Why it happens and how to fix it

November 2022 · 10 minute read
fix computer slowdown

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  • After purchasing a laptop or PC, you may find that you experience computer slowdown over time (sometimes while it’s still brand new), and there are many reasons for this.

    The computer slowdown issue may come up due to viruses, damaged system files, full disk with no space, or even conflicts between third party applications.

    If you’re experiencing a computer slowdown regardless of the operating system, here are some solutions to fix the problem.

    How to fix slow PC performance

    1. Perform System Maintenance Troubleshooter

    This resolves most of the common system problems.

    Take these steps to perform the System Maintenance troubleshooter:

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    system maintenance windows 10

    2. Perform a Clean Boot

    Performing a clean boot for your computer reduces conflicts related to software that can bring up the root causes of the computer slowdown.

    These conflicts can be caused by applications and services that start up and run in the background whenever you start Windows normally.

    How to perform a clean boot

    In order to successfully perform a clean boot on Windows 10, you have to be logged on as the administrator, then follow these steps:

    disable microsoft services

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    You will have a clean boot environment after all these steps are carefully followed, after which you can try and check if you still experience the computer slowdown issue, or if the problem is gone.

    ALSO READ: Users report that Windows 10 Creators Update slows down PCs

    3. Run a System File Checker scan

    Here’s how to do this:

    game crash

    If the computer slowdown issue persists, try the next solution.

    4. Install drivers in compatibility mode

    Follow these steps to install in compatibility mode:

    ALSO READ: Fix: “This app can’t run on your PC” on Windows 10

    5. Boot in Safe Mode

    Safe mode starts up your computer with limited files and drivers but Windows will still run. To know whether you’re on Safe mode, you’ll see the words at the corners of your screen.

    If the issue of computer slowdown persists, check whether it occurs while your computer is in Safe mode.

    Follow these steps to start your computer in Safe Mode:

    slow game loads

    A quicker way to get into Safe Mode is to restart your computer then do the following:

    If the computer slowdown issue isn’t there while in Safe mode, then your default settings and basic drivers are not contributing to the issue.

    How to exit Safe Mode:

    6. Run disk clean up

    Before doing this, ensure you have sufficient disk space on Windows drive.

    Here’s how to run disk clean up:

    Check the box and click Run.

    Note: this process cleans up files associated with your user profile. You can also use it to clean up files on your computer. Any infected data files may only be cleaned by completely deleting the file, meaning there’s a chance you may lose data.

    7. Perform a System Reset

    Expert Tip: Some PC issues are hard to tackle, especially when it comes to corrupted repositories or missing Windows files. If you are having troubles fixing an error, your system may be partially broken. We recommend installing Restoro, a tool that will scan your machine and identify what the fault is.
    Click here to download and start repairing.

    Performing a reset allows you to choose which files you want to keep, or remove, and then reinstalls Windows.

    Here’s how to get started:

    Note: all your personal files will be deleted and settings reset. Any apps you installed will be removed, and only pre-installed apps that came with your PC will be reinstalled.

    8. Turn off visual effects

    Disabling some visual effects can help speed up your computer. You can choose the visual effects to turn off, or let Windows choose it for you.

    Here’s how to do this:

    Note: you can use a less drastic option by selecting Let Windows choose what’s best for my computer.

    ALSO READThe best PC performance monitoring software to use

    9. Use Performance Troubleshooter

    The Performance Troubleshooter automatically finds and fixes problems, checking issues that cause computer slowdown, thereby affecting your computer’s performance. Such issues include number of logged in users, or multiple programs running simultaneously.

    Here’s how to do this:

    10. Change the size of Virtual memory

    If you get warnings of low memory (virtual), you need to increase the minimum paging file size. Windows sets the initial minimum size equal to the amount of RAM on your computer, the maximum equal to thrice the amount of RAM. If you get such warnings, increase both minimum and maximum sizes using the steps below:

    ALSO READ: Solve: “Your Computer is Low on Memory” on Windows 10, 8.1 or 7

    Tips on how to prevent a computer slowdown

  • Check your computer speed
  • If you experience computer slowdown, you could get a hardware upgrade such as a new hard disk or faster video card. Using the Windows Experience Index tool, you can check and rate your computer’s speed.

    This rates your computer on five components rating each with a number, and an overall base score (ranges from 1-7.9). If your computer rates below 2 or 3, you may need a new computer (depending on the tasks you need it for).

  • Add more memory
  • Consider adding more RAM to your computer in the event of a computer slowdown so as to speed it up, and deliver optimal performance. You can also use Windows ReadyBoost, which lets you use storage on some removable media devices like flash drives, to speed up your computer.

  • Close System Tray programs
  • To do this, right click on the Taskbar>Properties>Customize>Select which icons appear on the taskbar. From here you can switch apps to ‘on’ to show them permanently on the right side of the taskbar, or move items to system tray popup (like Network or Volume).

    You can also click Turn System Icons On or Off to remove icons entirely.

  • Restart regularly
  • Do this once a week especially if you use it daily. Restarting clears memory and checks that errant processes and services that run are shut down. It also closes software running on your computer, not just those on your taskbar.

    It also fixes mysterious performance problems that are hard to pinpoint. Keeping many programs open bogs down your computer, and leads to low memory.

  • Disable Startup Programs
  • Right click the taskbar and click Task Manager to launch it. Click the Startup tab and disable startup applications that you don’t use. Windows will let you know which apps slowdown your computer’s startup process.

  • Disable or reduce animations
  • To do this, right click Start>System>Advanced System Settings>Settings>Adjust for best performance (or select Custom to disable individual animations you don’t want). You can uncheck Animate windows when minimizing and maximizing to disable the animations.

  • Lighten web browser
  • To do this, go to the Extensions or Add-ons manager on your web browser and remove what you don’t need. Consider enabling click-to-play plugins. You can prevent content such a s Flash and others from loading so as to reduce the use on CPU time.

  • Scan your computer for adware and/or malware
  • As mentioned previously, viruses can cause computer slowdown. If malicious software is slowing it down and running in the background, scan your computer with a strong antivirus program, and also scan with Malwarebytes, which locates potentially unwanted programs usually ignored by antiviruses.

    Such programs sneak into your computer and install other software you don’t need.

  • Free up disk space
  • Run the Disk Cleanup tool to free up some space on your hard drive if it is completely full, because this contributes to computer slowdown.

  • Defragment your hard disk
  • The latest versions of Windows does this automatically by defragmenting mechanical hard drives in the background.

    SSDs or solid state drives don’t need defragmentation, though Windows will optimize them, which is okay.

  • Uninstall programs you don’t need or use
  • Go to your computer’s Control Panel and uninstall programs you don’t use or need. This speeds up the machine because those programs run in the background and these processes slow down your computer. This also saves space on your hard drive, and improves your computer’s security.

    Let us know if any of the solutions we shared worked for you.

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