A Windows PC or Mac Is Slow, Frozen, or Not Responding
A Windows PC or Mac Is Slow, Frozen, or Not Responding
A slow computer is often overloaded rather than broken. Start with the least disruptive checks, observe what changes, and avoid “cleaner” utilities or registry tools. If the computer is hot, smells unusual, makes grinding noises, has a swollen battery, or repeatedly shuts down, stop using it and contact support.
Before you start
Save open work if possible. A normal restart closes apps and clears temporary system state; a forced shutdown can lose unsaved work or damage a file being written. Connect a laptop to power and disconnect nonessential docks, drives, and accessories. Note when the problem began and whether it affects one app or the entire computer.
If only one app is stuck
Wait a minute before forcing it closed; it may be finishing a large task.
Windows: Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager. Select the unresponsive app, then choose End task. Reopen it and check for an app update. If Task Manager will not open, press Ctrl+Alt+Delete and choose it there.
Mac: Try App name > Quit first. If that fails, press Option+Command+Esc, select the app, and choose Force Quit. Apple notes that force-quitting can discard unsaved changes. Reopen the app; if it freezes again, update or reinstall it through its approved source.
If the whole computer is slow
- Restart normally. On Windows, choose Start > Power > Restart. On Mac, choose Apple menu > Restart. A restart is preferable to Shut Down when testing because it completes a fresh startup cycle.
- Check resource use. In Windows Task Manager, sort Processes by CPU, Memory, and Disk. On Mac, open Activity Monitor and review CPU and Memory. A process that remains unusually high while idle is useful evidence; do not end unfamiliar system processes.
- Reduce startup load. In Windows, review Settings > Apps > Startup. On Mac, review System Settings > General > Login Items & Extensions. Disable only optional items you recognize. Corporate security, backup, VPN, and device-management software should remain enabled unless IT instructs otherwise.
- Check free storage. A nearly full startup drive can slow updates and everyday work. Use the separate disk-space guide before deleting anything.
- Install approved updates. Update Windows or macOS and affected applications, then restart. Do not interrupt firmware or operating-system updates.
- Scan safely. Use Windows Security or your organization’s managed security product. Do not install pop-up “speed booster” software.
If nothing responds
Try a normal restart from the security screen or Apple menu. If that is impossible, hold the physical power button until the computer turns off, wait about 10 seconds, then turn it on. Use this only as a last resort because unsaved data can be lost. If BitLocker or FileVault recovery appears, stop and contact IT rather than guessing keys.
Escalate when
Contact support if slowness returns after a clean restart, CPU/disk use stays high with no obvious app, the computer cannot boot, a blue/black screen repeats, storage health warnings appear, or forced shutdowns are becoming routine. Provide the device name, Windows/macOS version, time the issue occurred, affected apps, recent changes, screenshots, and what Task Manager or Activity Monitor showed. Mention any unusual heat, noise, or battery swelling immediately.