Have you noticed your computer operating slowly recently? Maybe it is taking longer for apps to load or perhaps your videos are playing slowly. Maybe it takes a while for the computer to start up. These could be indications that something is wrong and that your computer needs some maintenance in order to run at regular speed. If you notice some slowdown in your computer on a regular basis, then you can try the following fixes to deal with the problem.
Too Many Programs Running
The first thing you should check is whether you have too much going on at once inside your computer. Check the startup apps and see if some of them are unnecessary. If you have a lot of apps that open or processes that start when you turn on your computer, these will significantly slow down your device. Your computer can only do so many things at once, and if it is trying to do more than it is capable of, then it will do everything slowly and poorly. For better operational speed, stop some of the programs from running on startup.
Dirty Computer
Your problem could be due to dust in the PC tower. Over time, dirt and dust accumulate in the tower, and this will cause the computer to operate poorly. If there is a lot of dust inside your unit, the computer may crash or slow down every now and then. This is something you want to address as soon as you notice it. You can simply pull off the side panel of the PC tower (once the power is off) and see if the interior looks dusty. Don’t try to clean the insides like you would any other dusty surface. Use compressed air and gentle cleaning brushes. Don’t use anything metal, as that could damage the sensitive components.
To keep your computer from becoming dry and accumulating dust as rapidly, you will want to keep the area around the computer clean. Larry who cleans with Imagine Maids said to Have professional cleaning services come regularly to keep your home tidy and your computer area free from dust.
High Memory Apps
There may be some apps or programs on your computer that use lots of processing power. When they are running, your computer might not be able to do very much. If your computer isn’t equipped to handle these high-memory programs, you will either need to upgrade the computer or stop using the apps. In some cases, you can modify the programs to run at a lower level. For instance, if you are playing a game that taxes your system and requires a more powerful computer to run smoothly, you may be able to adjust the graphics settings so that your computer can handle it more easily.
Hard Disk Drive in Need of Defragmenting
As you use your computer, bits of data get spread around to various areas, and they may become hard for your computer to find when needed. They can be scattered across the hard disk drive (HDD), and your computer may run slowly as it tries to locate them. Over time, this problem will become worse and worse. You can clear it up by simply defragmenting your disk drive. The option to do this task should be located in your computer’s settings in the control panel or in the administrative tools.
Browser Slowdown
Another cause for computer slowdown could be browser add-ons and tools that you have downloaded onto your computer. These may enhance your online experience, but some of them could be poorly suited to your computer. They may not be optimized for your settings and your system, so you will want to get rid of any of them that are causing the slowdown.
How do you tell which ones are making your computer act sluggishly? Check for ones that you don’t use anymore and just get rid of them simply for the sake of safety and simplicity. See if that solves the problem. If not, then you can try taking some of them off and see how that affects your computer’s performance. This will take some trial and error, but it may solve the problem for you. You can also search up individual add-ons to see if other people are having similar problems with theirs causing computer slowdown.
Be careful about adding extensions and downloading add-ons indiscriminately. You may be picking out programs that are harmful to your computer, that contain viruses, or that are not properly tested.
Viruses
You definitely want some sort of anti-virus program running to keep you safe from intrusive and harmful programs. If you have a slow-running computer, you should consider the possibility that you have a virus on your PC. It’s a good idea to run a virus check when you encounter this problem, just to be on the safe side. For extra security and peace of mind, try using a second anti-virus program to look for issues as well. Each anti-virus software will often check for different malware on your system, so using another program is like getting a second opinion from a doctor. It’s very helpful in locating viruses that could be hiding out on your computer.
A Computer in Need of an Upgrade
It may simply be time to upgrade your computer. If it is running low, and you have done everything on this list already to no avail, you need to consider the possibility that your computer could be due for an upgrade. In many instances, you can buy more memory or more power for your computer, upgrading your current unit to make it more compatible with the programs you are running. If that’s not possible or it is prohibitively expensive, then you will want to look into buying a new computer with better specs. In some instances, that is the cheaper option, and it will certainly be less of a hassle overall.
One or more of these methods may be necessary to speed up your computer and get it running like it should be.
