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Slow Computer Performance

Difficulty: 4/10Estimated fix time: 15-30 minutes

A slow or lagging computer is one of the most common frustrations. Programs might take forever to open, and the whole system feels sluggish. Here's how to diagnose and fix the problem.

Why It Happens

This usually occurs because too many programs are running at once or in the background, consuming your PC's memory and CPU power. Insufficient RAM or even malware can also bog down performance. For example, having lots of apps auto-start with Windows or an active virus scan can eat up resources and make everything slow.

Common causes include:

  • • Too many programs running simultaneously
  • • Background processes consuming resources
  • • Insufficient RAM for current workload
  • • Malware or virus infections
  • • Full or nearly full hard drive
  • • Outdated hardware or drivers

How to Fix It

Step 1: Close Unnecessary Programs

Start by closing any programs or browser tabs you don't need. This immediately frees up memory and CPU resources.

Step 2: Use Task Manager

Open the Task Manager (press Ctrl + Shift + Esc) to see what's using up memory or CPU. You can end tasks that aren't needed.

Tip: Look for processes using high CPU (above 50%) or Memory usage. Be careful not to end Windows system processes.

Step 3: Restart Your Computer

Reboot the computer to clear out background processes and give it a fresh start.

Step 4: Free Up Disk Space

Delete temporary files and run the built-in Disk Cleanup tool:

  1. 1. Click Start menu and type "Disk Cleanup"
  2. 2. Select your main drive (usually C:)
  3. 3. Check all categories and click "Clean up system files"
  4. 4. Let it run to clear several GB of space

Step 5: Run Antivirus Scan

Perform a full antivirus scan to rule out malware (viruses can consume resources and slow you down):

  1. 1. Open Windows Security (search for it in Start menu)
  2. 2. Go to Virus & threat protection
  3. 3. Click "Scan options" and select "Full scan"
  4. 4. Let the scan complete and remove any threats found

Step 6: Disable Startup Programs

Uninstall unused programs and disable unnecessary startup apps:

  1. 1. Go to Settings > Apps > Startup
  2. 2. Turn off programs you don't need at startup
  3. 3. Keep only essential programs enabled

How to Prevent It

Keep Your System Lean

Limit the number of programs that open on startup – only allow essential ones. This prevents your computer from being overwhelmed from the moment it starts.

Regular Maintenance

  • • Run virus scans regularly and keep antivirus updated
  • • Delete or archive files you no longer need
  • • Move large files to external drive or cloud storage
  • • Restart your PC every few days for a fresh start

Hardware Considerations

If your computer is older, adding more RAM can greatly improve performance. Windows needs some free space to run efficiently, so keep at least 10-20% of your disk free.

Still Having Issues?

If your computer is still running slowly after trying these steps, it might be time for professional help. Our experts can diagnose hardware issues and provide advanced solutions.