Separate slowness from suspicious behaviour
Note whether the whole computer is slow or only one browser or application. Warning signs that deserve more caution include redirects to unexpected websites, unknown extensions, disabled security tools, new remote-access software and sign-ins you do not recognise.
Check storage, updates and startup load
A nearly full system drive can make updates and applications unreliable. Install supported operating-system and browser updates, review startup applications and restart the computer. Avoid registry cleaners and random optimisation programs.
Review the browser without deleting everything
Check installed extensions, the default search engine, notification permissions and startup pages. Remove items you do not recognise, but preserve bookmarks and saved information first. If passwords may be exposed, change them from a separate known-safe device.
Use trusted security scanning
Run the security product already installed and confirm it is updated. If the computer handles sensitive business data or the security tool is disabled, disconnect it from the network and obtain help rather than continuing to sign in to important accounts.
Know when replacement is not the first answer
A clean rebuild, storage upgrade or memory upgrade may restore a suitable computer. Hardware replacement makes more sense when the device is unsupported, unreliable or uneconomical to repair—not simply because it has become slow.
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