10 reasons why your computer is running slow and how to fix
10 reasons why your computer is running slow and how to fix them
There are not many things that can upset or cause annoyance to a computer just because it has been running for hours, even when a deadline is approaching or when a person wants to be in front of the computer without interruption for internet browsing or gaming. But why does it take so much time? Today, in this article, we are going to expose ourselves with the 10 most frequent slow performance reasons and with the concrete solutions that we can take to restart the computer on its own. No matter how you have a personal computer (PC) or a laptop - they are not hard requirements.
1. Too Many Startup Programs :
When your computer starts, dozens of unnecessary programs may launch automatically. These applications use system resources and slow your device down as soon as they start.
Fix: - Disable Startup Programs:
In Windows,TaskManager (Ctrl Shift Esc), under the "Startup" tab, uncheck the unwanted program(s). On a Mac, in the System Preferences Users Groups Login Items click to close unneeded applications.
2. Insufficient RAM(Memory)
Your computer relies on RAM to handle active tasks. The performance of the system slows down when the RAM is not enough to handle more processss, etc.
Fix:Upgrade Your RAM
Kindly confirm the present configuration of your computer and consider to buy a higher capacity. However, recently developed systems have been operating smoothly despite using only 8GB of RAM or less.Close Unnecessary Applications.MRI datasets are very large and storage of the running applications is held to the minimum to free up as much memory space as possible.
3. Hard Drive Is Almost Full
A nearly full hard drive reduces the amount of space available on the hard drive for temporary files and reduces the speed of the computer.
Solution:
-Delete Unnecessary Files:
Employ built tools (DiskCleanup on Windows or Storage Management on Mac) to release some disk space.
-Move Files to the Cloud or External Drive:
Include the functionality of uploading large file contents to cloud service providers (e.g., Google Drive), or external hard drives.
4. Fragmented Hard Drive (For HDD Users)
If you’re still using a traditional hard disk drive (HDD), file fragmentation could be slowing your system. Fragmented dediscribes the file contents of the entire hard disk drive and, in the process, deteriorates the throughput of the computer system to the target and the read speeds of the file data.
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10 reasons why your computer is running slow and how to fix them |
Fix:Defragment Your Hard Drive
On Windows, in the Start menu search for "Defragment and Optimize Drives\" and defragment HDD. This is not necessary in SSD since SSDs do not require defragmentation.
5. Too Many Browser Tabs Used Up:
A significant number of tabs are open when the browser is operational, leading to memory use as well as to power consumption, in particular when using applications demanding on bandwidth and resources, including video streaming web sites.
Fix:
Remedies of this form (e.g., OneTab, OneTaborThe Great Suspender) provide resource efficiency via a smooth interface with tab controls.
- Unused Tab Closing
Close any tab you do not want to open.
6. Old Versions of Software or OS
Updating to legacy software or operating systems can lead to performance degradation, and/or uncompatibility and therefore to a very sluggish computer.
Fix:
- Update Everything:
It is important that the OS, software and drivers are always updated. These updates frequently contain performance enhancements and bug fixes.
7. Background Processes and Bloatware
There are many apps running in the background, unseen, using your resources endlessly and many are pre-installed ones you may not actually be using. Bloatware.
Fix:
- Uninstall Unused Apps
Specify and interrupt irrelevant background processes with Task Manager on Windows or Activity monitor on Mac.
8. Malware or Viruses
Malware, spyware and viruses are just some of the ways in which your computer's efficiency can be significantly compromised as they exploit the functionality and resources of your system, with your consent.
Solution:
-Run a Malware Scan:
Employ virus scanning software with an established track record, e.g., Malwarebytes, Norton, or Windows Defender, for identifying and eliminating the threat.
- Practice Safe Browsing
9. Overheating
When a computer becomes too hot, the computer slows down so as not to overheat. It may also become much worse during a windy period and the presence of dust, insufficient ventilation or the lack of air circulation due to a faulty fan.
Fix:
- Clean the Vents and Fans
Complete the cleaning of the fans and vents of a computer using compressed air. Clean them out every now and then.Lay the computer on a flat surface and do not place the computer so it blocked any vents. Laptops should be put on a cooling pad.
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10 reasons why your computer is running slow and how to fix them |
10. Outdated or Failing Hardware
All of the suggested workarounds can be avoided by making use of unusable components of the CPU, GPU, and even the component of the motherboard.
Fix:
Upgrading a computer which is already more than 5–7 year(s) old to a newer computer or updating some of the critical components such as SSD or processor is necessary.
-Change to an SSD:
Just replace that ancient HDD by an SSD and it not only speeds up the booting process but also dramatically speeds up the other types of file accesses.
More Speedup Tips for Your Computer
Regularly Restart:
Rebooting erases temporary files and restarts system processes.
Animation and Effects Limitation:
The options for setting and adjusting the performance can be defined and refined from the "Start Menu" (by setting a search to "Performance Options . For Mac, transparency can be configured in the System Preferences.
Utilize Optimization Tools:
Clean the junk produced by your computer (i.e., CCleaner or CleanMyMac).
Conclusion
Even a lazy computer does not have to stop your work and entertainment, and all it takes is a little nudge in the right way. The following 10 problems can be solved and your system speed and efficiency can be restored. All three of these processes, hardware enhancement, startup program control, and software upgrade, are highly rewarding.
Indeed, proper maintenance is the key factor in ensuring that the system performs properly. Take the time to optimize your system today, and you’ll thank yourself tomorrow.
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