What Should Be Done If My Computer Started Running Slow?

Published on 1 November 2024 at 20:05

This Blog is more or less for Computer Newbies.

 

If your computer is running slowly, there are several steps you can try to speed it up. Here’s a list of common solutions:

1. Restart Your Computer

  • Sometimes, a simple reboot can clear out memory and give your system a fresh start.

2. Close Unnecessary Programs

  • Too many open applications can bog down your system. Close any programs you’re not actively using.

3. Check for Malware and Viruses

  • Run a full scan using a reliable antivirus program to ensure that malware isn’t the culprit.

4. Disable Startup Programs

  • Many programs launch automatically when your computer starts up, slowing down boot time. Disable unnecessary startup programs:

    • Windows: Go to Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) > Startup tab.

    • Mac: System Preferences > Users & Groups > Login Items.

5. Clear Disk Space

  • A nearly full hard drive can reduce performance. Delete files you don’t need, clear the Recycle Bin, or move files to an external drive.

6. Update Your OS and Drivers

  • Ensure your operating system and drivers are up to date. Updates often contain performance improvements and bug fixes.

7. Increase Virtual Memory

  • On Windows, increasing the virtual memory (paging file) can help if you're low on RAM:

    • Control Panel > System and Security > System > Advanced System Settings > Performance Settings > Advanced > Virtual Memory.

8. Upgrade Your Hardware

  • If your computer is older, consider upgrading the RAM or switching from a traditional hard drive (HDD) to a solid-state drive (SSD) for faster performance.

9. Run Disk Cleanup and Defragment

  • For Windows:

    • Disk Cleanup: Clears unnecessary files (Temporary files, Recycle Bin, etc.).

    • Defragment: Organizes files on your HDD for faster access. (Not needed for SSDs.)

10. Adjust Power Settings

  • On laptops, the power-saving mode can reduce performance. Switch to "High Performance" mode:

    • Control Panel > Power Options > High Performance.

11. Check for Background Processes

  • Use Task Manager (Windows) or Activity Monitor (Mac) to see if any background processes are using a lot of resources. Consider ending non-essential processes.

12. Clear Browser Cache and Disable Extensions

  • A heavy browser cache and too many extensions can slow down browsing and overall performance. Clear the cache, delete unneeded extensions, and restart the browser.

13. Reinstall Your Operating System

  • As a last resort, a fresh OS install can make your computer feel new again, as it removes old, unwanted files and system bloat.

 


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