How to fix a slow computer
It is a frequent situation: your computer experiences a decrease in speed, becomes unresponsive with extended loading times, and turns even the simplest tasks into frustrating experiences. At that moment, you start questioning yourself—how can I resolve the issue of a sluggish computer?
The process of comprehending and resolving a slow computer may appear overwhelming. However, fortunately, it is not as daunting as it seems! This guide will provide you with six straightforward steps to rectify a slow PC. So, let's dive right in!
Why is my computer experiencing decreased speed?
In the event that you observe a decline in your computer's performance, it is probably due to the simultaneous operation of numerous programs. Running multiple programs concurrently consumes significant processing power, which affects the overall performance and speed of the computer. To address this issue, there are two potential solutions: reducing the number of running programs and enhancing the computer's memory and processing capabilities.
By disabling unnecessary startup programs, defragmenting your hard drive, or upgrading hardware components, you can effectively troubleshoot and resolve the slowdown issues affecting your computer. This article provides comprehensive guidance on identifying the causes behind your computer's sluggishness and offers appropriate remedies.
1. Identify programs that slow down your computer
To resolve this problem, you have two options: either reduce the number of programs running simultaneously or enhance the storage and processing capabilities of your computer.
How to find out which programs are slowing down your PC
Your computer may be overwhelmed by resource-intensive applications that start automatically and operate in the background, or perhaps there is a program that you opened but forgot to close.
Speeding up a slow computer can be achieved by closing or uninstalling unnecessary programs. To do this, you can press Ctrl, Alt, and Delete simultaneously on your keyboard and choose Task Manager. In the Processes tab, you will find a list of open programs along with their CPU and memory usage. From there, you can close any programs that are not currently in use.
How to disable start-up programs
Certain computer programs have the tendency to launch automatically when you start your device. Disabling these start-up programs can also contribute to speeding up your computer's performance.
To accomplish this, you can return to Task Manager and navigate to the Start-up tab. This tab will display the list of programs configured to open during computer startup. Evaluate which programs are truly necessary to open automatically, and then disable the other programs by utilizing the Disable button located in the bottom corner of the screen.
2. Check your web browser and
If you are experiencing slow performance while browsing the internet, it is advisable to ensure that you are using the most up-to-date version of your web browser. If there is an option available to install updates automatically, it is recommended to enable it.
Another effective strategy is to minimize the usage of unnecessary add-ons and extensions in your browser. Depending on the browser you are using, you can typically locate a menu labeled as Add-ons or Extensions. From there, you can review the list of installed add-ons and extensions and remove any that are no longer needed or in use. By doing so, you can optimize your browsing experience and potentially improve the speed of your computer.
3. Defragment your hard disk drive (HDD)
Hard disk drives (HDDs) store data in fragmented groups scattered across the disk over time. As a result, when you open a program or application, the system takes longer to locate and retrieve each scattered piece of related data.
Performing a process called defragmentation (or defragging) on your HDD can help in reorganizing these fragmented bits of data, thereby improving the system's speed.
Please note that solid-state drives (SSDs) do not require defragmentation as their technology differs significantly from HDDs.
To defragment your HDD, you can follow these steps:
- Click on the Start menu or Windows button.
- Select Control Panel.
- Go to System and Security.
- Under Administrative Tools, click on Defragment your Hard Drive.
By initiating the defragmentation process, you can enhance the performance of your HDD and optimize the speed of your system.
You have the option to set the defragmentation process to run automatically on a regular schedule. Alternatively, you can manually analyze the disk to determine if the process needs to be executed immediately.
During the analysis, the system will assess the fragmentation level of the disk and provide you with information on whether defragmentation is necessary at that moment. Based on the analysis results, you can decide whether to initiate the defragmentation process immediately or schedule it for a later time. This flexibility allows you to optimize the defragmentation process based on your specific needs and preferences.
4. Identify hardware limiting your computer's speed
By identifying and replacing outdated hardware components, you can give an older computer a significant performance boost, making it feel like a new machine. Additionally, upgrading hardware is often a more cost-effective option compared to purchasing a completely new computer.
The two hardware components that have the most impact on computer speed are the storage drive and memory (RAM). An outdated storage drive can considerably slow down performance, even after defragmentation. On the other hand, insufficient memory limits the resources available for running multiple programs simultaneously.
Therefore, upgrading these key components, such as replacing an old storage drive with a faster one or increasing the amount of memory, can greatly enhance the overall speed and performance of your computer.
5. Upgrade storage with an SSD
The primary distinction between a traditional hard disk drive (HDD) and a solid-state drive (SSD) lies in their underlying technologies. An HDD relies on mechanical components, including a spinning platter and an actuator arm, to physically locate and access data. In contrast, an SSD utilizes flash memory chips to swiftly retrieve data, resulting in near-instantaneous access to documents, images, videos, and other files while consuming less power.
To enhance the performance of a slower PC, there are various types of SSDs available for consideration. Crucial, for instance, offers both internal NVMe SSDs and SATA SSDs. However, it is crucial to evaluate factors such as compatibility, system requirements, and budget before making a selection.
External SSDs, such as the Crucial X8, provide the advantages of internal SSDs without the need for replacing the drive inside your computer. Additionally, they can be utilized with multiple systems and devices using an external USB cable. To identify the appropriate SSD for speeding up your system, you can utilize tools like the Crucial® System Selector or System Scanner, which assist in finding the compatible SSD based on your specific requirements.
6. Add more memory
RAM, unlike the long-term storage provided by SSDs or hard drives, serves as temporary storage for current data, allowing for rapid access when needed. Imagine RAM as a workspace where you organize the files, notes, and tools that you are currently using.
Whenever you perform the following actions, you utilize RAM memory:
- Open a program or application
- Switch between different programs or tasks
- Load web pages or files
- Edit documents or work on spreadsheets
- Play video games or run resource-intensive software
RAM plays a vital role in providing the necessary resources for these activities, ensuring smooth and efficient execution. The size and speed of your RAM can influence the overall performance and multitasking capabilities of your computer.
The bottom line — what to do if your computer is running slow
Fixing a slow computer doesn't always require drastic measures. By implementing a few manageable changes and upgrades, you can experience immediate and long-lasting results. These adjustments aim to improve the speed and performance of your PC, ultimately saving you time, reducing stress, and avoiding the need for costly solutions.