Computers don't get slower; we just install more on them. Bloat compounds. The fix is a tiny quarterly habit, not a full reset.
The quarterly software pruning checklist
- Open the app list. macOS:
~/Applications. Windows: Settings → Apps. Linux: your package manager. - Sort by "last opened" if your OS supports it.
- For anything not opened in 90 days: uninstall it. You can reinstall in 60 seconds if you actually need it back.
- Open browser extensions. Same exercise.
- Open running processes. Identify anything that runs at startup and that you don't need.
The disk-space angle
If you're running out of disk space and reluctant to uninstall, Windows Symlink Creator Pro (Windows) lets you move large folders to a secondary drive without breaking anything. When and how to use it.
The browser tab habit
If you have more than 20 tabs open right now, you've outsourced your task list to your browser. Move tasks to a real list. Close tabs. Your RAM and your attention will thank you.
The right software-installation default
Treat installing software like signing up for a subscription. If it isn't worth a recurring tax on your machine's responsiveness, don't install it. See how to make an old laptop feel new for the related performance angle.
