Reducing some programs from the start up can help but often just running cleanmgr from the command prompt(admin) or powershell(admin) and checking most things will help sometimes along with cleaning out browser temporary files which can help tremendously.

You didn't say which version of windows ... if windows 10 might also go to Settings > System > Storage > Change how we free up space, and push the button to cleanup now.

How old is this computer and what is the operating system?

Is it slower all the time, or just with the Internet?

There is a lot that can be done to any system ... I'd start by emptying the trash. Delete all the old games, saved games, software you were
trying but no longer use, old e-mails ... if your computer is having
to wade through trash it will be slow.

What OS and version are you running?

If it's Windows, defragging the disk might be possible and necessary. And see how much disk space you have left.

And learn how to see what is loading itself on startup and get it out of there unless it is truly useful. Often there will be so many programs loaded and waiting to be used that the one you want to use is fighting for room to work.

Mine seems to gradually get slower, but I think it's mostly internet browsing & caused by webpages getting increasingly loaded w/junk, and not necessarily my computer. I have hardly anything loading at startup.

beng12-

It’s likely there are other reasons than what you think. It is true that there are lots of ads and other things that come up on some pages that can cause a small bit of delay before everything is fully loaded. However, if you are experiencing a general slowdown over time, there are a number of other things that could be going on here. I’ll ask you the same question I asked the OP: how old is your computer and what is the operating system? Also, what speed Internet connection is your ISP claiming to provide?

kudzu9, there could be other reasons, of course. However, I do not add programs (win10 has enough for anything I want to do). The 2007 HP seems to be in good shape (power supply replaced a couple yrs ago). The DSL speed (Ookla speed test) is the same as it's always been -- 2.5 Mbps. I notice the internet in general slows down in evenings compared to mornings -- traffic. Win10 has a performance test that rates video, disk speed, memory, etc -- ratings haven't changed since it was new. Of course, Microsoft keeps piling on "updates"...

Since I haven't yet figured out Firefox's new noscript (it's disabled for now), web page loading is definitely slower.

beng-

You sound pretty knowledgeable. My main computer is about the same vintage as yours, but it was top end when I bought it and it's still adequate for my needs. I was having a number of minor issues and slowing or disconnects, and eliminated a number of possibilities (virus, router, etc.) before deciding to do a clean reinstall of my current OS (Win7). That made a tremendous difference in performance and maintaining speed as it cleaned all of the accumulated errors out of the system. However, since your Win10 install is probably pretty recent, that might not help you. Do you have a cable connection? It's not uncommon for it to slow some at night as people come home, get online, and compete for shared bandwidth.

The DSL is on the old phone-landline. Don't even have cable here anymore -- the company went kaput.

Yes, a fresh reinstall, then "restore" of the backed-up personal files can be very useful, but since I don't add programs, prb'ly wouldn't do much. And then all the updates get reinstalled anyway. Generally things right now are in good shape....

Oh yeah, I triple boot using Window's bcdedit program -- 2 Linux flavors. I gave up on Mint Linux 'cause any web browser I use eventually crashes. Puppy Linux is snappy fast & reliable.

beng12-

A lot of people who post here asking for help are pretty tech deficient, and it wasn't clear when I read your first post what your level of competence was, which is why I was asking basic questions. Clearly you're on top of this :-)