I will give you third-party options but start here to see how far you get. Start with the method that comes baked into your Mac or PC. This can be helpful in case of emergency – but over time, they can build and eat up a significant chunk of space. Chances are, your computer saved a temporary file as a backup. Say you're saving a document in Microsoft Word, but something goes awry. Another source of clutter? The temporary files your system uses to store data while running programs. Old files you no longer need and duplicates probably make up the bulk of the unnecessary files on your computer. If all old files are what's slowing you down, here are five methods you can use to cut the fluff and only keep what you need:įirst, what files can you get rid of for good? The first step is a no-brainer: Update your router. Tap or click for quick fixes for your bad Wi-Fi. When it comes to computers, I get endless questions about speed. One of the questions I get the most on my national radio show is, 'How do I delete all these duplicate photos?' It's a pain, and you need extra software to get the job done right. Cached files, screenshots and duplicates are the digital equivalent. In our homes, dirt, dust, and grime can pile up over time.