Quite often malware is a big reason for slow computers. Run updated malwarebytes scans and I would run an online Antivirus scan to make sure your program is not missing anything.

Do the free scan now option

https://www.eset.com/us/home/online-scanner/

Or this one

https://www.bitdefender.com/scanner/online/free.html

Browsers accumulate files and garbage over time that will slow PCs considerably. If you have yours set to erase everything when closed THEN something else may be the cause. Or maybe not.

The first step is to delete cookies, cache files and history and see if that makes a difference. I'd also be suspicious of too many and unnecessary programs loading at boot up.

What antivirus program are you using on this PC?

You probably need a registry cleaner. Over time, your computer can accumulate parts of files and programs that are not needed and should be removed. I use McAfee for my antivirus program and they have tools to clean the registry. Cleaning the registry really speeded up my computer. Do you have anything on your computer that will clean the registry?

Be careful with registry cleaning. It's not like cleaning a closet, it isn't something to do periodically. For such a new computer, unless many programs have been installed and then uninstalled, it's not likely necessary.

If you use a mainstream security program and it automatically (and without user involvement) does some light dusting, like reviewing registry entries for orphaned settings, fine. If not, it isn't something I think most users need to ever concern themselves with.

A one year old PC is most unlikely to be bogged down by a bloated registry.

No registry cleaners for anyone other than experienced users with the knowledge to back up the registry first. The ONLY time that you need to go into the registry is to completely remove a targeted application to resolve an application issue or remove an infection. That action shouldn't be done with a broad spectrum registry cleaner that could disable your $$$ graphics app because it believes that it's an infection.

Trust me JoAnn, you don't want to go that route unless you have an IT person on speed dial.

I am another fan of clearing your browser cache and if that doesn't help, possibly resetting your network, especially if you have power or internet outages. Power down the modem, router and computer. Wait a minute and power up the modem first, let it light up and display your online or ready light. Plug in the router and wait a minute or two before you turn the computer back on.

Upload speeds are always a lot slower than downloads. You pay for the download speed. Here's my test from tonight.

I've used the McAfee registry cleaner that is with my McAfee Security Suite and it has done wonders to speed up my computer. I had over 2500 bits and pieces of applications on my computer that were no longer needed. About 12 of them were stray Java program files. The registry cleaner is part of McAfee tools. If you have something similar that is part of your computer security, use it.

Clearing your cache will not help you much. If your computer is that slow, get professional help. (ie pay for it).

When is the last time you did a defrag? I find that usually helps a lot. Also, clean off the icons off your desktop. There is a site also, that shows you what programs your computer does NOT need to turn on when you turn on your computer. You may have too many things running in the background that don't need to be. If all else fails: reformat.

I've always wondered if I have too many programs running when I boot up. I never know what I need and don't need. Can you post that site Debby?

I cleaned the cache and history, just did a scan for link above, I will defrag in a bit and I don't know anything about registry at all. I will see how it does. Thanks everyone

I was told the icons on the desktop don't matter at all.. I have quite a few. I like easy access to everything.

Check the start up folder. There may be several or many applications that can be disabled.

Task Manager, then Startup tab.

And be careful what startup items you disable, choosing the wrong things can disable your PC.

Things with recognizable program names - Apple Updater, or Skype, or Firefox monitor, etc, don't need to be started every time and can be disabled. Other things with cryptic names or that seem to be official - (I'm making these up) - Delldiagonostics, dpbimouse, display-xople, etc. - leave alone

If you're not sure, and a google search is unclear, leave it alone.

Windows 10 should not have any system files in the start up folder. Older versions did, but not Windows 10.

Mine has lots of essentials listed in startup- for the keyboard, for the mouse, for USB, an Intel item that says it monitors various hardware components, etc. Not to be touched.

But also Itunes Helper, Skype, Spotify, Google Update, Microsoft One drive etc. These I've disabled.

I think you two are talking apples and oranges. The START UP folder on the list of "All Programs" at the START page should be empty. It is in Win 7 and I believe other versions going forward.

I think Fudd is referring to the list of START UPS accessed through RUN - ip config. That will bring up a long list of start ups which can be disabled, etc.

Carry on.

Anne, in Windows 10 the startup folder is buried in the user profile->AppData->Roaming .....and four more folders. Not an easy place to find. I'm glad you brought it up though, I found my startup folder contained an app that wasn't running at startup and got rid of it. I go through Task Manager because it's more familiar to me.

Thanks, PK for correcting me. I appreciate it. I'm completely clueless when it comes to Win 10. I'm resting contentedly with Win 7 and will probably remain here until MS stops all support in 2020. Although...one never knows. I might get braver as time wears on. :-)

It's really not as bad as Windows 8 was. At least it has a start button.

LOL Well...I made a direct plunge to Win 7 from XP..skipping everything in between. So that shows you how attached I get to things. LOL I'm usually the last one in line for new Win versions. I wait until all the bugs are worked out. If I'm lucky...that's before MS stops their support for the newer version.

In Windows 10, the Task Manager is easy to find.

Right-click a blank area on the Taskbar, and choose Task Manager in the context menu. Easy access.

In Win7 the start up folder is contained in msconfig

I only turn off programs I recognize, like Skype. If it's something I think may be vital, then I leave it alone. https://www.groovypost.com/howto/disable-startup-programs-windows-10/

Pressing "ctrl-alt-delete" on Windows 8 will also get you the task manager. Just go to the start up menu and see which programs you have that will turn on when you turn on your computer. Turn off any you really don't need to turn on right away.

I went to the task manager and I don't have that much at start up. I did a defrag , plus mine does it weekly automatically. I have windows 10 and I use AVG. I am still finding a few bugs. Thanks for the help

Did you run an updated malwarebytes scan? That would be my first choice. Windows 10 really doesn't require a lot of Defrag and registry cleaning like the older versions of Windows, it's all taken care of internally.

Are you on wireless connection? If so you can try running an ethernet cable directly from the router to the computer and see what kind of difference in speed you are. With a wireless connection it will fluctuate with movement around the house. What speed test are you using? I like speedtest.Net

What do you have starting up? Just two bloated ones can be bogging it down.

I ran the scan https://www.eset.com/us/home/online-scanner/. I'm not real positive on how to find out what is at start up. What is Vprotect application? I have AVG starters and a realtek audio manager, I tunes helper and most the rest are disabled. I don't know what is needed or not.