Do you often ask why is my computer running slow? Don’t get the right answers or ways to fix it? Don’t worry, this is a complete guide that will help you find the ways to fix a computer running slow problem.
Is there anything more frustrating than sitting down to play some games or finish that work project you’ve been working on, only to have to wait an inordinate amount of time for your PC to properly start up once you sign in? A malfunctioning computer may be both inconvenient and aggravating, especially if you don’t have access to an IT department to help you fix the problem.
A sluggish computer might be caused by a variety of factors. Some are related to how you use the computer, while others are software-related or arise from the computer’s physical components.
Instead of waiting for your computer, spend a few minutes going over some of the tried-and-true troubleshooting techniques, which will at the very least provide you a little relief from cursing your computer under your breath. Even better, it’s all free.
This article will help you learn everything about why your computer is running slow? Not only that, we will provide you with all the necessary information on how to fix it if your computer is running slow.
So let’s start with the fundamental question on which the whole article is written!
Why Is My Computer Running Slow?
Too many apps running at the same time can slow down a computer, consuming processing resources and lowering its performance. Some apps will run in the background even after you close them, or they may start immediately when you turn on your computer.
Your system software must divide your computer’s resources (memory, disc space, and processing capabilities) among all the programs that are executing on it. There is a slew of factors that might stifle your performance of the computer system, but they all boil down to poor resource utilization.
Reasons Why Your Computer is Running Slow?
The following are some of the factors that might be causing your computer to run slow. Have a look!
- RAM is running out of space. Too many apps or processes killing RAM’s memory.
- Disk drive space is running out. There’s not much space in your hard drive.
- The hard drive is old or fragmented.
- There are far too many background programs running at the same time.
- There are far too many startup programs that slow your computer when you first sign in.
- Not keeping up with Windows or driver updates.
- Some kind of viruses or malware that you might not know about.
- Special effects, transitions can slow your computer too.
Now, you know most of the reasons why your computer is running slow. You must be wondering how to fix a computer running slow? If yes, keep scrolling and look at all the methods that will help you to speed up your slow computer.
Why is My Computer Running Slow? How to Fix It?
So, let’s not just wait more time, here are some of the most prevalent causes of computer slowness, as well as solutions for speeding up your PC or laptop. Check them one by one and get rid of slow computer.
1. How to Fix Computer Running Slow by Killing Startup Programs
Your computer takes a long time to boot up and may even freeze. This is because you have many startup programs that starts running immediately after you log into your computer. You’ll need to disable several apps that launch automatically on startup to resolve this issue.
- To access the Quick Link menu, press Windows Key + X. Select Task Manager from the list of options.
- When the Task Manager has opened, go to the Startup tab.
- Look through the list of apps that start up automatically and remove those that you don’t need or never use. Disable the useless software by right-clicking on it.
In short, check apps that stated Enabled in Status tab. Right-click on apps and select Disable to deactivate the apps running on startup.
2. Fix Corrupted Windows System Files to Speed up Slow Computer
Does your PC experience driver errors, blue or black screens, and other issues that are interfering with your regular activities? If yes, this is because your Windows system files are corrupted and we need to fix it.
The Windows 10 operating system has two key solutions for dealing with this problem. The Deployment Image Service and Management Tool is the first (DISM). The System File Checker is the second (SFC). Let’s see how to use both of them one by one:
1. How to Use DISM Tool in Windows
- Type Windows Powershell on the Task Bar Menu search bar. Right-click on Windows PowerShell app and select Run as Administrator from the menu that appears.
- Once Windows Powershell opened, type the below command:
dism.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth.
When you press Enter, DISM tool will begin looking for corrupt files. And start replacing it with the healthy files.
You need to wait for the DISM to find the Windows corrupt files and it will take some time so need not worry.
2. How to Use SFC in Windows
- Open Windows Powershell as an administrator following the above Step no.1.
- Type below command in Powershell window:
sfc /scannow and hit Enter.
This method will locate and replace any corrupt files. Restart your computer after it’s finished. If faulty files were the reason for your PC’s slowness, it should now operate much more smoothly.
If your computer is still running slow, we advise you to check the below solutions to fix that. There are a few more ways to resolve slow computer problems.
3. Running Many Apps and Programs Might be the Cause Too
It may appear to be too simple to be true, especially if you have a powerful computer with a quad-core or octa-core i7 CPU. You must be thinking about how such a powerful computer can slow it down by running a few programs or apps. Well, look in the Task Manager and you will see on your own.
If there are many programs running at the same time, you will notice that Symptoms that it takes a long time for applications to start or load. Also, applications regularly freeze.
Use the Task Manager to locate and stop apps that are using too much memory. To do so, please check the steps below that will help you to use Task Manager to kill some memory-hogging apps and processes:
- Open Task Manager by typing it into the Task Bar Search menu bar.
- Once Task Manager is launched, look for the apps that are utilizing the most RAM. Click on the Process tab on the top to check apps or processes using the most memory. Right-click on the troublesome apps or processes and select End Task from the drop-down menu.
Alternatively, you can click End Task button on the bottom right-hand of the Task Manager.
It is very important to close any excess tabs in your browser and kill any background apps that are slowing your computer. This will free up RAM and CPU bandwidth, allowing your PC to function more quickly.
4. How to Resolve Computer Running Slow Problem by Freeing up Space in Hard Drive
When your hard drive hits 95% capacity, your PC will function only at half its regular speed. Your operating system will function slowly due to a shortage of storage for temporary files utilized by apps.
To get rid of it, we have to find out which files are taking up the most space on your C: Drive (or on the drive where your operating system is installed) and remove or transfer them. Let’s see how to free up hard drive space to fix your computer running slow:
- Click on Windows Icon on the extreme left-hand corner of the screen. Open Settings app from here.
- Click on System to proceed further.
- On the left pane, click on Storage option followed by View storage usage on other drives under More Storage settings on the right side.
- In the next window, you will find the hard disk partitions you have created. Click on C: or where your Windows OS is installed.
- On the next screen, choose a Folder from the list that appears. Temporary Files, Apps & Features, and Other are frequently the most space-consuming categories.
Double-click the folders and you will reach Windows Explorer/File Explorer. Delete any files that you no longer require.
Please make sure you only delete those files that you no longer require or do not need by the system. Otherwise, you will do more harm than good if you delete system files.
5. Check PC Power Plan to Fix Computer Running Slow Problem
Your laptop has a good, if not exceptional, battery life, but it struggles to run many apps or browsers? It may be because your laptop’s Power Plan is set to Battery Saver or Recommended. You’ll need to switch this to High-Performance mode to get the most out of it.
To do so, please follow the below steps that will help you resolve computer running slow problem by fixing the PC Power Plan:
- Open Control Panel by typing the same in the Task Bar Menu search bar.
- Once Control Panel is opened, click on Power Settings to proceed further.
- On this screen, click on Change Plan Settings Link adjacent to Balanced (Recommended).
- Click Change Advanced Power Settings
- On the Advanced Settings option, select High Performance (Active) from the drop-down. Press Enter or OK.
This will improve the performance and speed up your slow computer. But, please keep in mind, whenever your CPU speed rises, your battery will deplete at a quicker pace.
6. Remove Malware or Virus to Fix your Computer Running Slow
If your computer is infected with viruses or malware, you may notice that your system will operate sluggishly or not respond. If you think that your computer is affected by a virus or malware, we advise you to do the below things immediately.
- We strongly advise doing a comprehensive system scan with the most up-to-date antivirus software.
- If you have more than one third-party antivirus program installed on your computer, remove them all at once.
- Always install authentic applications downloaded from the official source rather than pirated cracked software.
7. How to Solve Computer Running Problem By Removing Too Many Background Programs Running
Having too many apps open at the same time is the most typical cause of your computer slowing down. Even if you aren’t aware of it, a number of apps are operating in the background, using system resources and slowing down Windows 10.
- Open Settings app by clicking the Windows Icon at the extreme left-hand corner of the screen.
- Once the Settings app is opened, click on Privacy option.
- Click on Background Apps on the left pane. Turn off the toggle “Let apps run in the background” under Background Apps.
If you want to prevent a specific app from running in the background. You need to make sure that Allow applications to run in the background is switched ON.
Select which applications can run in the background and switch off certain apps and services settings that you don’t want. This way it will help you to free up space in RAM and the CPU will run at normal speeds. Thus, making your computer run faster than usual.
8. Update your System And Drivers Timely to Fasten up your System
If you haven’t installed Windows updates in a long time or if your installed device drivers are old and damaged, your computer may face performance difficulties.
Timely Windows and driver updates increase speed, and if you don’t keep up with them, your computer may slow down. So, let’s check how to update your system and drivers manually if you haven’t done from a long time:
How to Install Windows Update
To install the most recent Windows update, follow these steps:
- Open Settings to proceed.
- To check for updates, go to Update & Security from the Settings app.
- On the next screen, click on Check for Updates on the right-hand side settings.
This will begin the process of downloading and installing the most recent Windows updates from Microsoft’s server. After that, restart your computer to install the Windows updates.
How to Update the Device Driver Manually
When you install Windows Update, the driver updates will be installed as well. However, you may install the device driver manually by following the steps below.
- Type Run in the Task Bar Menu search bar.
- Type devmgmt.msc in the Run dialog box. This will launch the device manager and provide a list of all the device drivers that have been installed.
- Expand the driver that has to be updated, such as the display driver. Select Update Driver from the right-click menu on the installed display (Graphics) driver.
- Follow the on-screen instructions after clicking on Search automatically for updated driver software.
9. Are You Running out of RAM?
RAM (random access memory) is used by your computer to store data that is presently being used by the operating system and programs.
If your computer doesn’t have enough RAM to handle the tasks and programs you’re running, it switches to a swap file on the hard drive. Because HDDs are substantially slower than RAM, PC efficiency will suffer significantly and slow your computer.
If you’re using heavy apps and programs, your system needs at least 6GB of RAM to run things smoothly. If you don’t have that much RAM, either you have to remove heavy apps or upgrade your RAM. You can do it manually too by following the below steps.
1. Obtaining Materials
Make sure your installation area is clear and that you’re operating in a static-free environment. Clear your workplace of any plastic bags or papers.
2. Your Desktop Computer Should Be Shut Down
Because your files, documents, and data are stored on your hard drive rather than in RAM, they are unaffected by this procedure.
3. Remove the Power Cord
This includes any cords or peripherals connected to the computer.
4. For a total of five seconds, press and hold the Power Button
Any remaining electricity in the system is discharged in this manner.
5. Start the Investigation
Consult your system’s owner’s handbook for advice on how to open it. You may also take photographs as you go through the procedure to show where cables and screws are joined, which will make it easier to reassemble.
6. Get a Grip on Yourself
Make sure you touch a metal surface that is not painted to prevent static hard to your computer’s memory. Do this regularly through the whole process.
7. Existing Memory Modules Must Be Removed
The clip mechanism will push the memory module up if you press down on the clips on the sides of each module. The module can then be totally removed.
8. Set up Memory
Align the notches on the module with the ridge in the slot while holding the modules along the edges, then apply uniform pressure and firmly press the module in. To completely attach the module, you’ll need roughly 30 pounds of pressure.
9. Close the Case of the Computer
10. Connect the Power Cable
Please Note: Do not perform the above procedure if you are not sure about it.
10. Maybe Your computer is Too Old to Handle New Apps and Programs
Regrettably, the most typical cause for your computer’s slowness is the explanation you don’t want to hear: it’s too old, or it’s not powerful enough. Yes, if you use an older computer to play games or edit films, you may run into issues because it isn’t designed for the job.
The only way to solve this issue is to get a new computer or laptop.
A Quick Takeaway!
With this, we come to an end where we have tried to talk about almost every cause that is slowing down your computer. Not only that, we tried to come up with a solution as well that will help you to fix the computer running slow problem.
Do you have any other fixes that you think we should include in our list? Maybe it will help our readers to fix the slow computer problem. Also, if you have tried any of these methods and helped you speed up your slow computer, do let us know in the comments section below.
Till then, get rid of your slow computer!
