My computer is slow or freezing

Most slowness is fixed by a full restart. Many computers are only put to sleep and haven't truly restarted in weeks.

Try these steps

1. Save your work and restart: Start > Power > Restart. Closing the lid or choosing Sleep doesn't clear things out.
2. If Windows says updates are waiting, choose Update and restart.
3. Close programs and browser tabs you aren't using.
4. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager and see which programs are using the most CPU or Memory.
5. Keep your laptop plugged in. Some laptops slow down on low battery.

One program is frozen

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc, select the program marked Not responding, and select End task. Unsaved work in that program may be lost.

The whole computer is frozen

If nothing responds for several minutes, hold the power button for about 10 seconds until it turns off. Wait a moment and turn it back on.

Important: If your computer is slow and you also see pop-ups, unfamiliar programs, strange noises, or the mouse moving by itself, stop using it and call the Help Desk.

Still need help?

Contact the IT Help Desk at (704) 283-3834 x5000 or submit a ticket at https://unioncountyit.zendesk.gov/hc/requests/new. To get it fixed faster, include: your computer name, when it started, and which programs are slow.