A slow computer can often be helped with more memory (RAM), a solid state drive (SSD), or both. Both upgrades cost far less than a new machine, but only if the parts fit. A few checks before you buy save you from the wrong part.
Which upgrade will help
If the computer takes minutes to start and programs open slowly, and it still has a spinning hard drive, an SSD usually makes the biggest difference. If it slows down when several programs or browser tabs are open, more RAM helps. Many older machines benefit from both.
Checking your RAM
- Find out how much you have now and the maximum the computer supports
- Check the type, such as DDR3, DDR4 or DDR5, because they are not interchangeable
- Check the size: laptops use the smaller SO-DIMM sticks and desktops use full-size ones
- See whether the memory is soldered to the board, which means it cannot be upgraded
- A matching pair of sticks usually gives better speed than a single one
Checking your drive
- Look at which connector the computer uses: a 2.5 inch SATA drive, an M.2 SATA drive or an M.2 NVMe drive
- M.2 drives look alike but do not all suit every slot
- A 2.5 inch SATA SSD usually fits where a 2.5 inch hard drive was
- Choose a size with room to grow, because you will fill it
Before the upgrade
- Back up everything you want to keep
- Write down your software licences and where they are registered, and never share your passwords with anyone
- Decide whether to copy the old drive to the new one or install Windows fresh, which is often cleaner
- Have your recovery key ready if the drive is encrypted
Windows support and the age of the machine
Windows 10 stopped receiving regular security updates in October 2025. If the machine still runs it, check whether it can run Windows 11, which needs a recent enough processor, TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot. An upgrade can extend the life of a machine that qualifies. One that cannot run a supported system is usually better replaced.