer?
We agree on that with you before we start. A format and reinstall deletes everything, so make a backup first, or let us do it (data backup from DKK 625). We never look at your data without your permission.
Can you help with a slow Mac too?
Yes. The price depends on the model and the fault, so you get a quote. See Mac repair, or just bring it in.
Do I need to book?
No. You can walk in without an appointment at all 3 shops. You can also book a time or send your computer with Ship & Repair – shipping is free both ways.
Is your computer still slow? Book a time, visit one of our shops in Odense and Nyborg, or call +45 52 70 70 28.
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