If it is taking way too long for your computer to complete simple tasks, you should take the necessary steps to speed it up. While download speeds are the result of your Internet connection and other delays could be a result of outdated or poorly performing devices attached to your computer, there are a number of ways to improve the performance and speed of the processor itself.

Delete Unnecessary Items

Free up some disk space by getting rid of all the unnecessary files and programs on your hard drive, according to Microsoft. Use the Disk Cleanup utility in Windows to remove temporary files and other downloaded or installed programs you do not need. Delete any programs you have installed but never use and empty your recycling bin. Some people put items in the bin for months and never bother to empty it out.

Defrag

When you computer is busy retrieving data, it has to search the entire hard drive to find the rest of a file when they are fragmented. Running a disk de-fragmentation will allow the computer to quickly find the files and speed up the performance. Run your de-fragmentation program once per month to maintain your computer. Run it again when you install any programs or you add any large number of files to your hard drive.

Check for Errors

Sometimes during frequent use, your computer's hard disk may develop errors and this can result in bad sectors on the disk. Bad sectors will make your computer respond slower and make common tasks such as saving a file slow or impossible, according to Microsoft. Click on the start menu on your PC and go to "My Computer." Right click on your drive and select "Properties" and then click the Tools tab. Check the box labeled "Check Disk" or "Error-Checking" and click start. The computer will scan for bad sectors and attempt to fix the problem.

Anti-Spyware

Spyware can pile up on your computer. This software comes from websites you visit that collect information from you without your permission. Spyware will slow down your computer significantly. Download an anti-spyware program from Microsoft or a number of other sites and run it to stop the effects of spyware on your processing speed.

Add RAM

Random access memory (RAM) is the memory that your processor accesses to quickly complete various tasks. If there is not enough memory on the computer to satisfy task's requirements, the processor has to simulate the additional RAM from the hard disk. This "swapping" of memory takes time and slows down the computer's performance, according to ComputerMemoryUpgrade.net. Upgrade your computer by adding more RAM to the system so that when programs are running there is no need for the processor to swap memory with the hard disk to function properly. This addition to your computer is likely to noticeably speed up your computer immediately.

Source:

Computer Memory Upgrade: Memory (RAM) and its influence on performance

Microsoft: 5 ways to speed up your PC