Why Is My Software Running Slowly? Simple Fixes to Try First

If your software feels slow, laggy, or unresponsive, there are a few quick checks you can try before raising a support ticket. These steps apply to most common business applications including Microsoft 365, Adobe, CRM platforms, and more.

1. Close Unused Applications

Having too many programs open can eat up memory and processing power.

• Close anything you’re not using (e.g. browsers, Teams, file explorers)

• Focus on just the software giving you trouble

• Check your taskbar or system tray for hidden apps running in the background

2. Restart the App and Your Device

Fully close the software and reopen it. If that doesn’t help:

• Restart your computer to clear any resource issues

• Restarting can also complete pending updates that may be slowing things down

3. Check for Background Updates or Scans

Slowdowns are often caused by:

• Antivirus scans

• Windows or macOS updates

• Cloud storage syncing (e.g. OneDrive, Dropbox)

Wait for these to finish or pause them temporarily to test performance.

4. Run a Quick Cleanup

For Windows users:

• Use Disk Cleanup to clear temp files

• Consider a tool like CCleaner (if approved for your organisation)

• Empty your Recycle Bin and Downloads folder if they’re full of large files

5. Test in Another User Profile or Device

If the app runs fine on a colleague’s PC or another user profile, the issue may be with your local setup — not the software itself. This helps narrow down whether to reinstall or investigate further.

If performance still hasn’t improved after these steps, we’re happy to assist.

Ticket Portal: https://support.fusionit.uk
Email: support@fusionit.uk
Phone: 01244 835080

Disclaimer:
This article is intended as a general guide. While we aim to ensure accuracy, Fusion IT cannot be held responsible for any issues, data loss, or damage resulting from the use or misapplication of these instructions. If in doubt, please contact our support team before making changes.